Hi My first daft question of the year My bike is no longer in it's temp controlled environment and is now subject to the same cold and damp as you would find in a drafty garage My question is: If the bike is to be stored for a length of time (2-6weeks) without running because the weather is so wet and crappy .... should the exhaust and air tubes be covered or blocked to prevent damp getting in and causing some corrosion to bits we cannae see? In my head I'm thinking the exhaust should be blocked with an old rag when hot as that should be it at it's driest. Or should we not bother and just prey the stainless is .... er.... less stainy?
What if the rag traps moist air in, doesn't allow it to breathe and makes it worse? now there's a pickle.... Lol Seriously though, never thought bout it, if ya can't see it, does it matter.....?
Condensation will form even if an Air tight seal is in place. Ventilation is key in all things mechanical and biological!
Was the blocking the holes not more about stopping things nesting in there? I don't bother blocking anything up on my bike during its winter storage, I used to plug my old bikes zorst up when washing it but current bike as with newer blades the exhausts have drain holes in bottom of the exhaust to let the water drain away. As far as condensation goes there is not much you can do about it shy of turning heaters on and keeping the garage up to decent temps but gets expensive that in drafty places. I find It's at it's worst during fast temp changes like -2 at night to +10 during the day, which will allow condensation to form on metal surfaces. Drafts and airflow helps dry it off but can lead also to colder temps due to wind chill. As long as your bikes properly lubed up it shouldn't be a problem.
Plenty of people's bikes live outside rain or shine with no covers etc without issues so I wouldn't worry
These are not bikes i'd be looking at buying if I was after a second hand bike though. I'd say bikes stored like this would probably only last a third as long in good condition
I used to winter store my bike in a well-ventilated friend’s garage. I always stuffed rags up the exhaust and air intakes, not to stop damp and condensation but to deter our small feathered and furry friends squatting. Condensation was still a bit of a problem at times, mainly as Shiney said due to quick changes in temperature. I now have a purpose build cave with heating, so this year only axle stands and a cover will be fine.
Boys, Boys, Boys, What's all the stress and teeth gnashing over a potentially small amount of condensation. Zippy has proved that if you completely bathe your Blade externally and internally, it will still happily fire up and run like a sewing machine, so a few dribbles of condensation is just a walk in the park.
Jeez These are motorcycles not ripe bananas. They're not going rot by being left standing for a few weeks or even a few months. Just park it up and leave it. Alternatively just ride it whenever you want. If the roads are salty give a good hose down with cold water.
I was just trying to point out if in a garage I wouldn't block the holes etc as they survive in the pissing down rain etc without such things done
My blade lives outside under a cover and has done for the past 3 years and the only thing I remember is to give it a good wash and dry. Some of the fasteners have gone 'furry' but no real problems to speak of. Mine is usually under cover until about March when I go through a service and get it ready for the warmer months.
My old RRN sat in my garage for 12 months whilst I was disqualified with just a curtain over it, a quick service when I got my licence back and it went on to give me another 10 years service.
