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over wintering

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hi what is best to use on bike casings and other bits that tend to gather condensation in the garage in winter . i sprayed WD40 on my BSA cylinder head and other alloy bits which were dripping with condensation it worked for so long then needed reapplying so i want to make sure my commando is ok this winter . I would put it in my spare bedroom but cannot get it past the cupboards in the kitchen . any tips are very welcome . cheers john . PS i had my MT01 covered with a sheet and it got very damp 

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The construction of your storage area is important. It seems shipping containers and prefab concreate buildings with a tin roof in my experience are the worst. Also the water table being on the high side can mean dampness coming in from below.

I have found (In my experience) and where I am, is brick (Absorbent) and a fiberglass roof, generally watertight and thermal. Sound wooden buildings seem to work well too.

Apart from the other comments I would suggest a small dehumidifier to be turned on when the alloy shows dampness and putting a dry cloth up the silencer(s) to help prevent internal corrosion.

Finally, don't forget ventilation. Opening the garage door on a dry windy day for an hour should dry everything out on its own. But that sounds like a good day for a ride, even better.

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And always cover.  It massively reduces condensation.  Blankets, sheets...might also need plastic over it if the roof drips.  Also protect from those white spots of spider poo!

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I have found that putting a cover on a bike provides the perfect habitat for mice who will happily make homes in the seat foam and nibble the wiring.

My shed had a tin roof so I lined it with wood which helps. A dehumidifier can help too but does not work in cold weather. 

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Cover the bike in a cotton sheet and put a 60W bulb underneath, put this on a timer and/or thermostat to keep the cost down.

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As previously mentioned a dehumidifier will remove dampness from the building.  But the building does need to be airtight otherwise you will be trying to dehumidify the outside air.

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Thanks for all the advice my garage is concrete sections with asbestos type roof sheets . I used to use a 60 what bulb to warm boxes of honey but can no longer find any to buy . 

In reply to by bob_matthews

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Will that wash off with warm water and degreaser . Cheers 

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... my garage is brick built witha concrete floor and has an (uninsulated) timber and felt roof. I don't seem to get any condensation at all. I'm not keen on covers as they can get damp and foster rust etc.

Of course I never put snake oil in my petrol either and my bikes start first kick after weeks or months idleness.

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Jammed against the kitchen cupboards may seem confrontational, but it's ever-so damned stylish. Second only to leaving the bike parked leaning against the bar at closing time.

I can only vouch for the fact that central heating pipes under the floor of an integral garage are a wonderful thing.

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The best way to avoid condensation during the colder months is to ride your motorcycle frequently. If that is not practical I would suggest that you remove the cupboards and bring the machine into your house. It will be infinitely more interesting than 99% of the programmes on an ordinary television. 

In reply to by colin_cheney

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Your certainly right there rather look at the bike than the tv .

 


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