Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: JeffOlson on June 14, 2015, 10:25:13 AM
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We are making a lifestyle change. We just sold our newer, fancy house in a suburban bedroom community and have moved to a very old, rustic farm house on acres of land.
Our dogs love it (and I am warming up to it), but there is no garage (or barn) I can use. Consequently, I will need to park my daily commuter Norge out in the elements.
Should I get a cover for it, or just not worry about it? It is sunny and warm now. However, come fall, it will be cold and wet.
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Depends on how long you're going to stay
I'd at least get one of those shade awnings with side panels and stake it down (or cast it in concrete).
If I was planning on staying for 5 years I build a Barn with a studio apartment, big screen, bar, loading bench, workbench, bike lift, car lift, basement........... ...
Mark
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DOWCO covers are what I used when we had an apartment.
Dean
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It it were me, I think I'd build a fair sized shed, maybe like you can get from Home Depot, put it on a concrete slab, and insulate it well. Then I could optionally run a dehumidifier if necessary. In my experience, the problems saved from chasing corrosion and fuel system problems would be well worth it, and you'd have a great place to do maintenance on it.
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Are you parking it on dirt? That won't be good for it, even if you cover it. Hopefully you've got a concrete pad, or at the very least a nice packed gravel pad to park it on.
Even covered, the bike will be subject to the elements 24/7, so will suffer for it. Moisture will rust and corode anything that can rust and corode, and the cover will probably scratch the paint because of wind ruffling it constantly.
Consider spending some money for a small detached garage to keep the bike and other things in.
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If you have never left your moto outside, you will be shocked how soon your gauge needles fade, your seat cracks, and how many cobwebs etc accumulate. Not to mention when it hasn't rained in a few days, but when you sit on your seat it goes 'squish' and water seeps out of the stitching and wets your ass.
I'd get a cover at a bare minimum...
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a canopy is better than a cover which can trap moisture. what Rocker said, parking on earth will be bad.
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It is parked on packed gravel at home and in a garage during workdays at my office.
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Bike covers never seem to last very long, especially when taking them on and off every day, and the cheap ones trap moisture.
I would look into one of those pre-fab sheds for the short term until I could build a proper barn or garage. Check out the sheds they sell at Home Depot or Lowes. You can get a pretty nice shed big enough for storing and working on a bike out of the elements for a pretty reasonable price.
Also, there are sheds and storage buildings that you can rent. I have not done the math to see if it's worth renting one vs. buying but if you aren't in a position to drop a thousand or two on a decent one, at least there are options to look at.
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Inter granular exfoliation ,uniform etch and the heartbreak of galvanic action. I would use something from shelter logic .
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Living room? Awe please honey ?
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Should be able to get one of these in kit form at a lumber yard....
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Penderic/P1160028_zpsnyovo1va.jpg)
Mine has lasted 5 years now - the cover is starting to fray a bit at some folds but it has been a very good shelter for the bike. Taken quite a beating and the zippers still work! :thumb: :thumb:
Another but much nicer looking one that I have seen advertised somewhere on the net....
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Penderic/Motorcycle-Shed_zpsm57p4nxp.jpg)
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Well ,are you renting or did you buy the place. Depending on your answer to dictate the type of shelter you should get....with that said ,yes shelter would be a good thing!!
Even a tent style shelter on a treated wood base sitting on a bed of gravel would be very nice and easy on the wallet and your ride.
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We are renting for a year, while we remodel our old beach cabin. A tent-like strructure with a floor looks like a great idea!
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I have one of these for the riding season, and am very happy with it - http://www.cycleshell.com/
In the winter though, the bike hibernates in the walk-out basement.
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Check this out
https://www.louis.de/en/artikel/acebikes-universal-folding-garage/10008314?list=86429769
This just for reference
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Acebikes-Motorcycle-Folding-Garage-Motorshelter-Motorbike-Shelter-/251970869413?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3aaaa258a5
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You should be able to build/buy some sort of shed or shelter on the cheap. I put up an Arrow brand metal shed ( 10x12 ) for about $500. That included the 2x4's and 3/4" plywood for the floor. Didn't take long at all. Perfect for a Norge and supplies! :wink: Got it all at Menards.
Could be sold or moved when the time comes to move to the beach cabin.
Randy
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No one has mentioned rodents yet. They love to ruin motorcycles.
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It is parked on packed gravel at home and in a garage during workdays at my office.
