Bike storage outside

[amare32]

I currently store my CG125 in my folks garage as I've been running it for the last month before my DAS test in a couple of weeks time. The 125 is fairly easy to push out (backwards) despite a slight uphill drive.

I have my own flat with generous parking spaces and a decent sized hut / bin storage with roof (with surrounding walls but still part exposed) which I can store the bike. However I'm not always around the flat which makes me a bit nervous about keeping the bike there. My folks stay about 10mins away so I don't mind driving over to get the bike for a run for now.

Only thing is once I get a 600, I may want to commute to work in it so don't want the hassle of an extra journey so been thinking about storing it outside my flat and investing in a good cover and ground anchor for a chain.

My only worries is that the bike with a good cover is still 'exposed' to the elements - will bits corrode regardless of the quality of cover? Increased chance of theft is also a worry, should I bite the bullet and store it in my folks garage? Other worry is that pushing a 600 up a slight hill and backing it in down might be difficult...

What do you guys think??

[Phone_Monkey]

Well insurance in a garage would be a lot less for a start. Also, don't be too concerned about wheeling the bike around, it isn't all that hard, in fact you will probably be best wheeling it up and then riding out.

[Hooli]

one of mine lives outside with no cover etc. if your commuting on it then it'll get skanky anyway. my opinion is the wind/breeze/gales we get all summer will dry it faster than locked away in a garage.
if your getting a decent bike i would invest in a ground anchor & cover for security though.

[amare32]

The plan is to get an SV650 2nd hand and only maybe take it to work on the odd dry sunny day. I have a Polo Tdi and will also be taking delivery of a new TT Coupe next month. Don't have to commute in it but nice to be able to choose.

I suspect the bike will be packed away in the garage at my folks over winter and use the Polo and TT when the crap weather rolls around (as if we've not had enough already...).

Will be getting a Gixxer 600 once I have about a year experience so that'll defo be staying put in a garage.

[sjtscott]

Hooli said:

one of mine lives outside with no cover etc. if your commuting on it then it'll get skanky anyway. my opinion is the wind/breeze/gales we get all summer will dry it faster than locked away in a garage.
if your getting a decent bike i would invest in a ground anchor & cover for security though.

I agree with ground anchor and cover route for outside storage, cover gives an elment of protection to the bike in bad weather but mainly acts as additional barrier to casual prying eyes. Ensure the bike has at least an approved immobiliser too, wouldn't recommend an alarm (esp System3) due to wind affecting oversensitive movement sensors.
Mine lives outside under a cover and locked to something v solid with a f-off almax chain, for added peace of mind an approved disclock also lives on one of the wheels too. The bike also has factory standard immobiliser too. You should be looking to make a potential theifs work to steal it as tough as possible - however given enough time anything can and will go as I know only too well!

[Hooli]

amare32 said:

The plan is to get an SV650 2nd hand and only maybe take it to work on the odd dry sunny day.

ya girl i got mine on the 28th of Jan & the car didnt move again till nearly april.