outdoor winter storage

htsang07 · September 18th, 2012, 04:10 PM

hey,

so i'm putting the bike away and this winter im not gonna be able to rent out an indoor garage. I'm just wondering if i've missed anything important to do for winter storage for the out doors.

I am currently trying to purchase the cycle shell and this is what i've done/plan on doing. I changed the oil, topped off the gas with stabilized gas, lubed anything that moves, washed/waxed, and i'm going to take out the battery and put it on stands.

Since i'm storing it outside for the winter, i'm not sure if I should buy some sort of "corrosion prevention spray to spray on metals and what not. I haven't really heard of anyone using a coating to prevent rust and i'm just wondering if anyone knows of anything good.

If someone has any ideas/advices for storing it outdoor, please do tell. I've really spent a while thinking this through and I don't want to get rid of my bike because i don't have anywhere to put it but at the same time I don't want it to get all rusty

scottg · September 18th, 2012, 04:19 PM

Use lots of WD-40. Spray it on every metal surface. Anything that has WD-40 on it won't rust. I never stored my bike outside but I had a cruiser last year that I kept in my friend's barn with way more exposed metal than the ninjette. I used almost an entire big bottle of WD-40 and it worked great. Just make sure you wash all of it off when you get back on the bike next spring. When it gets hot, it burns and smells terrible.

htsang07 · September 18th, 2012, 04:24 PM

For WD-40, is it okay if I spray everything? I mean like, painted surfaces/plastic etc? I don't really know much of what reaction there will be with what kind of surfaces so I want to make sure it would be okay..

I'm only asking because i'm not knowledgeable in these kinds of things, for instance, i had an instance where i drained the carb into a plastic cup and the gas ate right through the cup.. lol... I just dont want to come back to the bike and the paint is like... gone lol

scottg · September 18th, 2012, 04:33 PM

There is really no reason to spray the plastic or rubber pieces, the WD-40 is only being used to prevent rust on the metal. If a little drips on the plastic, I'd wipe it off since it's will be covered for so long but it's generally pretty safe for paint. You can actually use it to help take off sticker residue. I used it when I took of the Ninja stickers on my fairings.

htsang07 · September 18th, 2012, 04:41 PM

i was actually asking because of some of the parts are painted metal, such as the engine and i was wondering if it would be okay to spray that down as well or should i just leave it as it is.

because, the only metal that isn't painted is the headers and exhaust right?

FrugalNinja250 · September 18th, 2012, 04:43 PM

By outdoor, do you mean just out in the open in a parking lot? The big issues with outdoor storage revolve around moisture primarily, with physical damage from vandals/weather being an important second.

With moisture, you have to deal with falling water (rain, snow), airborne water (fog, humidity, condensation), as well as rising water (moisture from the ground). Parking on pavement eliminates most of the problems with rising water. A decent bike cover will take care of the falling water. The most damaging water will be humidity, in the form of condensation, and the two main parts of the bike that are most likely to be damaged by condensation are the tank and the cylinder walls inside the engine. As the temperatures cycle through warm and cold during the day, air inside the tank and cylinders expands and contracts, sucking in air that has humidity to some extent. When the air inside the tank and cylinders reaches the dewpoint water condenses and triggers rust.

What can you do about that? Fill the tank to the very top and add Stabil, then rock the bike side to side to slosh it up all over the inside of the tank. Run the engine with the fresh for a bit to get the cylinder walls coated then shut it off. Do this with a fully warmed up engine, that way you can do this without using the choke. Then, shut off the fuel at the petcock (if applicable) and drain the carbs.

Lube the chain and cables per normal (you do lube your cables, right?), not forgetting the throttle cables. Clean and wax all painted surfaces, as well as chrome bits.

All of these steps will prep your bike for probably a year of storage, though I'd recommend replacing the fuel in the tank (not the carbs or cylinders) every six months so that you can burn it in your car rather than having to take it to a hazardous waste disposal facility. I would not run year old gas in anything but a mower, and even that might be iffy.

If you're just storing it for a few months then you'll be fine. Also, a last note: If you can park it out of the wind that's a good thing because covers have been known to act as sails in storms and blow the bike over.

scottg · September 18th, 2012, 04:55 PM

Great tips^! It has been my experience that the WD-40 is fine on painted metals and won't remove anything.

htsang07 · September 18th, 2012, 05:26 PM

thanks for the tips! In addition, do you guys think a type of dessicant or like humidifier would be a good idea? I will be keeping the bike in a "cycle shell"

http://cycleshell.com/

I don't know if they make any kind of small dehumidifiers for outdoor purposes though..

scottg · September 19th, 2012, 05:12 AM

I wouldn't bother with a dehumidifier, they use way too much electricity and I don't think this will be enough of a barrier to hold the dry air. I've seen those shells before but never knew anyone who used one. I'd love to know how it goes over the winter since I don't have a garage either and one of these would totally fit in my driveway. Keep us updated!

htsang07 · September 19th, 2012, 05:23 AM

I'll definitely let you know how the cycle shell is. I purchased it because it looks like a good idea. I also bought some of those evadry dessicant that absorbs moisture and you can plug it in an outlet to reuse, Im not sure how well it'll work but ill let you guys know.

