Keeping a bike outside

[LosingGrip]

Due to moving I need to keep my bike outside until its sold (unless I can sell it before the flat sells). In the past I've just kept it on the drive as I used it daily, but this wont be used as often (but still fairly often a number of times a week I hope).

I'm hoping the flat wont sell until March when the weather is nicer which will help, but what covers are worth looking at to keep the worst weather off it? Its a GS so fairly large as well.

[stang65]

Mine sat outside a few years back when the garage was being built. I used a R&G cover which kept the weather off and lasted well. It was in a sheltered spot though. It was parked by the side fence up the side of the house so was pretty much wind free unless the weather was horrid.

[Cakey_]

Get some acf 50 on it, even with a cover on they get damp.

My last bike sat outside for a year before I sold it with fairly regular use, I believe using them more helps as they dry out properly and stops the moisture just sitting on them.
I also never put a cover on it when wet as it just creates condensation and it won't dry under the cover.

[ouninpohja]

You need an Oxford stormex cover, my bike lives outside so I use one and it’s excellent

https://www.oxfordproducts.com/motorcycle/brands/o...

[Inspire]

Cakey_ said:

Get some acf 50 on it, even with a cover on they get damp.

My last bike sat outside for a year before I sold it with fairly regular use, I believe using them more helps as they dry out properly and stops the moisture just sitting on them.
I also never put a cover on it when wet as it just creates condensation and it won't dry under the cover.

This! Having kept bikes outside for years, the above advice is spot on.

[mikey_b]

I had an R6 which was kept outside for about 5 years. I used an Oxford Stormex cover - it did a great job. The bike remained in great condition even though I didn't use it that much - or at least, usage was very sporadic. The fluffy inner liner meant the paint wasn't damaged as the wind moved the cover around, and the ventilation meant water vapour could escape, so condensation wasn't really a thing either.

When I wanted to go for a ride, I would just take the cover and locks off and put them in the boot of the car, which was usually parked more or less right next to it.

[jnw010]

Oxford stormex will last long term, but if it's only for a short period until you sell up there are probably cheaper lighter weight options.

[Drawweight]

I kept my bikes outside for many years.

Corrosion never seemed to be a problem funnily enough.

As to covers I’ve had cheap ones and dear ones. Oxford were no better or worse than any other in respect that some lasted a couple of years and others 5. What did make a difference was making sure they were a tightish fit and weren’t flapping in the wind. As well at tearing it rubs the paintwork away.

[ccr32]

I used one of these for a few years while living in London, where I had the ability to park the bike in the back garden:

http://www.thebikeshield.com

Means the cover does not touch or rub against the bike, which keeps things shiny and helps reduce condensation when parking it in there after the bike has been ridden.

Just make sure it's well anchored - it can act like a sail in stronger winds, which I found out the hard way more than once...

[ccr32]

In fact - shameless plug - I still have it stashed in my mother-in-law's shed, not being used. If you're anywhere near Hampshire/Surrey and interested, let me know.

[DirtyHarley]

My Harleys have all lived outside under various covers and I've never had an issue; ACF50 the crap out of them for winter riding and then top up on that as needed until spring when all the road salt and grime has washed away and then give the bike a proper thorough clean.

[P675]

I like to put a cheap combination bike lock on both wheels and through the holes of the cover so it doesn't blow off or can be lifted off easily by kids etc.

[Biker 1]

Another vote for Oxford Stormex.