Suzuki GSX650F Forum - www.GSX650F.biz

It's getting chilly up here in Alberta. Got a couple of questions that I would like some help with.

I'm of the understanding that the bike should be stored with fresh oil and filter... how difficult is it to remove the fairing to do this? Also, where does one dispose of the used oil? Of course, I also have to remove the battery and put it on a tender.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

The fairing is extremely easy to remove. It takes about 2 minutes. There is a thread here with pics.

http://www.gsx650f.biz/fairing-removal-how-to-t180.html?highlight=fairing%20removal

although the pics don't seem to be loading. Don't worry though, it's just a few screws and a couple of clips.

As for disposing of used oil, I don't know about Canada, but in the US you can bring it to just about any auto parts store and they have a recycling tank that you can pour it into.

You can also just connect the wires of the battery tender and plug it in. No real need to pull the battery, that I can see, and it works for me.

Thanks, ox. Do you recommend a superior oil for storage? Everyone (and everything) I read says that the bike should be stored with fresh oil and filter. Also, should a person fill it to the full mark, or add extra for the storage period?

With the tender, do you disconnect the battery from the bike, or leave on?

Appreciate all your help, friend. The owner's manual is somewhat vague at times and I'm new to all this, so... thanks again.

Well, being from the deep southern US, I have no idea what it takes to winterize anything. I would think that any good quality oil would suffice. I like Mobil1 racing 4T synthetic 10w40. There should be no need for overfilling.

As long as the key is off, the battery should be just fine if it is left hooked up to the bike with the tender on it. But again, this is not my area of expertise because I ride just about everyday all year round so I have never even owned a tender. Maybe someone else can clarify this one better for you.

I would recommend putting the bike on front and rear stands to keep the tires off of the ground. A long period of storage like that could be bad for them.

Winterized...

I thought you have to drive through winter.
How to dress up warm, what kind of gloves,heated grips or even a heated jacket.
Nice warm helmet with pinlock, to prevent condens on the visor....
Or how to give the bike some protection against roadmuck and salt....

That kind of Winterized


Seems you let your bike slumber through winter and take her out in spring.....
No worries... also a good choise.
Keeps your bike in mint condition.

I can't do that, I've got no room to let her sleep.
So I'll be driving to work next months...
Except when the road is covered with snow or ice.....
Then my wife won't let me..... And I love her too much... so I take the car to work...

Move to Australia

I'd sure like to, papa r. It's spring over there, isn't it? You're just gearing up for the season.

Thanks again, oxbow. Yes, will get the tires off the ground. I've got a center stand, I've been told that it's OK to rest the front tire on a piece of carpet (keep it off the cold cement).

Hey midlife, you shutting her down for the season? I'll try that tender trick and leave the battery on the bike, I just figured it might be better to have the battery in the house where it's warmer. My garage is insulated, but not heated. I'm planning a trip to Idaho next summer. Where you at?

Hey casp67,

You are quite correct. Moving into spring, then lookout summer. Temp today 25C, but windy. It's "Ride to Work Day" in New South Wales today (meaning pushbikes, to get healthy), so I rode the F instead.

REMOVED

Owner's manual is saying to drain the oil and refill "...all the way up to the filler hole."

My garage is insulated as well but not heated. This will be the second winter that I have just placed the battery on a tender while still hooked into the bike. No issues what so ever. Mine has already been put to bed for the winter due to a screw in the back tire and I don't feel like purchasing a new set just to ride for a couple more weeks and then put it back in for the winter. So from my limited experience, hooking the wires to battery and leaving the battery in the bike is perfectly fine.

Thanks, Captain Insano Goldfish (Waterboy reference there)

Sounds like the tender on the bike works fine then, will give it a try. Regarding the screw in the tire (been there, no fun). However, I just had new tires put on. I figure while everybody's getting new tires in the spring, I'll be riding. At least, that's my strategy.

Thanks, everyone, for the help and for making this such a great site. Much appreciated.

papar, have a most enjoyable and safe riding season. You too, oxbow. Man, I wish I could ride all year.

I can't imagine not being able to ride all year round, that would be so frustrating. Winter for me in Australia is a 10°C day. I would have to buy a car, less money for the 'F'. What is this snow and ice stuff you guys talk about over there? Don't think i've ever seen the stuff.





Sorry for laughing at you guys,,,,but i just can't help it. Would love to stay and chat, but i'm off for a ride..

I have just left the battery on the bike without any problems. The garage was not heated, but we don't have long periods of below freezing temps. I think the trickle charge from the tender would prevent any issues in most situations.
I live in Lewiston, (about 2 hours south of Coeur d'Alene), a number of good cycle routes from here. Highway 12 is a very popular ride that you see on a lot of forums. It is the one they show the road sign of listing curves for the next 77 miles, great ride and very scenic. If you have any questions about roads/routes down here let me know. I actually got a second bike this summer (FJR1300) so I spend some time on that forum as well so if I miss your post just pm me.