Topic: rainy weather: which is worse?...

[paulages]

which is worse: to leave a bike uncovered (say for the course of three months or so) during rainy season (nine months here  ), or to cover it wet? in this high-humidity climate nothing is going to stay dry, even with a cover, and stagnant water seems like it would be inviting corrosion more than at least having fresh rain constantly washing over it.

two tired, don't come in with your "i wouldn't know: it's a sunny 70 degrees here in northern california..." 

[my78k]

I personally would suspect that a decent rain resistant but still breathable cover would be the way to go...Goretex or a similar type of material.

I would avoid tarping it for sure!

Dennis

[nickjtc]

I personally would suspect that a decent rain resistant but still breathable cover would be the way to go...Goretex or a similar type of material.

I agree. It might be expensive, but she's worth it.

[KB02]

I'd dsay cover it, but I agree with the guys, make sure your cover has some sort of vent to it (and weather proof is nice). I can't remember the brand name of the cover that i got for my bike, but it cost around $70 or so, has lasted me about seven years (four of which the bike was parked outside and covered all the time) and is still good to use.

You get what you pay for... don't you know?   

[paulages]

i've always found plenty of condensation on my bike, even if it was covered when dry. obviously, a climate-controlled situation is ideal, which is why mine spends most of the winter in my garage. i still can't help but wonder though if the cover really helps in such a continuously damp environment. not saying it doesn't---it just doesn't seem too good to trap stagnant moisture either.

[nickjtc]

If you are concerned about moisture under the cover have at the bike on a regular basis with a moisture absorbing cloth (old nappy/diaper) toget rid of any excess. That will also give you a chance to bond with the bike on a regular basis!

[paulages]

believe me, me and this bike have spent WAY too much time together...   i might have to start seeing a therapist about co-dependancy issues...

[TwoTired]

I know you didn't want to hear from me.  But, here is my take on the cover issue, anyway.

For the stock bike, it is pretty rain resistant  The F model 550s collect water in the keyswitch.  Shoot some WD-40 in there.  And, make sure the fuel tank filler well drain is clear and flowing.  Also, make sure you have that little rubber cap on the caliper bleed nipple to keep water out of there.
A breatheable cover shouldn't hurt anything, as long as it doesn't block airflow near the bottom so air circulation can dry things out as soon as possible.  A cover can also keep the chain from being rain washed and the bulk of the rain water from running down spokes and inside the rim (Rust).
The stock Honda exhaust also has a drain for water entering the exhaust.  But a cover would minimize that, too.  One downside of a cover is that when it flaps about in the wind, any trapped dust or dirt abrades away finishes.

I think I would definitely want a cover on bikes with pod filters and exhaust systems where rain can enter without a built in drain at the low point of the system.

Don't underestimate the destructive power of the sun, though.  While it usually means a dry bike, upholstery, paint, rubber and plastic, show their age much more rapidly with sun exposure.  A cover extends the good looks of the bike parked in sunlight, too.  It's the price we pay for having many good riding days.

Cheers,

[rhinoracer]

two tired, don't come in with your "i wouldn't know: it's a sunny 70 degrees here in northern california..." 

Well I'm not in northern california, I'm in northern Baja California but still I wouldn't know. It's a sunny 70 degrees here .

Seriously, I think for the same price of a bike cover you can get one of those Auto Parts Store 10ft x 10ft canopys. You just ride in, park it and walk out.

Plus, you can pack it and take it to the beach. Oh wait, that's here in sunny 70 degrees northern baja 

[jevfro]

All good info. I can't say much because mine was just under a leakey carport all winter and got lots of exposure, however, I would like to add that you can use a desiccant like silica gel under the cover to help "suck up" some of the excess moisture.  It usually comes in packs, get a couple from a marine store (used for winterizing boats).  I'm really looking forward to my new HEATED shop!!!

[heffay]

the key to a covered bike is putting it in the sun... not the bike but, the covered bike.  there's no reason a bike can't be warm under a cover to evaporate the condensation... it's the direct sunlight that kills it.  that's what i've always tried to do w/ no condensation problems.

[wardmoto]

heffay is right, I lived in Daytona Beach Florida for a spell with my GS 550 Es and covered it all the time...the sun and a gentle breeze and you are....er ummm Covered?!?!

[paulages]

lloyd-- i definitely wanted your opinion, and expected a good one. i was just kidding around about your lovely climate you've mentioned before. 

anyway, i do cover mine usually when it's not in my garage (except that my cover just tore  recently ). i've just thought a lot before about the stagnant water vs. fresh water thing, and something never sat right about having stagnant moisture trapped under the cover, which is inevitable in a 40-50 degree average temperature with 90-100% humidity common. there's a reason why bikes out here either turn up really clean (garaged) or really rusty (stored outside, regarless of how): moisture will eventually win if metal is left to the elements.

we don't have to worry so much about sun damage here in oregon either...