Outside storage

[Wheezybiker]

How cold is too cold for motorbikes to be stored outside. Thinking of batteries and electrical system mainly but also oil and coolant.

Are these things affected and if so is it something to be concerned about

[doggone]

Cold isn't a problem at least in UK which rarely gets below -10C
Assuming you have antifreeze if watercooled and battery is kept charged.
Discharged batteries can freeze and split.
The main winter problem is constant dampness combined with salt and dirt.
Putting a cover over can actually makes this worse.

If you only do short runs where engine doesn't get to temperature engine oil can get condensation build up and you get a mayonnaise effect. This can block some of the oilways.
Solution is try to use it for longer runs a few times through winter

[Howling TerrorOutOfOffice]

Hi,
With decent antifreeze and a bikecover I've had no problems.
I connect the trickle charger when the weather allows. Won't leave it more than 2 weeks before it gets a charge.
When it went down to -10 I used a heavy hessian blanket and 'tucked' it in.

For longer periods I spray wd40 down the exhausts and stuff old rags in. Spray it everywhere minus the obvious.

It has a centerstand so occasionally spin the rear wheel a few times then lift the front and give that a spin before putting it down on a piece of wood to keep it off the concrete.
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[Wheezybiker]

What would be classed as up to temperature for oil
On my commute approx 5 miles temp gauge will read between 70 and 100 at end of run depending on traffic
I do try to get a longer run in regularly upto 25miles is that enough or should I push for more
My bike is an xj6 2009 if that helps

Sorry for questions it's my first winter on mbike have done several on pushbike though and a few in car

[Howling TerrorOutOfOffice]

5 mile commute....Most likely your bike won't get upto 'full' temperature during the coldest days...not a problem ...just give it a good run when you feel like it.
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Diabolical homemade music Bandcamp and Soundcloud
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The Harry Turner Project

[Howling TerrorOutOfOffice]

doggone mentions the cover can be a problem...he's correct to a degree.
Using a heavy duty flock-lined cover, give it a regular airing and you wont suffer from condensation issues.

Wash salt off with cold water and put cover on when the bike has cooled down.
____________________
Diabolical homemade music Bandcamp and Soundcloud
Singer songwriter, Artist and allround good bloke Listen to Andrew Susan Johnston here
The Harry Turner Project

[Andy_Pagin]

As a commuter, resumably a daily commuter, you won't have any problems with the UKs' worst weather. Just keep a little tin of lock de-icer handy.
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[haroman666]

I think the best think for bike longevity through winters is to keep on top of cleaning and oiling of parts that take the worst beating.

When I was commuting daily on the bike I would probably wash it every 2 or 3 weeks (only a quick wash, nothing too intensive) and then stuff like the chain and sprox and brakes would get at the very least a check over, then possibly a clean and re-lube if I felt necessary.

After washing I would spray ACF-50 or some other oily substance over the front side of the engine to give a bit of water/salt protection from everything that comes off the front wheel.

Little things like keeping the key barrel oiled help a lot in the super cold days.

Attending to any badly insulated wiring is good preventative maintenance also.

I don't honestly understand the whole "condensation" under the cover malarky. Bikes are designed to resist driving rain and snow. A bit of ambient moisture isn't likely to turn your bike to dust after one winter. My CBR, when I was using it daily it would get the cover thrown over it immediately upon arrival home, still wet, still covered in shite. It has been sat outside, under its 5 year old, non-waterproof, decrepit and slightly mouldy bike cover for a year (this December) and there's not so much as a hint of surface rust on the pin tips on the chain.
I put this down to good cleaning and maintenance. I expect when January comes round and I swap from VTR to CBR, all i'll have to do is change the rear tyre and ride straight to the MOT.
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