Rain/Rust?

Message

buddhacide · Sun Sep 03, 2006 2:39 pm

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?)

Kal · #2 Unread post by **Kal** » Sun Sep 03, 2006 2:49 pm

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.

#3 Unread post by **9000white** » Sun Sep 03, 2006 3:14 pm

the exposed electrical switches,throttle and clutch cables should be of more concern than chrome.

buddhacide · Sun Sep 03, 2006 5:38 pm

^^^ Yeah, that is a concern I forgot to note. How big an issue is this?

Salt isnt an issue at preseent. The bike was cool when the rain started. I washed the bike the day before, but havent polished the chrome.

Kal · #5 Unread post by **Kal** » Sun Sep 03, 2006 6:07 pm

Take some reasonable care with it and it should be alright. End of the day Motorbikes are designed to get wet.

Mon Sep 04, 2006 2:05 am

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.

Posthumane · Mon Sep 04, 2006 6:34 am

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.

TR7 · #8 Unread post by **TR7** » Mon Sep 04, 2006 11:16 am

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.