Insulating the battery for cold weather riding

Okay, my truck took a poop, so i will be most likley riding the bike this winter:pinch: . This isn't tottaly bad because i have all the warm clothes, full leater jacket full face helmet. But my question is, is there any way to insulate the battery? My dad said back when he had the bike, when he would ride in the winter, he used to put a layer of duck tape around the battery, and it helped it keep a charge a bit longer in the cold weather. Any thoughts or ideas? Im listining

I dont see any reason to wrap a battery if the charging system is working properly and the battery is in good shape. Its the heat that kills a battery and when it gets cold thats when it shows up

It isn't the battery that is the problem in the cold. It's the oil in the engine getting thick, and making it hard to crank. If not in a heated garage you would be better off covering the engine with a blanket, or setting up a heat lamp under it on a timer so it warms it up for an hour or so before you start it. It might be a good idea to change the oil to a thinner one such a 5W-30 if not already done.
Ride safe in the windy city.

Post edited by: The Milkman, at: 2007/11/23 11:06

Update:
I put a blanket over the motor and bought a brand new cover for it. I changed out the oil to a 5w-30, and am charging the battery as i type this. Ill let you all know tommorow iff it makes a difference tommorow.

The Milkman wrote:

It isn't the battery that is the problem in the cold.

I agree. The problem is that it is just F'ing cold, period!

Watch for ice, OK4E!

thanks loudhvx, ill keep an eye out for the ice;)

Would not run 5-30wt as this is probably considered energy conserving oil. If it has the star burst symbol on the bottle... DO NOT USE IT! It has friction modifiers in it and is NOT compatable with our wet clutches. Clutch will start slipping. Use 10-40wt, no star burst and will still handle the cold!

Not sure what symbol was on the bottle, but i changed oil again, and put 10w 40

oldkaws4ever wrote:

Update:
I put a blanket over the motor and bought a brand new cover for it. I changed out the oil to a 5w-30, and am charging the battery as i type this. Ill let you all know tommorow iff it makes a difference tommorow.

Update, put the battery in, and sprayed some starting fluid in her, she fired right up. I was out on her all day. She ran great, but i was freezing my balls off.