Btw how did you go about getting wd 40 into those hard to reach areas in the middle of everything?
Posted via Mobile Device

scottg · September 19th, 2012, 09:16 AM

The can usually comes with a long straw to put on the nozzle that will allow you to spray in hard to reach places.

LoneRonin · September 19th, 2012, 03:13 PM

Stick in a box of baking soda under the cover to take care of the humidity...
Stuff you exhaust and airbox with rags or something. You don't want little critters taking up refuge in there.

edit: If you still have your snorkel then don't worry about the airbox

alex.s · September 19th, 2012, 03:38 PM

winter? whats that.

lowdown112 · September 19th, 2012, 05:57 PM

I was looking into this, with the wd-40 spraydown

http://www.lowes.com/pd_274588-25-LW...roduct_price|0

scottg · September 19th, 2012, 07:04 PM

I really, really want one of those but I share parking with my neighbors.
Posted via Mobile Device

Whiskey · September 20th, 2012, 02:07 PM

@htsang07 ACF-50 (Anti Corrosion Formula 50) would be a better bet than WD-40. From what I've heard it's quite good.

http://www.acf-50.co.uk/motorcycle.htm

September 18th, 2012, 04:10 PM	#1
htsang07 ninjette.org member Name: Henry Location: Brooklyn Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Ninja 250r Posts: 17	outdoor winter storage hey, so i'm putting the bike away and this winter im not gonna be able to rent out an indoor garage. I'm just wondering if i've missed anything important to do for winter storage for the out doors. I am currently trying to purchase the cycle shell and this is what i've done/plan on doing. I changed the oil, topped off the gas with stabilized gas, lubed anything that moves, washed/waxed, and i'm going to take out the battery and put it on stands. Since i'm storing it outside for the winter, i'm not sure if I should buy some sort of "corrosion prevention spray to spray on metals and what not. I haven't really heard of anyone using a coating to prevent rust and i'm just wondering if anyone knows of anything good. If someone has any ideas/advices for storing it outdoor, please do tell. I've really spent a while thinking this through and I don't want to get rid of my bike because i don't have anywhere to put it but at the same time I don't want it to get all rusty

September 19th, 2012, 03:13 PM	#12
LoneRonin ninjette.org sage Name: Jason Location: Mississauga Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 09 Ninja 250r Posts: 634	Stick in a box of baking soda under the cover to take care of the humidity... Stuff you exhaust and airbox with rags or something. You don't want little critters taking up refuge in there. edit: If you still have your snorkel then don't worry about the airbox __________________________________________________ ”Any man dies with a clean sword, I’ll rape his f*ing corpse!”- The Hound

September 19th, 2012, 03:38 PM	#13
alex.s wat Name: wat Location: tustin/long beach Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 5 MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14	winter? whats that. __________________________________________________

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September 18th, 2012, 04:19 PM	#2
scottg ninjette.org member Name: Scott Location: Boston, MA Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250r Posts: 56	Use lots of WD-40. Spray it on every metal surface. Anything that has WD-40 on it won't rust. I never stored my bike outside but I had a cruiser last year that I kept in my friend's barn with way more exposed metal than the ninjette. I used almost an entire big bottle of WD-40 and it worked great. Just make sure you wash all of it off when you get back on the bike next spring. When it gets hot, it burns and smells terrible.

September 18th, 2012, 04:24 PM	#3
htsang07 ninjette.org member Name: Henry Location: Brooklyn Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Ninja 250r Posts: 17	For WD-40, is it okay if I spray everything? I mean like, painted surfaces/plastic etc? I don't really know much of what reaction there will be with what kind of surfaces so I want to make sure it would be okay.. I'm only asking because i'm not knowledgeable in these kinds of things, for instance, i had an instance where i drained the carb into a plastic cup and the gas ate right through the cup.. lol... I just dont want to come back to the bike and the paint is like... gone lol

September 18th, 2012, 04:33 PM	#4
scottg ninjette.org member Name: Scott Location: Boston, MA Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250r Posts: 56	There is really no reason to spray the plastic or rubber pieces, the WD-40 is only being used to prevent rust on the metal. If a little drips on the plastic, I'd wipe it off since it's will be covered for so long but it's generally pretty safe for paint. You can actually use it to help take off sticker residue. I used it when I took of the Ninja stickers on my fairings.

