Storage
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
From: Bakersfield, CA
Storage
I have a question about storing my bike. I have an unheated garage, and I was wondering if storing your bike in that type of enviornment is bad. I also keep a cover on my bike most of the time, but I take it off from time to time to just gaze at my bike.
Anyway I notice that on real humid days the floor in my garage gets pretty wet. and I notice that when the cover is off the whole bike gets a coating of dew on it, but I think that is mostly on humid days. I worry about my chrome going bad.
I do park it on a carpet, and I do rotate the tires from time to time. And I have on occasion run the engine for 15 minutes or so, but that is just so I can hear it. Thanks.
Anyway I notice that on real humid days the floor in my garage gets pretty wet. and I notice that when the cover is off the whole bike gets a coating of dew on it, but I think that is mostly on humid days. I worry about my chrome going bad.
I do park it on a carpet, and I do rotate the tires from time to time. And I have on occasion run the engine for 15 minutes or so, but that is just so I can hear it. Thanks.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,803
Likes: 11
From: El Paso, Texas
You won't have a problem. Your cover should the indoor storage type, and I would not start it unless you intend to ride it. Starting for short periods of time causes condensation to build up in the engine. Also keep it on a battery tender. Keep the gas tank full and use a fuel stablizer.
Last edited by Dionicio; Jan 12, 2013 at 07:57 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 17,684
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From: Niagara, Ontario, Canada
In addition, always put mine up on a jack stand, and sheet of plastic so the moisture coming up out of the concrete or ground was kept down. That's my 2 cents. Now back to the beer...
ps, the plastic was on the ground under the jack
ps, the plastic was on the ground under the jack
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,614
Likes: 27
From: Toms River, NJ
Plus One !!! I always park on a rubber mat... I noted a big difference. I also agree.. Don't just start it if you aren't going to take it for at least a 1/2 hour ride. You really do more harm then good.
Be Safe JIM
Last edited by HDJIM1158; Jan 12, 2013 at 08:22 PM. Reason: .
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 93
Likes: 2
From: ND
I disagree with the post above stating you won't have a problem. You say you are getting a coat of dew on the bike. I had the same issue with several motorcycles I have had over the years with them stored in an unheated uninsulated shed. In time I had corrosion issues with chrome and also the engine fins getting nasty looking. It's just a fact, the moisture will cause issues.
I now store my bike in my unheated insulated garage and never see moisture buildups. Much better if you can do it.
Can you insulate your unheated garage? The temperature changes are what is causing the moisture, and insulating the garage will help immensely.
I now store my bike in my unheated insulated garage and never see moisture buildups. Much better if you can do it.
Can you insulate your unheated garage? The temperature changes are what is causing the moisture, and insulating the garage will help immensely.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
As suggested, use an indoor cover over your bike. You could apply a protective coating over your chrome and other bright parts over the winter, to keep down corrosion. Also consider using a small low power heater, like a green-house heater, to add a little heat to the garage. Even a light under the bike cover will add a little heat and help keep down condensation.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,520
Likes: 270
From: Wellsboro, PA
I just started riding in 05. I've been storing bikes in the foyer of a barn. It's got a roof over it & about an inch of space on the walls between 1 x 2s, also unheated. Bought my 1st Harley in 09. (EG Classic) Winter storage in the barn also. I put a square of a cardboard box under the tires, keep a trickle charger plugged in, keep it covered, and have never had a problem. I just don't fire it up unless I'm going for a ride.
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 103
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From: WV
Once on a really humid day I noticed all the chrome was covered in condensation. I was at the shop the next day and mentioned it to the service manager. He told me to go to Walmart and get a cheap fan and set it in front of the bike. The air flow over the bike will keep the condensation away. He said it's the same concept as the expensive bubble storage that Harley sells. I run it year around and cover it with the Harley inside breathable cover. That was five years ago and it hasn't happened again.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 7,079
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From: Queens, NY
just get a cheap heater for the garage.
we keep our bikes in a 12x12 shed, but we do all our work in a single car garage and a single space heater (the type that plugs into the wall and looks like an old wall unit radiator) keeps the garage at 73* as long as the door stays shut.
we keep our bikes in a 12x12 shed, but we do all our work in a single car garage and a single space heater (the type that plugs into the wall and looks like an old wall unit radiator) keeps the garage at 73* as long as the door stays shut.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Once on a really humid day I noticed all the chrome was covered in condensation. I was at the shop the next day and mentioned it to the service manager. He told me to go to Walmart and get a cheap fan and set it in front of the bike. The air flow over the bike will keep the condensation away. He said it's the same concept as the expensive bubble storage that Harley sells. I run it year around and cover it with the Harley inside breathable cover. That was five years ago and it hasn't happened again.