Winterize my baby tard. Need advice please - Ducati.ms

dimitrinassis001 · Sep 19th, 2011, 10:45 pm

So my hypermotard is my first bike and I have been reading on what to do and I got the basics down but have some questions.

1. So I see we are supposed to empty the fuel tank. Does this mean we still have to add fuel stabilizer and do we just run the bike till its empty?

2. We are supposed to change the oil and filter. Do I need any gasket or special tool other then a strap wrench?

3. If im using a battery tender, should I remove the battery or can I just hook it up to the tender and walk away?

4. When removing the spark plugs your supposed to put some oil in the cylinders and crank the motor by hand. Do I need a torque wrench the put the spark plugs back or can I just tighten them snug? And to crank the motor by hand Im assuming this means put the bike in gear and turn the wheel right?

Thanks in advance.

Rikosintie · Sep 19th, 2011, 11:16 pm

It might be easier to just move to Southern California than go through all that

Not sure about 1, 4.
For the Oil change you will need a 14mm Allen (Hex) wrench if you want to clean the internal filter. This youtube is for a Monster 696 but it's the same procedure. YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

Mine came wired for the Tender and I just hook it up. No problem since July 2010 and I always connect it. I have left it sitting for two weeks while traveling.
Michael

**Chuckracer** · Sep 20th, 2011, 8:07 am

Fuel Stabilizer in whatever amount of fuel is left in the tank when you park it, hook up a battery tender lead to the bike so you can plug it in.

That's it. Don't worry about the other stuff and DON'T START THE BIKE UNTIL YOU ARE READY TO RIDE IT FOR REAL!

All winter starting does is load the crankcase with moisture. It's not helping anything...resist the urge and don't do it.

Really, "winter storage" is a pretty short term thing for a bike. It's not "storage" so much as a long "park".

MTScott2 · Sep 20th, 2011, 8:52 am

You got at least 2 months of riding to do yet ...
I would be more concerened about the battery than anything else ,
Put Some SHELL PREMIUM Gas in it (no ethanol) and do the fuel stabilizer and don't put tooo much fuel stabilizer in it , just follow directions...
If we get some rideable weather in the winter and the roads are not paved with salt I'm going to go for some crisp rides in the 40° weather ...

Change the oil and filter after your last early winter ride and you are set for spring ...

Where are you storing the Tard?

ClearyCoachworks · Sep 20th, 2011, 10:15 am

last winter i filled mine with gas with the proper mix of Stabil
and started it once mid-winter to make sure the battery wasnt dead
in april i changed the oil and it fired right up and never missed a beat

dimitrinassis001 · Sep 22nd, 2011, 10:18 pm

Thanks for the response guys.

Ya I know i still got time to ride but no way im riding with the way they salt my area. Im just new at the whole owning a bike thing and want to take proper care of her.

MTScott2 · Sep 23rd, 2011, 5:53 am

^
Does the salt affect your bike if you live close to the ocean? The SEA AIR?

Salt washes , but I know what you are saying..
Round here they are using a brine solution (Left over from the petro-chemical industry) to put on the roads , they also use it on gravel roads to keep the dust down...

I usually wash the bike take it for a good ride to make sure it all dries off then do the fall wax and stuff...
Avoid using pressure washer or lots of water . lots of clean rags...