I got lazy and didnt cover my bike a few nights ago after riding. There proceded to be a huge rainfall that has yet to stop really. The bike cover is drenched in a pile near my house, so I want to let it dry in the sun before putting it on. I'm just curious, how bad is it for the bike to be left uncovered. I know from time to time its ok, but when does it become degradive to the bike? For example, when does the chrome begin to be affected (rust?)
Depends on a whole bunch of factors. Has it been hit by salt, is the chrome being heated after being wet, has the chrome been chipped, when was the last time the chrome was cleaned & polished.
Maybe lube the cables with WD-40 when you can. I just had to replace my choke cable which isn't too big a deal until you realize that you have to take the tank and air box off to do it and wait a week for the dealer to get the part to you.
So what do you guys do when you actually ride in the rain? Geez, a little water isn't going to hurt a bike if you take care of it properly. As was mentioned, bikes are made to get wet. Most cables are sealed off at the top to keep water from getting in, and they should be lubed anyway. I've only had very minor electrical glitches in really heavy driving rain for several days straight, and that was with my old, crappy bike with all the wires soldedered atleast a couple times. No problems at all on my new bike with riding in heavy rain.
storysunfolding wrote:Maybe lube the cables with WD-40 when you can. I just had to replace my choke cable which isn't too big a deal until you realize that you have to take the tank and air box off to do it and wait a week for the dealer to get the part to you.
id say use 3 in 1 oil or graphite. wd-40 might evaporate and do little good.