i dont want to admit but i know winter/fall is around the corner so i am new to the bike thing and just want to know what the proper way to store my bike is...i have a garage but it is not climate controlled so i have a dry place but not a warm place to keep it...let me know please thanks

I put it up on stands, put Sta-bil in the gas, drain the carbs, put plastic bags over the air filter and exhaust. Don't forget to give it a good wash and wax first too. Then cover it and let her sit.

I don't think I'm forgetting anything...that's off the top of my head.

Dont forget to replace the oil and filter. Dont want the dirty oil in there all winter.

Thats right.

I would take the battery out and put it in the house. Also, consider getting a battery tender and putting that on there.

ALL OF THE ABOVE ADVICE IS GREAT BUT HERE IS A FEW MORE TIPS

remove the battery

Everyone may do this but I am sure that some don't so here's my advice.

1. If you have a basement and a garage and a shed i recommend storing the bike in the safest place. Which is usually the basement or garage.

2. Don't think just because your bike is in a shed or garage it is safe from theft. If you have a disk lock, lock it up, if you have a chain, chain it up to something large.

3. If you can only store the bike under a deck make sure that no one sees you putting the bike under the deck. put any locking devices you have on your bike. It is also smart to run a chain throught the spokes of the wheels and trought the frame and run it around one of the supports for the deck.

4. if storing in a garage or shed with a window, be sure to lock the handlebars and also cover the bike completley. this is not only for safetey but also to protect against fading. I had a ski boad that was parked in my garage and the sun shines in the garage for 5 hours a day and the sun had faded one side to a noticably lighter shade of blue..

5. make a habit if checking on the bike regularly... daily if it is not too far of a walk to the shed or basement....

6. keep your bike insured over the winter months too. I had a buddy that put full coverage on his bike, colision, comprehensive, fire, theft, flood, act of god damage coverage... but to save $ he cancels his policy in november and doesn't re-insure the bike until march.... well 2 years ago march came around and he went out to throw the battery back in the bike and start it up but there was no bike to be found.. the bike could have been stolen months before he has no idea....

Yeah I forgot....take the battery out like was stated above. Hook it up to a battery tender.

Yes stands are great... anything you can do to get the weight off the tires is going to be best. If no stands... putting each tire on a piece of wood should work.

Stabill works best if you put it in at the gas station before filling the tank. Ride it for about 10 mins then park it. Topping off the gas tank to the top is key. Gasoline can still gum up even with stabil. The trick is to eliminate as much air as possible!

Truth. Make sure she runs for a good 10 to 15 minutes after you put the stuff in.

ok this is straight out of my Kawi manual,

Preperation for Storage
- Clean entire Motorcycle thoroughly
- run engine for 4 to 5 minutes to warm the oil, shut it off and drain the engine oil.
- Put in fresh engine oil.
- Empty the fuel from the tank.
- Empty the fuel system by running the engine at idle speed until the engine stalls.
- Reduce tire preddure by 20%
- Set the Motorcycle on a stand so that the wheel are raised off the ground( if theicannot be done, put boards under the front and rear wheels to keep dampness away from the tire rubber.
- Spray oil on all unpainted metal surfaces to prevent rusting. Avoid geting iol on rubber parts or the brakes.
- Lubrcate the drive chain and all the cables.
- Remove the battery and store itwher it will not be exposed to direct sunlight, moisture, or freezing tempatures. During storage it should be given a slow charge (one ampere or less) about once a month. keep the battery well charged, especially during cold weather.
- Tie plastic bags over the muffler to prevent moisture from entering.
- Put a cover over the motorcycle the keep dust and dirt from collecting on it.

Preperation after Storage
- Remove plastic bag from muffler.
- Install battery in the motorcycle and charge the battery if necessary.
- Fill the fuel tank with fuel.
- Check all the points listed in the Daily Safty Checks.
- Lubricate the pivots, bolts, and nuts in the General Lubrication section.

Along with the things listed above, I highly recommend storing in a climate controlled environment... Uhaul and other storage places have climate controlled areas for a reasonable monthly fee... My bike sits in my kitchen year round (insert Dueling Banjo music here)... In the past I have used a Uhaul storage place... $40 per month, gated entrance, locked building, locked unit, security cameras (sometimes a guard @ night) and climate controlled... Plus, every time I did it, the first month was free.

I also don't wash my bike before putting it in storage, unless of course it's too dirty to ride (which for me doesn't take much)... No matter what you do, dust will settle on things and you will probably want to wash it when you get it out later...

I am sorry...what are these "cold months" of which you speak??? I ride my bike all year 'round...and I see that we will soon be leaving riding season and getting into Whining season very soon...

ok can i get stabil at a local pepboys or autozone? also does anyone know where i can get a set of cheap stands? also is it legal to drop insurance then pick it back up come better weather? thanks for all your help guys

My insurace company lets me drop my collision and keep comprehinsive during the winter. Its like $8/month when Im not riding.

yes any autoparts sore should have it, also if you have a loan outstanding on the bike you will need to keep it covered.. call your local insurance provider adn ask them.. different states may differ...

k so shoudl i use the stabil with a full tank or empty the tank like they say?
also what should i lube the chain with?

paid for it with cash...no loans on that bike..but other loans

What is this storing the bike for winter you speak of? Never heard of it!!

What's winter?

I would empty it. Stabil is only if you are keeping fuel in the tank.