Garaged 5 days a week when the sun is high will be good for the gauges and paint.
I (were I you, and I've been in your situation before) would build a simple 4-post raftered shed, maybe 6' x 10' in plan and 8' high; even if it's not sided at all, it will protect from sun and direct rain, and allow air to move, AND be a convenient shaded place to do simple maintenance.
Lannis
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Even with the best cover I've found (made by Wunderlich & sold at BMW Motorad places, and thus costly) the moisture rises to corrode aluminium, steel & everything else. The more you can protect it from the moisture and humidity, the better. One of those garden sheds sold in kits would be a vast improvement over a cover, or even a lightweight tent. Aim for dry first, and then insulate to keep the temperatures more even. it shouldn't have to cost much.
Mal
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Buy a small enclosed trailer, with a door the lays down as a ramp. Get a decent used one and if you no loner want it, it can always be sold on. Had a few buddies do this for storage of MC's while in apartments and such. Dual function, trailer and storage unit!
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Aim for dry first, and then insulate to keep the temperatures more even.
Insulation helps a lot with the dry part, too. With a well insulated shed in cool weather, ground heat will keep the inside temperature well above the outdoor temperature, reducing relative humidity.
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I've left my 01 Cal special outside for the last 13 years. Nothing that new paint won't fix. Still runs great. However, our new place has multiple garages and I don't know if my bike can handle such coddling. (https://scontent-lax1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10398649_1042540620562_1128965_n.jpg?oh=cbbf6ffb2d438215a1442276ce765944&oe=563374E9)
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What Triple Jim said. Build a shed. There is no excuse for leaving a bike out in the elements. Problems magnify exponentially when you do that. Some lumber yards sell shed kits.
Ralph
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Consequently, I will need to park my daily commuter Norge out in the elements.
Is it outside at the other end of your commute i.e. when you get to work?
Sunlight will do more damage than rain, at the very least get a good cover.
I keep mine in an underground parking garage, I swear I hear them chuckle as I walk past.
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I like the little trailer idea and like mentioned you can sell it when you move. Mine Norge stays in the carport at home and is actually in the double door storage room on the back of our office complex at work. Work location is way better than home. It even feels air conditioned in the summer. Some of my fasteners have already started rusting.
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http://speedwayshelters.com/index.php
Someone posted about these a while back:
(http://speedwayshelters.com/images/newanimation2.gif)
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I've left my 01 Cal special outside for the last 13 years. Nothing that new paint won't fix. Still runs great. However, our new place has multiple garages and I don't know if my bike can handle such coddling. (https://scontent-lax1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10398649_1042540620562_1128965_n.jpg?oh=cbbf6ffb2d438215a1442276ce765944&oe=563374E9)
How old is this pic ? you should post a pic of your bike after 13 years outside on the elements.... i bet a paint job wont fix it .
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My first bike was left out in the elements most of it's life. Kentucky, NY state, AZ and NM. In NM it was on a porch. When at work it was in the open as well. After 10 years I tore it down and repainted it (mainly cause I was replacing all the bearings and fixing some of the wiring). Good as new.
Currently my bike lives on a covered porch, but, at work it is out in the open.
As stated above, I'd be more concerned about rodents. If you put the bike under cover it should be rodent proof. Those little buggars love warm, dry nooks and crannies. Where we live I leave the hood open on the truck (it doesn't get driven much). Makes the engine compartment not as attractive to them.
I love the covered trailer idea. Just make sure you make it mouse proof as well.
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When I lived in Chicago I rented a shipping container and had it dropped in my back yard. I cut a hole and installed a roof vent then rand a cord and plugged in a box fan and a heater in the winter. This worked very well for 4 yrs. and when we moved to Arizona I did a litle metal and welded the hole for the vent closed. Didn't hear one word of complaint for the container guy about the hole repair. I don't remember the rent of the thing but it was very affordable.
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....just push the bike inside the home , it can be a good furniture piece....
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....just push the bike inside the home , it can be a good furniture piece....
Ha ha! I've done that with my wife's Vespa. It looks nice in the kitchen!
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Ha ha! I've done that with my wife's Vespa. It looks nice in the kitchen!
They are styled a bit like 1950s kitchen appliances.
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Yeah , and the thieves get a trailer also :shocked: Remember to pull the wheels , or at least install a hitch lock .
Dusty
Or chain it to a tree!
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From my pic library (don't know where I got it from originally)
Much more expensive than the tent/polytarp type - urban sized unit, no drive thru or provision for lights and vents that I can see.
