November 10th, 2013, 07:38 PM | #1 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Stephen
Location: North Carolina
Join Date: Jan 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 SE, 2002 Bonneville, 1964 Bonneville Bobber Project Posts: 13
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Keeping Your Bike Outside
Off and on I consider picking up a Ninja 250 as a second bike. My hesitation stems largely from my lack of garage space; I would have to keep the bike outside.
Does anyone here keep a bike outdoors regularly? Other than a cover, are there other precautions? What are the issues with having the bike outside through winter? Thanks for any thoughts. |
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November 10th, 2013, 08:02 PM | #2 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Bobby
Location: Mount Washington Ky
Join Date: Nov 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Phantom Silver, 2006 Harley Davidson XL1200L Glacier White Posts: 28
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Outside is tricky, as it really depends on moisture. Instead of a cover, they sell small dome tents just for cycles. They breathe well and keep dust, sun, rain, etc off the bike. They can be found in the back of most cycle mags. Otherwise, wax all painted surfaces and keep everything clean. Plug the mufflers and intake to keep rodents and bugs out during the winter. Ride as often as you can to keep the critters away!
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November 10th, 2013, 08:11 PM | #3 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Rebecca
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 w/ ABS, 2014 NC700X, 2008 Ninja 250 (sold), 2002 Ninja 250 (sold) Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jan '18, Sep '13
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Don't forget locks and/or alarms. Definitely have comprehensive insurance if you value your bike at all since even locks and alarms won't stop the most determined thief.
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November 10th, 2013, 08:14 PM | #4 |
RIP Alex
Name: Cuong
Location: Houston, TX
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): '10 250r, '09 265r Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 2
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I just throw a cover on and it make sure the chain is lubed so it won't rust.
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November 10th, 2013, 09:12 PM | #5 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Justin
Location: Toronto
Join Date: Sep 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja SE Posts: 103
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Same thought, but actually fire and theft will do, comprehensive would also include collision depends if he needs it or not.
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November 10th, 2013, 09:22 PM | #6 |
So, where's the reverse?
Name: Anson
Location: Ontario, Canada
Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
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Not sure how cold it gets in your parts but I'd bring the battery indoors.
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November 10th, 2013, 09:46 PM | #7 |
Certifiable nontundrum
Name: Harper
Location: NC Milkshake stand
Join Date: Mar 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2013 SE NINJA 300 Posts: Too much.
MOTM - Sep '13, Sep '16
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I kept mine outside my apartment in Jacksonville fl for 6 months while I lived there, no problems... Would I do it again? I freakin hope I don't have to. Is it happier in the garage up here, yup.
What part of nc you located in?
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November 11th, 2013, 12:35 AM | #8 |
old git
Name: Steve
Location: Geneve Switzerland
Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): BMW K1300S Posts: 479
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If you live by the sea don't do it, the salt air does a lot of damage to electrical connections.
Steve
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Some mistakes are too much fun to make only once. |
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November 11th, 2013, 12:42 AM | #9 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Rebecca
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 w/ ABS, 2014 NC700X, 2008 Ninja 250 (sold), 2002 Ninja 250 (sold) Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Jan '18, Sep '13
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November 11th, 2013, 12:54 AM | #10 |
Bass Master General
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I live a mile from the sea, I always keep my bike outside in all conditions and never cover it and it's fine.
Just spray it twice a year with ACF50 and job's a good'un. Only problem I get is emulsification of the engine oil from too many short trips as my island is too small to warm up engines on a journey. |
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November 11th, 2013, 01:40 AM | #11 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Bob
Location: CA
Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250r, '14 CBR500r Posts: A lot.
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LOL
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Honda Interceptor VFR800 DLX (2014, 8th gen) Honda CBR500r (2014) - FOR SALE Kawi Ninja 250r (2008) - Restored and passed-down within family, only to be abandoned |
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November 11th, 2013, 07:21 AM | #12 |
So, where's the reverse?
