Triumphrat

BlueBird · 03-22-2007

I'm looking for some advice on keeping a bike outside (covers, locks, etc).

I have a garage, but it's a PITA to get in and out of (loose deep gravel in front - not packed down, on an incline, and I often have to ask my roomates to move their cars so I can get out). I actually find myself not wanting to go for a ride because I'll have to deal with getting in and out of the garage. I have a good spot off the road and just outside my bedroom window where I can park, and I'm thinking of keeping my bike there.

I'm thinking of getting a cover and chaining the Bonnie to something immobile. It doesn't rain much here in AZ, so I'm not too concerned about rust.

Any advice or reccomendations?

Thanks! I know it's a newbie question!

Normandy · 03-22-2007

Should be fine. You may find that the time to remove the cover, etc. may offset the time getting out of the garage?

6449 · 03-22-2007

Time to remove the cover and the preventive cleaning time also may be more than asking your friends to move their cars for you. A motorcycle under a cover outside is likely to experience the effects of moisture, some possible corrosion and condensation in gauges and components..'slow rust' you don't immediately see or 'worry' about.

You should be careful not to let the slow incremental corrosion of parts sneak up in you. However, removing the cover and allowing your motorcycle to sun itself for a day here and there is a possible solution.

xardoz · 03-22-2007

Quote:

On 2007-03-22 11:28, BlueBird wrote:

Any advice or reccomendations?

Sit your roommates down and politely ask them to leave room for you to get in and out of the garage - compliance to be enforced by pain, if necessary. If they are bigger than you, remember that they will have to sleep, eventually.

whoa · 03-22-2007

My insurance rates are better with the bike being garaged. Might check on that without tipping them off.

Messing with a chain/lock beefy enough to protect the bike, finding a place that provides a good security base etc make it a pain. If you don't have anything solid, build a good heavy anchor.

sweatmachine · 03-22-2007

mine sleeps in a carport, unfortunately, but I keep it chained to a post. At least it has a roof over its head...I hate not having a garage. The ol' lady won't let me keep her inside either...If I lived alone the bonnie would be in the living room.

JubileeBonne · 03-22-2007

Quote:

On 2007-03-22 11:28, BlueBird wrote:
I'm looking for some advice on keeping a bike outside (covers, locks, etc).

I have a garage, but it's a PITA to get in and out of (loose deep gravel in front - not packed down, on an incline, and I often have to ask my roomates to move their cars so I can get out). I actually find myself not wanting to go for a ride because I'll have to deal with getting in and out of the garage. I have a good spot off the road and just outside my bedroom window where I can park, and I'm thinking of keeping my bike there.

I'm thinking of getting a cover and chaining the Bonnie to something immobile. It doesn't rain much here in AZ, so I'm not too concerned about rust.

Any advice or reccomendations?

Thanks! I know it's a newbie question!

Look out for rodents! I parked mine on a concrete slab w/ a canvas cover. Nearly everytime I pulled the cover off to ride, there'd be remenents of a squirrel picnics between the cylinder heads and the air box. :brk:

Len :-D

Baltobonneville · 03-22-2007

Remember that the sun will beat the sh!t out of it over time. I cover mine when I park it all day at work for that reason. It's mostly in the garage or in the shade in front of my house when it's home.

I learned a long time ago to preserve my seats with Armor-All. The old Honda seats lasted much longer when I started doing that. I think that I was on my third one before I wrecked it, the first two split from sun exposure, and duct tape hadn't been invented yet. Don't mind the shiny butt, it buffs it nicely! :-D

sweatmachine · 03-22-2007

Quote:

On 2007-03-22 15:51, Baltobonneville wrote:

I learned a long time ago to preserve my seats with Armor-All. The old Honda seats lasted much longer when I started doing that. I think that I was on my third one before I wrecked it, the first two split from sun exposure, and duct tape hadn't been invented yet. Don't mind the shiny butt, it buffs it nicely! :-D

Man, I'd avoid armor-all on the seat, it looks great until you slam on the brakes and your, um, manhood slams into the gas tank...ouch :kck:

BlueBird · 03-22-2007

Okay, it sounds like the consensus would be keeping the bonnie in the garage. Makes me think about fixing the problem instead of going around it.

I'm going to look if can do something about the gravel right in front of the garage - That's my main issue, trying to back over the lip of concrete at the front of the garage with my feet sinking into 3" of gravel. Makes me afraid of dropping the bike!

Thanks for the advice guys.