How to Prevent Motorcycle Cover Condensation
When it comes to motorcycle winterization, a temperature-controlled environment is safer than leaving your bike outside, exposed to precipitation and UV rays. Yet not everyone has the same options for winter storage.
Whether in a garage or securely covered in the driveway, you assume your motorcycle will be safe throughout the cold season but the risk of condensation increases under a cover.
Condensation can accumulate underneath, resulting in rust, corrosion and mold after months in one place. Learn how you can keep your motorcycle protected this winter.
How Condensation Occurs Under a Cover
The air contains a percentage of water vapor, known as relative humidity. When the temperature drops, water vapor gathers on cool surfaces.
A motorcycle cover can trap moist air underneath that starts to condense when the air temperature rises, but the bike’s metal parts are still cool. As a result, it might appear as if the cover is leaking.
The condensation cycle may be intensified by the ground below, particularly with dirt or cement that absorbs moisture. Especially in New England, snowfall can also increase the amount of moisture that may gather below a motorcycle cover.
What Can Happen As a Result of Condensation
If this process goes unchecked, you may be dealing with more issues than the condensation itself. Other potential damage includes:
- Rust: May affect the metal or damage the gas tank. A rusted tank can decrease fuel economy, affect how fluids flow through the bike or cause pressure buildup.
- Corrosion: Can be accelerated by rock salt or substances like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide – two byproducts of the engine’s combustion process.
- Mold: Can start to form on non-metal components.
- Fuel Breakdown: Water vapor gets inside the gas tank and mixes with ethanol.
Before placing your bike in storage, fill the tank with fresh gasoline and add fuel stabilizer. Run the motorcycle, so the stabilizer goes through the system.
Not all motorcycle covers are created equal. You may come across canvas, medium and heavy-duty polyethylene, and vinyl varieties. The goal is to find a sturdy material that offers UV and moisture-resistance but still provides a degree of breathability to prevent water droplets from getting locked in.
During a typical year, late spring through early fall is prime time to attend local motorcycle events. Some are charity rides to support a specific cause, while others are simply for camaraderie.
Along with water, it’s recommended you have multiple cleaning tools on-hand. Sponges are ideal for removing dirt without scratching paint, brushes are crucial for the fine components, and flannel or microfiber are gentle enough to dry off the bike. Also have a separate cloth for removing any debris on the vehicle before you finish with a detailing product.
Before taking a ride, use a tire gauge to check the front and back pressure, which is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). If you’re unsure about the recommended PSI, check your owner’s manual.
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The extra weight of a passenger will make the bike a completely different machine. When accelerating from a stop sign or stoplight with a passenger on back, do so gradually. Start with a slow and steady twist of the throttle, so you have complete control of the bike.
The big question among motorcycle enthusiasts is, “Can I still ride?” The short answer is “yes” – if you keep a few factors in mind. For instance, riders are advised to avoid crowded routes and heading out in groups. Essentially, you’re free to enjoy the backroads solo.
Winter conditions can take a serious toll on the roadways. Although issues are often addressed by the town or state within the first months of spring, they still pose a hazard to riders. As a general rule, always look ahead to anticipate potential risks and avoid losing control or puncturing a tire.