leaving it outside?
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 651
Likes: 2
From: Yokosuka, Japan
RE: leaving it outside?
I have to leave my bike outside and have not had ony problems but..
I am overseas in Asiaand crime is almost unheard of here
The base we live on does not have carports or garages
I have to wash it more often because of the damnyellow dust coming in from the Gobi desert
I keep a cover on it most of the time when it is parked.
I take the saddlebags off if I know I am not going to be ridingon my days offor if it is going to rain.
You have seen the pics of those bags and what happens to them under exposure to heat. Add to that the leather expands when wet and gets all wrinkley. Sometimes it will not go back in shape as I have read in other threads. Put the leather conditioner/cleaner on right away and reapply at least once a month if not every few weeks.
I am overseas in Asiaand crime is almost unheard of here
The base we live on does not have carports or garages
I have to wash it more often because of the damnyellow dust coming in from the Gobi desert
I keep a cover on it most of the time when it is parked.
I take the saddlebags off if I know I am not going to be ridingon my days offor if it is going to rain.
You have seen the pics of those bags and what happens to them under exposure to heat. Add to that the leather expands when wet and gets all wrinkley. Sometimes it will not go back in shape as I have read in other threads. Put the leather conditioner/cleaner on right away and reapply at least once a month if not every few weeks.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 103
Likes: 1
From:
RE: leaving it outside?
I live in an apartment for now so I have to leave it out. I was using a bike cover and secure it with a heavy hardened chain and lock. I also have the factory alarm and pager II. I have just purchased a toy carrier trailer which is vented and lockable. I chain the trailer down and also chain the wheel and axle. Lastly, I always park my truck or car behind the trailer. If they get it then there is always insurance.
[align=left] [/align]
[align=left] [/align]
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 535
Likes: 0
From: Mont. Co. Maryland
RE: leaving it outside?
I live in a townhouse w/o garage but I keep mine in a storage near my house. Extra cost, but a peace of mind. I have 24/7 access so I ride anytime I want.....Also looking to buy a house w/ gargare soon.
Banned
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,301
Likes: 4
From:
RE: leaving it outside?
you got a front door and living room don't you?
well ride it in and you got a new expensive piece of furniture
that has the added advantage of being movable under it's own power?
Now about that piano...........
well ride it in and you got a new expensive piece of furniture
that has the added advantage of being movable under it's own power?
Now about that piano...........
Advanced
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 97
Likes: 5
From: MA
RE: leaving it outside?
If you can put a pre-fab shed on your property I suggest Postwoodworking.com, I had them build a shed for me, 8x14, about 3 weeks ago,and really happy with the results, andextra room for the lawn mower, etc. Costis between $2100 and $3000 depending on how you want it built.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 216
Likes: 0
RE: leaving it outside?
I have an 07 flht. It lives outside. Either that or no bike. It goes to storage for the winter.I use decent cover and the most important thing is .. another cover under the outer cover. You need something that is all cotton to drape over the tins. I have a cut blanket that covers the bags and rear fender an old towel that covers the tank and the other half of the blanket goes over the fairing and front fender. If you just throw a cover over it with no undercover when the wind blows the outer cover will scratch your tins. You also want to make sure you always use the bungies that come with the cover to keep the outer cover from billowing in the wind.A full size antena for the radio makes a great rideg pole to help shed water!! Remember no under cover and you get scratched tins. A Very good quality ALL COTTON bed sheetmakes a good under cover!!
RE: leaving it outside?
Here's my story....I moved to Coastal NC for 2 months and had no garage. I swear it rained at least 3 to 4 times a week while I was there. I covered her at night and rode to work during the day. Some days I left her at workand took the shop trunk home. Still, the fork legs pitted along with the wheels. The engine cases stained to where scrubbing with chrome polish wouldn't bring it back. The chrome started peeling off the bag guards. The local dealer said 'normal'. At 6500 miles my bike looked like it had been around the world. I'm still sulking about it....
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,427
Likes: 0
From:
RE: leaving it outside?
It is a machine made of metal. It won't melt in the sunlight. Keeping it covered will protect it from paint fade, etc. I'd be far more worried about theft. I have to agree with a couple of others here, who recommended either a covered locking trailer, or a storage shed. Out of sight, out of mind. At least until you get that house with a garage.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025
Verdad Gallardo
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 214
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma
RE: leaving it outside?
could always get one of those portable car ports. they sell them here for 600-800 made of steel and sheetmetal they come set them up where ever you want them, held down solid with 3 foot nails drove into the ground thru the frame going to put one over my 2 car driveway this summer. buddy parks his '07 uc on his front poarch have to squeeze by it to get in the house
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 378
Likes: 0
From:
RE: leaving it outside?
My 03 RoadKing sat outside for 3 years here in Tucson. I had it covered when not in use and had no problems what so ever. Living out in the desert crime was never a problem. When i went to work the cover went on and after the days riding it also went on. As far as the elements are concerned you should not have a problem....and depending on where you live, crime/theft may or may not be a problem.