Storing Bike Outside for California Winter

[AK Baller]

Hey Guys,

I got a gs500 that I have to keep outside in the winter and I usually try to take it out at least once a week (try). Is there something in particular I could do to make sure the elements don't get the best of my bike? I'm around bay area in California and mainly concerned about rain and every now and then freezing temps (<32). Also, is there a difference whether the side stand or main stand are used?

Currently I just have a cover for the bike and thinking about adding some lube to various areas prone to rust, although not sure if anything could be done for the rotors.

Any input or links would be much appreciated,
Thank you

[dinkydonuts]

Leave the rotors alone. If they get rusty, you'll just clean them off the next time you use the brakes.

I would give the painted surfaces a good wash and dry, then wipe them down with a spray wax at the minimum. The welds on the frame are prone to rusting, so you can pay particular attention to those areas and treat them with wax. You can also use wax on the gauge faces, and even on the handlebar controls, as long as you are using spray wax. Avoid using any sort of paste-based cleaner wax, as these can stain textured plastics.

Anything metal and mechanical should get a monthly coat of a anti-corrosion, light lube type product. You know what works well for this is gun oil spray. It has mild cleaners and has protective properties that will keep the bike from rusting.

When you ride it weekly, ride it long enough to dry out any crankcase condensation and then run it through the RPM range. Short trips are never good for internal combustion engines.

[ohgood]

Hey Guys,

I got a gs500 that I have to keep outside in the winter and I usually try to take it out at least once a week (try). Is there something in particular I could do to make sure the elements don't get the best of my bike? I'm around bay area in California and mainly concerned about rain and every now and then freezing temps (<32). Also, is there a difference whether the side stand or main stand are used?

Currently I just have a cover for the bike and thinking about adding some lube to various areas prone to rust, although not sure if anything could be done for the rotors.

Any input or links would be much appreciated,
Thank you

put a cover on it, and a shop light with a 60w bulb on the foot peg. the light will keep the temp above freezing, and help keep the air dryer also.

i did this during the winter and the bike was comfortable to touch on 20F mornings, instead of frigidly cold.

it won't care if it sits for 3 months this way, assuming you've put some fuel stabilizer in it and a battery tender.

[AK Baller]

Cool, thank you for the comments - I think my Suzi will be getting wax/lube job real soon.

Is there moisture accumulation issue with internals of the bike in these situations? Also, is the electrical pretty resilient to the moisture (I may add dielectric grease to points), I'd like to avoid having any major issues...

[Badot]

Center stand is generally better to use for storage as it takes a lot of weight off of tires/suspension. It's less stable than the side stand though.

[fetor56]

A descent cover for the 500cc size,with a tarpaulin over that....the tarp for extremes.

[adidasguy]

A descent cover for the 500cc size,with a tarpaulin over that....the tarp for extremes.

That's enough since you really don't have a true winter. Try to call what you have a winter and the nor easterners will laugh at you. Consider yourself lucky.