September 18th, 2012, 04:41 PM	#5
htsang07 ninjette.org member Name: Henry Location: Brooklyn Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Ninja 250r Posts: 17	i was actually asking because of some of the parts are painted metal, such as the engine and i was wondering if it would be okay to spray that down as well or should i just leave it as it is. because, the only metal that isn't painted is the headers and exhaust right?

September 18th, 2012, 04:43 PM	#6
FrugalNinja250 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Frugal Location: Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) Join Date: Mar 2010 Motorcycle(s): Several Posts: A lot.	By outdoor, do you mean just out in the open in a parking lot? The big issues with outdoor storage revolve around moisture primarily, with physical damage from vandals/weather being an important second. With moisture, you have to deal with falling water (rain, snow), airborne water (fog, humidity, condensation), as well as rising water (moisture from the ground). Parking on pavement eliminates most of the problems with rising water. A decent bike cover will take care of the falling water. The most damaging water will be humidity, in the form of condensation, and the two main parts of the bike that are most likely to be damaged by condensation are the tank and the cylinder walls inside the engine. As the temperatures cycle through warm and cold during the day, air inside the tank and cylinders expands and contracts, sucking in air that has humidity to some extent. When the air inside the tank and cylinders reaches the dewpoint water condenses and triggers rust. What can you do about that? Fill the tank to the very top and add Stabil, then rock the bike side to side to slosh it up all over the inside of the tank. Run the engine with the fresh for a bit to get the cylinder walls coated then shut it off. Do this with a fully warmed up engine, that way you can do this without using the choke. Then, shut off the fuel at the petcock (if applicable) and drain the carbs. Lube the chain and cables per normal (you do lube your cables, right?), not forgetting the throttle cables. Clean and wax all painted surfaces, as well as chrome bits. All of these steps will prep your bike for probably a year of storage, though I'd recommend replacing the fuel in the tank (not the carbs or cylinders) every six months so that you can burn it in your car rather than having to take it to a hazardous waste disposal facility. I would not run year old gas in anything but a mower, and even that might be iffy. If you're just storing it for a few months then you'll be fine. Also, a last note: If you can park it out of the wind that's a good thing because covers have been known to act as sails in storms and blow the bike over.

September 18th, 2012, 04:55 PM	#7
scottg ninjette.org member Name: Scott Location: Boston, MA Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250r Posts: 56	Great tips^! It has been my experience that the WD-40 is fine on painted metals and won't remove anything.

September 18th, 2012, 05:26 PM	#8
htsang07 ninjette.org member Name: Henry Location: Brooklyn Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Ninja 250r Posts: 17	thanks for the tips! In addition, do you guys think a type of dessicant or like humidifier would be a good idea? I will be keeping the bike in a "cycle shell" http://cycleshell.com/ I don't know if they make any kind of small dehumidifiers for outdoor purposes though..

September 19th, 2012, 05:12 AM	#9
scottg ninjette.org member Name: Scott Location: Boston, MA Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250r Posts: 56	I wouldn't bother with a dehumidifier, they use way too much electricity and I don't think this will be enough of a barrier to hold the dry air. I've seen those shells before but never knew anyone who used one. I'd love to know how it goes over the winter since I don't have a garage either and one of these would totally fit in my driveway. Keep us updated!

September 19th, 2012, 05:23 AM	#10
htsang07 ninjette.org member Name: Henry Location: Brooklyn Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Ninja 250r Posts: 17	I'll definitely let you know how the cycle shell is. I purchased it because it looks like a good idea. I also bought some of those evadry dessicant that absorbs moisture and you can plug it in an outlet to reuse, Im not sure how well it'll work but ill let you guys know. Btw how did you go about getting wd 40 into those hard to reach areas in the middle of everything? Posted via Mobile Device

September 19th, 2012, 09:16 AM	#11
scottg ninjette.org member Name: Scott Location: Boston, MA Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250r Posts: 56	The can usually comes with a long straw to put on the nozzle that will allow you to spray in hard to reach places.

September 19th, 2012, 05:57 PM	#14
lowdown112 ninjette.org member Name: Keith Location: Louisville KY Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): 01 Ninja 250, 98 Honda CR80, 79 Harley Sportster Posts: 162 Blog Entries: 1	I was looking into this, with the wd-40 spraydown http://www.lowes.com/pd_274588-25-LW...roduct_price\|0

September 19th, 2012, 07:04 PM	#15
scottg ninjette.org member Name: Scott Location: Boston, MA Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250r Posts: 56	I really, really want one of those but I share parking with my neighbors. Posted via Mobile Device

September 20th, 2012, 02:07 PM	#16
Whiskey ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Morgan Location: A city twinned with Kawasaki Join Date: Nov 2011 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250, 2010 STR 675 Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 1	@htsang07 ACF-50 (Anti Corrosion Formula 50) would be a better bet than WD-40. From what I've heard it's quite good. http://www.acf-50.co.uk/motorcycle.htm