Two weeks of sitting outside without a cover

[510]

So, before I left town for the the holiday, I left the bike outside at work because it was a lot safer than where I lived. I didn't manage to get a cover in time, but I mean, what could possibly go wrong, right? Well, the last few days have been really rainy, and while I doubt the rain would melt the bike, it really can't be good for it either.

Today, as I arrived at work:
- Was it still there? Yeah... that's a good start. Security didn't tow it or anything.
- Are any parts missing? Nope... nobody even touched it.
- Damage? Rust on the rotors, more rust on the headers, nothing major.

- Would it start? Uh oh...

The engine would turn, indicating that the battery was fine, but it just wouldn't start. I mean, the bike had been sitting out in the rain for a good two weeks in high humidity and low temperatures. There were all sorts of things that could cause it to not start. But, seeing as how I had no tools with me, I stupidly just cranked it with full choke and throttle for about a minute, and miraculously, the engine started, spitting out all the water that had accumulated in the exhaust.

In retrospect, I am amazed that after two weeks, the battery could still crank for that long. Also, it was definitely stupid because I did not have a plan B at all, had the battery died out.

So there you have it... covers are awesome, especially in cold/damp weather.

[ohgood]

So, before I left town for the the holiday, I left the bike outside at work because it was a lot safer than where I lived. I didn't manage to get a cover in time, but I mean, what could possibly go wrong, right? Well, the last few days have been really rainy, and while I doubt the rain would melt the bike, it really can't be good for it either.

Today, as I arrived at work:
- Was it still there? Yeah... that's a good start. Security didn't tow it or anything.
- Are any parts missing? Nope... nobody even touched it.
- Damage? Rust on the rotors, more rust on the headers, nothing major.

- Would it start? Uh oh...

The engine would turn, indicating that the battery was fine, but it just wouldn't start. I mean, the bike had been sitting out in the rain for a good two weeks in high humidity and low temperatures. There were all sorts of things that could cause it to not start. But, seeing as how I had no tools with me, I stupidly just cranked it with full choke and throttle for about a minute, and miraculously, the engine started, spitting out all the water that had accumulated in the exhaust.

In retrospect, I am amazed that after two weeks, the battery could still crank for that long. Also, it was definitely stupid because I did not have a plan B at all, had the battery died out.

So there you have it... covers are awesome, especially in cold/damp weather.

If you use a cover, you can put colored bread ties on parts of the cover to show if anyone has tampered with it

Ya, it's cool when you can walk out, and your bike still be there, and start, and ride, and all the fun stuff that happens after it starts

[frankieG]

Take the plugs out and pour in a little gas.  That should do the trick

[yamahonkawazuki]

lucky you didnt suck the water into teh CC . if anyhting put a cap over the end of teh tailpipe, ( if this has to happen again)

[ivany]

"Prime" the carbs for a bit after sitting, helps it start, that's what it's there for.

Also, putting a few drops of gas in the air filter helps too. Had to do this once.

Putting gas directly into the cylinders is such a bad idea...please don't do this.

[bergj1986]

I'd be very surprised if water made it's way into the combustion chamber by going through the exhaust.  If water were to get into the exhaust system, which it did in this case, it would just find the lowest spot in the exhaust system and settle there.  There's no way water would make the near vertical trip up the headers and into the top of the cylinder.  I think in general the bike and it's engine openings are well protected from the rain: the air cleaner is inside a box in which the intake opening is mostly covered by the seat and other plastics.  I don't typically worry about water getting into the engine when the bike is left outside, I more worry about water getting into the gauges and other electronic components.

[The Antibody]

Yes yes yes. Prime is the best and only reasonable way to help a dormant bike start before you start tearing it apart.
     Don't put gas under the plugs.
     Water shouldn't ever be an issue in the engine after being in the rain.
You did fine. If the battery gives out just find a hill. That has never failed me. Of course I live in northeast PA where hills are abundant.

  -Anti