Keeping my bike outside for the summer

Fitzy · Nova Slayer Joined: 20 May 2008 Karma :

Hey all,

Wanted a bit of advice really on keeping my bike outside during the summer?

Have recently moved to a new apartment but unfortunately I don't have a garage.

Was it wondering what covers do you guys use ? I want the best one to keep the wet and moisture out as I don't want my baby to go rusty.

Many thanks
Andy
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Bike: Honda CBR600 F3

rubyhorse2 · Traffic Copper Joined: 03 Mar 2015 Karma :

before i moved i always kept bikes outside.

Invest in an expensive cover thats breathable but also waterproof. I also found that just actually cleaning the bike every weekend helps no end with it surviving outside.

Also i presume you will be thinking about security too, is it possible to ground anchor at your location?

if not a good set of chains, disc locks etc.

mentalboy · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 May 2012 Karma :

Doomsnite · Traffic Copper Joined: 19 Nov 2013 Karma :

My Oxford Stormex is good at keeping the rain off but still gets condensation underneath in chillier temperatures. Use it more to stop the birds shitting all over it.
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Fitzy · Nova Slayer Joined: 20 May 2008 Karma :

Thanks all,

I have seen in eBay breathable covers for 9.99 is it worth spending the money on a decent one ?

Also security point I can't bolt it to the floor so disc lock and chain it's going to have to be.
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Bike: Honda CBR600 F3

Dave70 · World Chat Champion Joined: 20 Jan 2012 Karma :

I've been using an Oxford Stormex cover for around three years. Admittedly, I don't use it every day though but, around 50% of the time it is used. Sometimes there is a little condensation on top of the tank but, that's about it. I'd rate the cover quite highly myself and it's very durable too Thumbs Up

Just be aware that you're probably best to remove any cover if the wing gets very strong, as it'll act like a sail and may blow your bike over, as has happened to me once.

Invest in some good disc alarms and chain too. The decent ones might be a little expensive but, are cheaper than having to buy another bike and they'll last for years, so are well worth the outlay.
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P. · Red Rocket Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Karma :

Decent cover and locks, lots of locks.

Musketeer · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Jun 2011 Karma :

BigShow · Spanner Monkey Joined: 01 May 2014 Karma :

I've got an Oxford thing I got from Halfords. It's been top notch to be fair to them. Usually Oxford stuff is a bit naff.

I bought a cheap one from the internet once for 9.99 and it wasn't even waterproof Laughing

In the summer I don't bother covering it unless it looks like there's a chance of rain. Bikes are designed to be outside after all

Snowdonia Rider · World Chat Champion Joined: 17 Oct 2014 Karma :

I've got one of the ones from Argos, keeps the worst of the elements off, doesn't melt on the exhaust, hasn't blown away, job done Thumbs Up

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rubyhorse2 · Traffic Copper Joined: 03 Mar 2015 Karma :

been trying to find a link for the cover i have but no luck so far, it must be 2 years old now.

Its seriously heavy duty, fully waterproof with heat shields on the inside in the correct places. It also has holes on the underside of the wing mirrors which seem to help with condensation.

I'll keep looking for you, it cost me a bit but worth it.

Eddie Hitler · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Nov 2007 Karma :

This has been discussed before. In my experience, covers only add to the amount of rust, as they can trap moisture.

The one and only time I used a cover was on my very first 125. Oddly, I found surface rust accumulated incredibly quickly with it on. Since then, I've never used one. Kept outside all year, various bikes over an 8 year period and not one iota of rust. Just protect it with FS365/GT-85 or whatever floats your boat.

bikertomm · World Chat Champion Joined: 03 Jul 2010 Karma :

Mine's been out for 6 months over the winter in an ebay special:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/XL-Motorcycle-Waterproof-Outdoor-Motorbike-Rain-Vented-Bike-Cover-Extra-Large-/141377051208?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item20eaba9a48

Brilliant bit of kit for the money. Thumbs Up

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TheArchitect · World Chat Champion Joined: 26 Dec 2013 Karma :

Always had my bikes outside all year round and always used a cheapo argos jobby to cover it. It's not waterproof but it's enough to repel the worst downpours. It's certainly not the best but for £12, it's done the job for over 3 years now and not seen any adverse affects yet.

As mentioned, find one that fit's relatively snuggly because flapping bits will act as a sail in strong winds and your bike might fly away!

Also worth mentioning covers tend to rip when used daily due to getting caught on pegs and other sticky out bits of the bike. My mate's rather expensive Oxford cover is riddled with holes and rips. Bear that in mind if you intend to take it off and put it on daily.
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