Question, I keep my bike outside my apartment with only a cover (good branded motorcycle cover btw) and now that cold weather is upon us is it ok to keep it outside? I'm still looking for a garage but if I can't find one what can I do? I mean what are the limits/do's/don'ts. Thanks for your input.
2007-10-10 15:55:09 · 10 answers · asked by Alexis B 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
I ride through the winter.
But... I didn't use to. My bike was stored in an unheated barn. Pull the battery, charge it fully, and keep it in a warm place. Keep your gas tank full. Air space leads to condensation, the water will rust your tank and foul the fuel system. Add stabilizer if it makes you feel better. I never used it, and had no problems. Change your oil. Used oil becomes acidic. Put a teaspoon of oil in each cylinder. (Never did that either) Lube everything that normally gets it - chain, cables, etc. Wax everything if appearance is important to you. Instead of steel wool in the pipes, use an old dryer sheet. The mice don't like the chemicals in it. Tires - check the pressure when you store it, and again before you ride. Air expands and contracts with temp changes.
2007-10-11 10:25:37 · answer #1 · answered by Firecracker . 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your battery will be the first thing to show signs of wear because of the cold, the fuel will be the next thing. Always try to keep your tank full of gas, along with some sort of fuel stabilizer. The bike itself is made for wash and wear, so being in the elements won't hurt it. Performance will suffer though if you don't take care of the functional parts....keep a good eye on your tire pressure, that will fluctuate with the cold as well.
2007-10-11 02:48:15 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I went through a spell of this apartment living, outdoor winter motorcycle storage myself. The others gave good answers, if any of those work for you.
In the end, no matter what I did short of bringing it inside the apartment (which was totally against the rules, and I lived on the second floor) my bike just suffered the effects of the cold and humid conditions. It especially took its toll on any rubber or vinyl parts or exposed seals.
Battery maintance (in any case) and indoor storage (heated when possible) is the best.
2007-10-10 18:30:13 · answer #3 · answered by jrg1500 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There is another alternative...
Ride through the winter! If you get it out every couple of weeks or so, then no winter storage is needed!
If this isn't an option, you have some good answers already, but bundling up and tuffing it has it's own rewards!
2007-10-11 02:32:00 · answer #4 · answered by Jim! 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Other answers sound good. Only thing I thought of is to ask around at some dealers if they do winter storage. Ask around to find the best price.
2007-10-10 22:18:51 · answer #5 · answered by Baron_von_Party 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Make sure you pit Sea Foam in the gas, do not use Stabel.
If it is Liquid cooled make sure you have good coolent.
also good idea when it is stored put some steal wool in the end of the exhaust pipe to keep out the mice.
2007-10-10 16:02:45 · answer #6 · answered by Chad F 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Yes maybe buy a comforter to put under cover added warm! if your still riden it other wise recommend you store it..at a rental place...also emtpy out any old fluids... then ride it again when it gets warmer.
as always remove battery too!
2007-10-10 23:46:21 · answer #7 · answered by lingo bingo 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
put a trickle charger on the battry.or remove it and
take it inside,Put stablizer in the gas tank and make sure it gets to the carbs.
Some cycle shops will store it for you.
2007-10-10 16:04:15 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
wax any chrome parts, especially those that stick out (like , mirror bars) they tend to cool fist and then collect condensation, and will rust if left unprotected.
2007-10-10 17:32:51 · answer #9 · answered by lily_21113 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You on the ground floor ? drag it inside .
2007-10-10 16:06:14 · answer #10 · answered by vladoviking 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