Bikes kept outside

[Bill Rutter]

Just wondering what you do to keep your bike from the worst of the elements through the colder months. I have temporarily had to vacate my mate's mum's garage as she needs the space. I have a decent cover for the bike but even though it is quite well ventilated there is going to be a build-up of moisture underneath. I don't want pitted forks etc so what is the best maintenance regime for keeping the worst of the winter weather (and road salt) at bay. Is it reallty a case of a wash down after every winter ride? I have a trickle charger to keep the battery up to scratch.

[andy230]

If you aint bothered about appearances, I find waxoyl under the guards, tank, downtubes etc to be very effective.  And keep it (reasonably) clean with a skoosh of WD40 and an oily rag.

Most of the bits on the bikes I use for winter are plastic so its not such a problem.  And they are knackered anyway....!

a

[Steve Lake]

I tried AFC50 last winter and it does seem to work.....bit pricey, but all the awkward hidden away bits that seem to aways attract piles of crud and then quietly rot do seem to have overwintered extremely well.....frequent use of the bike will mean a more frequent use of the spray (even if the lable does say 'good for five years protection' or some such boll*cks!
http://www.acf-50.co.uk/
have a look

Cheers

SteveL
(how's me bike?)

[Steve Lake]

I lied..It's ACF50 (and only good for a year....it says)....and here's some happy blokes who think it's the best thing since.....
http://www.acf-50.co.uk/motorcycle.htm
pip pip

[Bill Rutter]

Just one thing about the venerable WD40, isn't it anti-fork seal or summat? I can see it's value everywhere else mind. ('cept brake discs  )

[bullet350]

 if you haven't got a garage the best thing to do is find yourself a shed, i always found that covers do more harm than good most of the time.

every man needs a shed.

bullet350

[guest40]

I'll mind it for you, bring it over anytime.

[guest24]

My beasts are kept in my bike port. Looks like a miniature car port, but its in the garden out the back of the flat. No garage, shed too small and full of paddling pools and bicycles and balls   Whats more, my wee beasty is used practically daily so hasn't had a chance to hibernate. My big beast is hibernating again waiting for me to fix its starter clutch, still...

cant comment on what to put on them to keep them nice. They either survive the winter to carry on running, or they dont and end up in the skip.