Battery/Cold Weather

[FireFly]

Hey, does anyone know if a night of freezing temperatures will weaken or damage a battery?? I'm storing my Dad's bike and my bike in a wooden shed that has no insulation and I haven't winterized the bikes yet in hopes that there will be some more nice riding days. My main question is, Does short term exposure to freezing temps. deteriorate anything on a bike whether it be fork seals etc...??? How long can a battery deal with really cold temps (39 & below) before it goes south? And what would you guys consider too long for bike related parts/battery to be exposed to freezing temps. I also just put on a replacement damper and I don't know if the big drop in temps. is gonna affect the seals/oil viscosity. THanksdunno:

[RandyO]

charged batterys don't freeze, discharged batteries do

I recommend installing a pigtail on your batteries to quick connect a battery tender/automatic charger

a 2 amp automatic charger @ walmart is $16.95 and it comes with a pigtail as well as regular clips

I leave my bike out in unheated barn all winter, nite before I plan a ride, I make sure charger is connected overnite to top battery off for a better start, if it's real cold (0 or below), I warm my bike up with my salamander before I even try to start it

[Karaya One]

Randy hit it on the head.

A charged battery will not freeze.

[richw]

Cold not a problem

Battery OK but 1/2 the cranking power when real cold

Maybe switch to lighter weight oil 10-30 or so

[ZX-12R]

Your damper won't freeze however the oil will be more viscous when it is cold so you may have to dial it down a notch or two.

[legalspeed]

Originally posted by RandyO

I leave my bike out in unheated barn all winter, nite before I plan a ride, I make sure charger is connected overnite to top battery off for a better start, if it's real cold (0 or below), I warm my bike up with my salamander before I even try to start it

You're friggin nuts!