Volusia_dlc

I put stabil in my tank and let it run I just haven't drained the carb because I've heard conflicting reasons. Just curious as to which needs done. Thanks

MrChili

I'm an hour north east of the GTA and I've had a 2002 VL800 for the last six winters. I've never drained the carbs, in fact my "winterization" routine is quite suspect. I pour half a can of seafoam into the tank and make sure the snowblower is behind the Vol. Oh, I keep it on a battery tender over the winter.

The bike runs like a charm, it's pain getting her first started in the spring, (about a 15-20 minute chore) but once she gets going she has always run like a charm for the entire season. If there is a nice mild dry winter day and the itch is too much for me to scratch, I've taken her out for a ride. I just make sure I run her long enough to get good and warmed up.

Personally I'd only worry about draining the carbs if you're looking at long term storage.

Regards

__________________
Old too early.....Smart too late.

mdhyre

Step 1 turn on ignition key
Step 2 depress starter button
Step 3 ride until you run outta gas!

dfinitlydisturbd

We have a winner!

mdhyre

Seriously, I did this by accident when I flushed the radiator. I forgot to reattach the vacuum line that leads to the auto fuel shut-off. I didn't know what it was at the time but I started it and it ran out of gas (i.e. drained the carbs) in about 45 sec. The line is on the LH side under the gas tank. Pull it off and start it up.

I agree with MrChili. I believe it is better to store a carb wet to keep the diaphragms and gaskets from drying out. What I do is put some Sta-bil or Sea Foam in the gas along with some Lucas fuel treatment (because it is oil base) in the tank, mix it up and run it until you're sure its in the carbs. The bike will start in the spring. It might take a bit of work but the gas will not have turned to turpentine. I did this with my lawnmower and it worked great.

dfinitlydisturbd

Seriously, I liked your answer better before you added--^