Friends rocket

[rayjay]

A good friend of mine has been so impressed with the rocket after riding mine a couple of times, that he as bought a used 08 standard in red with 3800 miles and he gets it next week. Question, he as a lock up garage without electricity and no means of getting any power to the lock up. I said he should take the battery off the bike and keep it at home on a tender. He wants to start the bike up once a week or so and let it run. Is this advisable? i kinda remember reading that letting the bike idle like this can foul the plugs and that the alternator doesn't create much juice at idle He's a good friend and i don't want to give him bad advice. Thank's in advance.

rayjay

 

[Molinoman]

I would recommend taking the battery out and putting it on a good trickle charger that automatically cuts off when fully charged.

I tried the "starting once a week" routine on both my Gold Wing and my Rocket while I was overseas (my two sons "supposedly" were starting it weekly and running it for 5 minutes or so) and after about a month and a half or so (especially the Rocket) the battery wouldn't turn 'er over.

When I get home this time I will take it off my "trickle" charger and reinstall it and see if that was a better way.

Dennis

54 (?) dtg Dubai/Kuwait (?)
55 (?) dtg Home

 

[xhdskip]

If he gets a ODYSSEY 625,
he can just leave it hooked up.
It'll crank.

 

[triroketman]

My experience dictates a combination of both. Keep the battery on a tender and start the bike every couple of weeks. Keeps those moving parts lubricated. Just my 2 cents.
Dave

 

[Tazshido]

Needs to be ridden not just started

Just starting a bike gets the oil circulated and runs fuel through the fuel system. It does little to nothing to charge the battery on most bikes. I've noticed almost no charge at idle and (at least on my Hondas) very little below about 2000 RPM. I'm over seas right now and I have a buddy starting mine once a month. But he rides it for at least 15 minutes at regular street speeds. Wyoming,,,, in the winter time,,,, I'm gonna owe him some beers eh?

 

[anhouck]

Battery Tender - not a trickle charger

We would normally be out riding - but it is 25 degrees out with sleeted roads! Locked down at 7300 feet elevation on Colorado!

My experience:
- Trickle charger wears a battery out (proven on numerous '82 Honda 900 CBC and and jet ski batteries).
- Battery Tenders work! They make small and large versions (can't recall the brand but I have two of the small ones - ~$35 each) -- it varies the voltage and does cut off charge when fully charged - restarts after battery falls to a given level (unsure on specs).
- Starting once a month loads up the bike's plugs - can't say about the carbon buildup inside. While a V-twin - the wife's HD 1200 Low coughed and sputtered after one winter of monthly (or less) start and run for 5 minutes - until I cleaned out the air filter and blew some fuel through at high rev.

 

[KingOfFleece]

Put a toy to bed correctly and leave it alone. When you start them all you do is introduce H20 (by-product of combustion) into the system. This does nothing good and leaving it to idle does not get the water out, not to mention what may remain in the pipes. Yes, remove the battery and place it on a Battery-Tender and it'll be fine for next year.

I pass this on after being in the powersports business for over 20 years. take it for what you will.

 

[warp9.9]

I bring my beastie in the house where she can stay warm. If I want to start her I just use ear plugs and I don't run her while the wife is around!!!!!!!

 

[dougl]

I was totally out of commission one winter and my dealer told me to start it up every two weeks or so. Seemed to work OK. My garage never went below freezing. I always leave the battery on a Battery Tender. It has lasted for over 3 years.

 

[05classic]

Just send the bike to one of us southern year round riders and we will keep it lubed and charged