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Penderic/large_motorcycle_garage_zpsd8trskxn.jpg)
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From my pic library (don't know where I got it from originally)
Much more expensive than the tent/polytarp type - urban sized unit, no drive thru or provision for lights and vents that I can see.
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Penderic/large_motorcycle_garage_zpsd8trskxn.jpg)
Yes, an Alaskan gun safe is a good option.
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You guys must have some really BIG guns! :laugh:
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From my pic library (don't know where I got it from originally)
Much more expensive than the tent/polytarp type - urban sized unit, no drive thru or provision for lights and vents that I can see.
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Penderic/large_motorcycle_garage_zpsd8trskxn.jpg)
I could be mistaken, but that looks like a vented ridge cap to me...
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(http://bestdiywood.co.vu/downloadshedplans/wp-content/upload/2014/06/shed/diy-motorbike-shed-3.jpg) simple, safe, well vented, easy to build.
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Home Depot has some plastic sheds that might work, plus we could take it with us when we move again. Perhaps something like this (but without the non-MG content):
(http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImages/1000/05/053f7c6a-daf4-47bc-8e8e-a3a277628c60_1000.jpg)
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+1 for a shed. After living in NYC for 3 years with a vespa on the streets, I had to cover it and honestly the elements were the least of the worries there. I only covered it so it would draw less attention and hopefully not get stolen (which it didn't). However putting the cover on and off will get old and annoying. Having even a small awning to put it under would be a huge improvement and save you a lot of hassle.
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If you insist on getting a folder that you can take with you .....
(https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT11wZTp3p_MkUCNKmXBv1J1gMt81AaqYr79e0R2x5J5Brs7h09Kg)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDc3H-UMm6s
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I know this has been discussed many times before, but I'm interested in your current thoughts on the matter.
I have a new Norge (as of today!) that will need to spend the winter outdoors. We are living temporarily on a farm, with no garage and not even any pavement or asphalt, just some gravel and a large overhanging roof.
Our two Vespas are parked under the overhang, plugged into battery tenders and covered with waterproof Vespa OEM covers. Unlike Vespa, however, Moto Guzzi does not make a waterproof cover for the Norge (just a stretchy cloth cover).
Any preferences (besides a plastic tarp)?
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One of those temporary shelters is really the best way to protect a bike .
Dusty
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My bikes live outdoors all the time. No garage. So I buy the all weather covers from Cyclegear when they are on sale. They last about two years then the sun rots the top. This year I'm trying 3M 303 on them to see if that gets me a bit more time. I bought the 303 for the vinyl on my truck bed cover and figure why not give it a whirl.
The worst they see is sun. Looking at making a awning for them but building codes are hampering me. "temporary" Structures seem to get a pass so I'm trying to noodle out something.
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The Wunderlich covers from BMW places are the best I've come across, but with gravel underfoot, even they won't be satisfactory. Some sort of temporary shelter, with, say, an industrial rubber floor, or some carpet off-cut, would be much preferable. A lean-to with a bit of corrugated iron/colorbond might work. A garden shed, without one wall? Again, you need some kind of stable, non-slippery floor. A tent? A large fly with inverted V uprights - so you can ride in, and ride out again.
Mal
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moisture will come out of the ground and get in the waterproof cover from the bottom and condense promoting rust. I think you need a breathable water resistant cover..
my friend from HS had his "72 Cuda stored like that for a long time and it rusted away before he uncovered it.. shame..
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Geza Gear. Works a treat and costs like it, too.
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NEW Norge??
And you will leave it in snow?
I had similar problem in NJ, no garage. 1st winter the bike stayed in living room. I was happy. So was the bike.
Second year, due to wife's objections, I rented a small storage unit. Bike was happy and wife too.
$65 per month.
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Do you have a large tent and room in the yard?
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We do have plenty of room in the yard. Acres, in fact. Temporarily, I will use a cover of some sort. But longer term, some kind of tent might work (or perhaps my wife's garden shed that was wrecked in a windstorm).
The Norge needs to be tough. All of our vehicles need to be tough. What's little wind or snow or rain? One of my ancestors came over on the Anne (Francis Sprague, Plymouth Colony, July, 1623). They didn't have any garages...
PS: I just ordered a Wunderlich outdoor cover as at least a temporary measure. Thanks for the tip, Mal.
