Keeping a bike outside ? best storage ?

[blownygti]

I have just got a new bike and due to not having a garage I will have to leave it in the back garden. Security wise I am okay as the only way in is through agate which has 2 bolts both with heavy duty padlocks plus the bike is chained securlely to the house so bar lifting it over a 6 foot fence you`d do well do move, but whats the best way to loo after it apart from a full waterproof cover ? should I remove battery and keeping it in the house on an optimisor? fuel etc ? I will be starting it and keeping it running for 10 mins or so once a week but is there anything else I should do ?

[veeeffarr]

[iooi]

Build a lean to over it to help protect it from the worst of the weather.
Is it just going to be stood there and not ridden at all ?

If its not going to be used i would leave battery alone and not put it on a optimiser.
If its taxed and insured (which i hope it is anyway for theft) i would take it for a spin when weather is fine, rather than starting it once a week. Do the bike far more good.

Also don't bank on it not being lifted over a fence....
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Just because my bike was A DIVVY, does not mean i am......

[TheDonUK]

I take it you are not riding it over winter at all?

You seem to know what to do, if you are starting it each week the fuel shouldent evaporate nor should the carbs (if it has carbs) gum up.

The only obvious thing is a cover, 2 of them to be precise. One cover with a furry inside lining underneath and then one cheapo waterproof cover for the outside... Stops the bike "Sweating" not really a problem if you take the cover off everyday. Also you will want some way to anchor the covers down if they dont have little eyelits, You say its chained to the house. That should be a decent enough windbreak.

I have heard stories of peoples covers inflating in high wind and pulling over the bike like a sail, hence anchoring them down (i use old tyres)

Can i ask if you have just got a new bike why arent you out there riding it? (peeks out of curtain, Dry roads, Blue sky...)

I never understand why people just stop riding completely over the winter, fair enough if you dont wanna ride in the pissing rain/snow and whatnot, but there are some decent days, just take each day as it comes...

[blownygti]

[deanoet]

U not got any mates / relatives who you could ask nicely to leave it in their garage as you arent using it?

You could always buy one of those argos assemble yourself sheds and put it up in your garden, they come in various sizes so you could get one that just fits the bike in if space is a problem
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CBT Passed 18th July 2007 : Previous Bikes> CG125 : Current Bike> Hornet 600 : PASSED DAS 30th Oct 2007
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[cicatrez]

Sorry if its a silly idea, but what about buying a cheap tent(a good waterproof one that could withstand heavy rain)? If you got a garden, you could pin down the tent in the garden, possibly anchor it on the inside with bricks. Somehow, securely prop the bike up inside the tent.Covering it with a thick blanket/beach towel for any moisture.

just a suggestion.

[TheDonUK]

[Seb]

Smother the bike liberally with FS365, even if your unable to ride the thing, at least move it in a lap round the garden or something if possible, it'll do it a ton of good.

Good luck with the DAS
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2010 Triumph 1050 Sprint ST

[Kal]

Assuming you can't find a garage and you are leaving it to the spring.

WD40 over everything that isn't paint work

Battery off and in the House

Grease the chain (otherwise you will have an interesting iron bar come springtime as one of my friends found out)

Drain petrol from the tank - before relaoding in spring run it through a coffee filter to get rid of the impurities (yes this does work)

A good waterproof cover that is breathable

Fence panel leaning over it to keep the worst of the weather off

A couple of big ass chains and if possible a ground anchor for security.


Alternatively if it is a Honda just leave it outside, it'll be fine.
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Kal...
I Like To Hoon It Hoon It I Like To Hoon It Hoon It I Like To Hoon It Hoon It Ya Like To (HOON IT!).
1984 GB250 Clubman,1983 CB250N Superdream, 1999 GPZ500S

[blownygti]

[Kal]

I've just use chain wax that I pick up from my local Bike garage when I am down there - don't even have a clue what make it is.

It's part of my regular maintence when I adjust my chain.

For 4 to 6 weeks you probably don't need to drain the petrol or worry about WD40

A decent cover and removing the battery ought to be enough.

When we lived in a terrace I used to leave my bike in the passage between the houses, served the job of a garage nicely.
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Kal...
I Like To Hoon It Hoon It I Like To Hoon It Hoon It I Like To Hoon It Hoon It Ya Like To (HOON IT!).
1984 GB250 Clubman,1983 CB250N Superdream, 1999 GPZ500S

[blownygti]

[Kal]

4 to 6 weeks?

If you have removed the battery and kept it in a warm place then you should get away with leaving it.

Even Suzukis don't corrode that quickly.

Just bang the battery onto full charge before you come to turn it on in Jan.
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Kal...
I Like To Hoon It Hoon It I Like To Hoon It Hoon It I Like To Hoon It Hoon It Ya Like To (HOON IT!).
1984 GB250 Clubman,1983 CB250N Superdream, 1999 GPZ500S