I realize that this is an older thread but I wanted to add a few things to storing the 250.

The 250 carbs dont do well with gas left in them stabilized or not its best to drain the float bowls this is very easy. The tanks also rust easily so filling it up with stabillized gas will keep it from rusting. You can fog the engine if you like I dont bother if its going to get ridden here and there during the winter, if you are a fair weather rider only, then fog the engine. When Im done riding I top off the tank with stabilized gas and drain the float bowls takes about 10 min tops.

I also make sure the antifreeze is still good and put the battery on a tender.

 

I'm also storing my bike for the winter and had a quick question. I plan on doing a fuel stabilizer and new oil and take her for a ride to get everything circulating in the galleries and the stabilizer in the carb's. But what kind of oil should I use? Last owner recommended 5W-40. BTW, bike has 38,000 miles........ yeah, I know...

 

Yeah Caddydaddy pretty much covered it. I thought Id add my 2 cents anyways. I was talkin to a mechanic and I thought that you should start it every now and then for a few minutes just to keep things moving but he said that if your going to start it you should always ride it for at least a couple of miles before putting it back away.

 

true. but a 2 wheel slide in the summer is abit exaggerated in the winter.
Because of the tranny and load? question

 

People store their bikes? Oh you have the wrong bikes, you need one of these then you can ride all year.

 

show off!

 

1+ lol

 

So you can ride that through two feet of snow, and do it safely??? Hmmm.....does anyone make snow tires for Ninjas?

 

The Ninja uses any 5w40 motor oil. DO NOT use any energy conserving oil, it will be marked in a circle on the label if it is. You can also use synthetic I havent switched mine over, its better if you have some miles on it first (btw you have plenty) I havent yet so I cant voice a personal opinion yet. I am looking at a second 250 this weekend with over 16k on it if the clutch feels good after having a go with regular oil I may throw some synthetic in it I havent decided yet.

Just make sure you drain the carbs when you are done running things through. It is very easy and will save you the hassle of going through them in the spring.