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When I lived in the mountains in the Idaho pan handle I built a wikiup out of young alders and covered it with
20 mil black plastic. I would keep one or two motorcycles in it each winter. Winter snow in that place could get 8
feet deep. It was still standing and usable when I sold the place 5 years later.
I cut alders 1 1/2 inch thick at the lower end and stuck them about a foot into the ground in a fat football shape.
I bent the tops over and wove and tied them at the top.
I took smaller alders and wove them over under over under around the perimeter until I had a giant upside down basket.
A short igloo style door way made the shape complete. I then covered it with the plastic.
I slept in it a few times but mostly used it for storage. One of the new barns a couple miles away colapsed under the weight of snow but my wikiup survived just fine. There is good reason that indians built these things. For one thing,
I paid no taxes on it.
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I'm pretty sure we had this discussion with in the last year. There is no way I would leave my bike outside under a cover all winter. If it was me I would rent a storage room for the winter.
edit: Found it merged it
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I know this has been discussed many times before, but I'm interested in your current thoughts on the matter.
I have a new Norge (as of today!) that will need to spend the winter outdoors. We are living temporarily on a farm, with no garage and not even any pavement or asphalt, just some gravel and a large overhanging roof.
You provided the best answer to your original query in this post:
Home Depot has some plastic sheds that might work, plus we could take it with us when we move again. Perhaps something like this (but without the non-MG content):
(http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImages/1000/05/053f7c6a-daf4-47bc-8e8e-a3a277628c60_1000.jpg)
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You provided the best answer to your original query in this post:
Thanks for the reminder! Yes, that does look like a good option. Still, the Wunderlich cover will be good to have even if I do put the bike in a shed.
By the way, I do not plan to store the bike this winter. I plan to ride it, even in the rain, as long as the temperature remains above freezing. (Yesterday's 37 degree ride was exhilarating!)
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Thanks for the reminder! Yes, that does look like a good option. Still, the Wunderlich cover will be good to have even if I do put the bike in a shed.
By the way, I do not plan to store the bike this winter. I plan to ride it, even in the rain, as long as the temperature remains above freezing. (Yesterday's 37 degree ride was exhilarating!)
Uh , ask Guzzistajohn about those plastic sheds , I simply can't recommend one of those , especially not in an area where it snows , they aren't very sturdy or weather tight .
Dusty
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If it's really going to stay outside order a can of ACF-50 off Amazon. Spray/wipe everything but the plastic including the brake caliper bolts and housing.
This stuff is great and if it can keep my commercial snow plow corrosion free from road salt it'll work on your bike.
it's what the UK guys use for their winter bikes.
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Get a Tuff Shed. First, none of those Home Deport sheds are worth the plastic they are made of and by the time you pour a slab, fix the obvious defects you'll have poured miney and time into it you'll never recover.
The same applies to soft material covers with frames. One good wind and there goes your bike.
A Tuff Shed can be sold if you don't have use for it later on, they are built correctly and you won't be up at night during a storm wondering if everything is OK. Put a Tuff Shed up for sale and it will be gone faster than you can talk about it, for quite a percentage if what you paid.
No hassle, no fuss, they come, set it up and Tue same day you have your bike shed, done right.
Why park a new Norge costing upwards of 11 grand in a two bit shed?
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I have parked all of my vehicles outside, including my two 7 Series BMWs, even when we had a garage. My motorcycles need to be just as tough.
Here she is at our cabin:
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/t31.0-8/12309929_10205327415886852_4877102044906177741_o.jpg)
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For now, I will park the Norge in the woodshed (with a Wunderlich cover when not in use):
(https://scontent.fsnc1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/t31.0-8/12304004_10205335061557989_728575332061932795_o.jpg)
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Wait ... you had a woodshed all along ??? :grin: :grin: :grin:
Dusty
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Well, it is more like a back wall with two short side walls and a long overhanging roof. The Norge is completely under the overhanging roof, but the front half extends beyond the short side walls... Still, better than nothing! Plus, I can staple a tarp to the overhanging roof and kind of wrap it around the front of the Norge like a curtain if the weather gets really bad.
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Condensation Kills. ACF-50 is your friend.
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Condensation Kills. ACF-50 is your friend.
I don't doubt it, but what do I spray it on? Keep in mind that I ride my Norge all year round, even in the rain. For example, I would hate to spray it on the brake rotors and then go for a ride the next day.
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For areas where you don't want over spray wipe it on with a rag. Spray it under the Tupperware.