Name: Anson
Location: Ontario, Canada
Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
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November 11th, 2013, 07:26 AM | #13 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Stephen
Location: North Carolina
Join Date: Jan 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 SE, 2002 Bonneville, 1964 Bonneville Bobber Project Posts: 13
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November 11th, 2013, 07:29 AM | #14 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: Stephen
Location: North Carolina
Join Date: Jan 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 SE, 2002 Bonneville, 1964 Bonneville Bobber Project Posts: 13
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Quote:
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November 11th, 2013, 08:56 AM | #15 | |
not an actual panda
Name: dan
Location: philadelphia
Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250, 2009 CBR600RR (Sold) Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
I throw a cover on and keep the chain lubed and wash it once in awhile and it's fine. |
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November 11th, 2013, 09:46 AM | #16 |
Certifiable nontundrum
Name: Harper
Location: NC Milkshake stand
Join Date: Mar 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2013 SE NINJA 300 Posts: Too much.
MOTM - Sep '13, Sep '16
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Winston salem... Get an alarm and a lock an such.
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November 11th, 2013, 10:00 AM | #17 | |
old git
Name: Steve
Location: Geneve Switzerland
Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): BMW K1300S Posts: 479
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Quote:
Steve
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Some mistakes are too much fun to make only once. |
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November 11th, 2013, 10:11 AM | #18 | |
Bass Master General
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Quote:
To answer Steve, ACF50 neutralizes salt, and the problem with the UK is they salt their roads, over here we don't use any salt or grit on the roads, it's the rock salt on the roads that really kills your metal work. I've taken my tank off a couple times and never had any rust on the usual spots, my frame is tip top, even where it's got a scratch! If there are any two products I can't recommend highly enough, it's ACF50 and a Scottoiler. |
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November 11th, 2013, 11:15 AM | #19 |
"scandal!"
Name: Adan
Location: Somewhere
Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 250R(Crashed 2/26/2014), 09 ER6n Posts: 660
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I live in an apartment complex and have had my bike outside for the past two years.
The 250 did just fine but the chain would get dusty quite often (Texas) except when I would have the cover on it. It did good outside. Then I took the 250 to Brownsville TX by the ocean and again... I had to leave it outside. It did okay I noticed my chain had developed a small layer of rust the first night there. I just made sure to lube a little more often and keep everything else lubed. Rust developed in lots of places such as screws and scratches. I too am in a similar dillema. I now have two bikes, the 250 is being used by a friend who owns a bike shop and I got the 650. But when the 250 comes home I don't know what I'm going to do. Maybe buy a speedway cover/shelter? The idea of leaving two bikes out in the open is very nerve wrecking. |
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November 11th, 2013, 06:44 PM | #20 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Stephen
Location: North Carolina
Join Date: Jan 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 SE, 2002 Bonneville, 1964 Bonneville Bobber Project Posts: 13
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Sounds like some of you do it without major problems--now to save a little money and find a deal! (And order some ACF50 from across the pond.)
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November 11th, 2013, 07:04 PM | #21 |
Jedi on Two Wheels
Name: Cameron
Location: Kent Island
Join Date: Nov 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Kawasaki Ninja 250r (Slightly Modded) Posts: 489
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I have neither a shed nor garage. So my ninja stays outside in my backyard (hidden of course) unless it gets really cold, like tonight. I brought her into the laundry room haha.
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November 12th, 2013, 12:16 AM | #22 | |
Bass Master General
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Quote:
http://www.amazon.com/Lear-Chemical-...keywords=acf50 I know this bottle is $20, but you will get three applications out of this easily, that's 18 months. |
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November 12th, 2013, 06:32 AM | #23 | |
Long Time Rider
Name: Blue
Location: Charlotte, NC
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
Other than the wide fluctuation in temps in Charlotte. You won't have a big problem. Keep the chain lubed, the bottom half of the bike cleaned, start and ride it every few days and it will be fine. Your battery will take a hit at night in the cold. |
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