Hello, Tropical Storm Fay is headed my way and I have a few quick questions. I live in an apt complex and I don't have anywhere to stash my bike while this tropical storm comes in. I wanted to hear people's opinions on how I should stand the bike. Should I leave it on its side stand with the forks locked. Or should I put it on the center stand. I feel if I put it on the center stand it would be more unstable vs the side stand. The winds where I am at will only be prob around 50 or alittle more, barring FAY doesn't strengthen anymore before she hits. It rains pretty hard here regularly, and there are a lot strong gusts, and she has been fine through all of that, so I am not too worried. I also have a cover on her as well. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Breaker out!   

You are right about the side stand, it should be much more steady on that. But, considering you are in a HUGE storm area, cant you find some small sheltered space to park it for the storm?

Well the only place I could put it is under the stairs in my apt walkway. The only thing is the winds could get alot stronger because of the wind tunnel effect with the wind funneling though. As of right now getting a garage is not really an option, perhaps in the future, but for this storm...

Thanks

You don't mention what year/model GS you have.  If it's a pre 04 GS or GS-E model with a big Plexi 2 type windshield take it off for the storm.   If you can park it on the downwind side of a building that would be helpful too.  If you leave it on the sidestand make sure the stand is on the downwind side.

I was at the beach about 10 years ago when a big wind came up off of Lake Erie and as I headed towards my Nighthawk 650 I saw it do a slamdunk into the tarmac shattering the big windshield and doing other minor cosmetic damage.  News reports later said there were sudden 50 mph wind gusts off the lake.

Just early this spring I was parked down in a valley park with my 02 GS with the Plexi 2 still on it and suddenly a big wind probably about 50 mph came up and the bike did a dive.  Broke the brake lever and the handlebar weight.

I have put a smaller Spitfire shield on it for summers for a few years now and it hasn't had any wind problems while parked with the small shield on.  Probably catches about as much wind as a GS-F model does.  But it's hard to beat a big Plexi 2 type shield here in the winter, I ride year round.

Be sure to leave it in gear if you leave it on the sidestand, a big wind from the rear can roll it of the stand.

You might also get yourself some tie-down straps to secure it to something solid.

If it were me I would probably roll that joker into the living room!   If you live upstairs I guess that would be a problem though.  I'm thinking SteveM is on to something with the tie down straps.  About 15 bucks for some tent stakes and ratchet straps would be well worth it in my opinion.  Good Luck!

Thanks for the replies. My wife suggested rolling it into the living room, and if it were going to get really bad i wouldnt have a prob with there. I have an 07 500f. The windshiled is tiny, and the cover doesn't even really make it a factor. I guess I'll have to see here in the next few hours and then go from there. I have some rachet straps, could go grab a few tents stakes as well.

Thanks again.

Quote from: BreakerIBS on August 18, 2008, 08:01:39 AM
Thanks for the replies. My wife suggested rolling it into the living room, and if it were going to get really bad i wouldnt have a prob with there. I have an 07 500f. The windshiled is tiny, and the cover doesn't even really make it a factor. I guess I'll have to see here in the next few hours and then go from there. I have some rachet straps, could go grab a few tents stakes as well.

Thanks again.

If she wasn't already your wife, I'd suggest that you marry her! 

Make sure that the cover is well secured too. I don't know how bad it's gonna be but couldn't the cover create extra problems if the wind catches beneath it? I begged a friend with a garage and that is where mine will be for Fay. Be safe!

Mary S.

i say put it in the living room. if you leave it oustide unsecured, it's going down. if the wife doesn't let ya, stick her outside unsecured

+1 on the tent stakes and ratchet straps if you cant put it in the living room. I wouldnt go for the cover though seems like that would make it a big wind sail. I'd face it into the direction the wind is coming put a kickstand coaster under it so it doesnt sink and stake & tie that biotch.

living room that thing if you can its just a day or two it needs to be there

wow.... I hope your bike didn't do this!

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=cb5_1219102524

Quote from: ecpreston on August 19, 2008, 07:52:09 AM
wow.... I hope your bike didn't do this!

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=cb5_1219102524

Ouch. What the heck was that guy doing out in a hurricane with a kite? Seems like he was asking for trouble...

 
Wow.... that video belongs in Wikipedia.... as part of the definition of MORON!
Stupid is as stupid does...

Like Ron White says... it's not the wind that'll kill you... it's what's IN the wind! 

Mike

I wouldn't worry about it. I live down in Fort Myers about 50 miles north of where Fay hit land this morning at about 6. My bike has been sitting on the side stand all night in my apts parking spot and has not moved a bit.

So barring an major out of the ordinary wind burst your bike shouldn't have an issue.

Hope this helps.

Quote from: applecrew on August 19, 2008, 09:51:39 AM
Like Ron White says... it's not the wind that'll kill you... it's what's IN the wind! 

I believe the quote is "it's not THAT the wind is a-blowing... it's WHAT the wind's blowin."

hope your bike was ok man!

Thanks for the responses guys. She made it through the storm no probs. The wind was around 40-50 with a few stronger gusts. But she held strong. The cover worked great, as I had it tied down nice and tight. Thankfully it flooded everywhere but in my parking lot. I actually drove her to the dealership yesterday for her first service (600 mi). Thanks for all the responses.

Breaker

looks like it's heading for me now.  time to put the bike in the garage & get the jeep out.

Glad it made it through ok.  Looks like I may catch some of it before its over here in Tuscaloosa.  Luckily mine will be all dry in the garage.