An ungaraged motorbike in winter

[Alfredo]

Hello all.

I've got my test soon so I'd like a bike asap but may not have the money until summer's almost gone. However, if I buy a bike this year I may not be able to keep it in a garage over winter, dependent on my situation.

I was wondering what you guys think of this. Will it trash a bike if it's ungaraged over winter? Can I protect it to a large extent with covers? If I do keep it outside is there anything I should pay special attention to? Do any of you guys keep your bikes outside year round?

Thanks.

Alfredo

[map]

Please clarify. Do you intend to just store the bike over winter and only ride in summer or are you wanting to use it all year round? Answer to that question dictates how you can store the bike.
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[Alfredo]

I'd like to ride it when possible in winter too.
Thanks Mapp.

[DanceLikeAMon...]

My bike has started to corrode to buggery after leaving it out over winter, even with a good Oxford cover on. Mind you, I used it in all weathers and never washed it properly AND it is a GS500e.

[Barry_M2]

I'd recomend getting some grease (or vaseline) and just smearing a bit over any bolts you see and also the ends of the brake lines and round the bleed nipples on the calipers. This will keep off all the salt and crap from the road and stop them corroding.

Dont put it anywhere near the disks tho.
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[map]

[Alfredo]

Nice one, thanks guys and thanks Map for the links.

Alfredo.

[Rob]

I ride all year round and store the bike outside all the time. Had absolutely no problems with doing that. Worst thing is having to chip the ice off the seat in the winter!!

OK, so you won't exactly keep the bike in pristine showroom condition like these fair weather chaps, but a bike is there to be ridden, not polished!

Ah, I just thought, I did have one problem, some little scroat nicked it!

Ahh, just get a big chain, disc lock, alarm, rottweiler... you'll be fine!!
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[Marci]

DowCorning DC4 or Luberex Dielectric Grease - smear liberally all over frame and swingarm and any other exposed metal surface liable to corrosion (except disks as pointed out). Go thru the wiring loom, unplug each connector one by one, fill with dielectric grease, put back together. Leave it like that over winter, and enjoy driving it come rain or snow with no electrical probs and no risk of aesthetic damage to frame etc. Oil chain daily on return from driving. Spray wheels over with hosepipe n' cold water. Cover with a tarp with holes cut in it for mirrors n' footpegs to poke thru - holds it in place nicely.

When the sun finally comes out, wipe off the grease, wash thoroughly... it'll be gleaming. Don't worry about the electrics. The grease will keep em waterproof and in better condition than no grease... just warn anyone working on the bike of it's presence or they may not like u afterwards when they're covered in it...
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[Clanger]

I cover everything in WD40, or vaseline and kept the bike under a large Oxford cover, breatheable and waterproof. A disk lock and a big fat chain & lock and sorted.

But make sure you start her up and let her run for a while on idle before you go out for a ride (goes without saying really, but especially so in winter)
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[stevo as b4]

I should think it's quite possible to leave your bike under a waterproof bike cover in winter, without it deteriorating or rusting noticably. Brake discs and unpainted metal parts like fasteners and bolts are always quite susceptible to surface corrosion though and extra care should be taken to protect/dry or coat these areas with something to protect against corrosion.

If your going to also ride the bike in winter as well as store it under cover outside then do the following things religously:

1, wash the bike with hot soapy water after EVERY ride, and wipe it dry or let it dry completely before you place the cover over it. You should never cover up a wet bike!

2, Before you store it, lube the chain with a thick sticky chainlube, and put a spot of oil/grease on all fasteners and brake pedal pivot, footpegs, gear lever etc. Buy a big can of WD40 and spray a bit on any exposed metal parts too. It's a good idea to spray a bit into your ignition lock and switch gear as well, to keep all the connections dry and in good condition. It can also stop the ignition lock from freezing too.

3, If your going to use the bike, then once a week after cleaning it, wipe a thick layer of wax polish over all the tank and bodywork, but don't buff it off, as this will protect the paint work well.

The problem comes if your not sure about if your going to use the bike or not over winter, as this will affect machine preparation. Make a decision, and if your not realistically going to use it over winter, then follow the normal winter storage schedule. Id probably consider draining the oil and fuel tank, and leave a tag with "No Oil" on it somewhere where you will see it, or even on your keyring. This removes the temptation just to pop out for a little ride if it's a nice day, and thus keeps your bike either properly stored or alternatively ready for regular use, but not both!

Do use a waterproof cover, and keep it secured firmly with tie downs. A couple of eye bolts into a solid surface is a good way to secure the cover over your machine, and then it will stay there even in strong winds!

The biggest issue for most people storing a bike outside is not weather protection, but security, and im sure nearly all BCF users will agree that security has to be the No.1 priority! Take every step to keep your bike out of view of passers by, and hidden if possible. Then use several types of top quality security devices, lock's chains, etc to keep your bike safe from scumbags! A big ground anchor is vital as well, and if you can't get a suitable floor fixing, then wall mount it as securely as possible!

Just one other thing, have you got the option of a motorcycle storage device, like a bike safe, or even a small shed?

Im sure ive missed loads of points out, but the above all need to be considered before you store your bike outside.

[Zimbo]

[carsounds_dan]

at the end of winter use electrical cleaner to help remove the grease from places, and spray in all the electrical contacts you can see, it sounds simple but keeps everything firing the way it should
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[Fadel]

I had no problems with winter just gone with the bike, except the cover used to freeze up and I could pull it off as one whole solid structure and stand it up lool

Put it back one morning and my mum came down after I had gone to college and thought I had slept in