Time for my next pathetic whi..er..I mean asking for advice. By steelblade (Read 944 times)

[steelblade]

I keep my scooter covered at all times (No, not when I'm riding it, I see you smirking there.) but how necessary is that? Over night or if I can't ride for a few days I can see. I don't bother if I'm just running into a store or the like, as well.

Mostly I'm worried about the Texas sun, having seen some of the things it can do, and the effects it might have on my seat and plastic body.

[rob63]

I always covered my bikes up overnight if they were outdoors, mainly to keep the damp from getting to the electrics and of course to prevent corrosion. Even in summer there is a certain amount of damp both at night and early mornings. It also a form of deterrent from thieves as they can`t see what is under the cover and are normally too lazy to find out.

[kz1000st]

I would keep it covered, use Armorall on what ever you think should take it, and keep everything lubed well.

[twowheeler]

Never have and always looks brand new.

[clonedrone]

Being a Texican myself I know exactly what your dealing with.
i have a Mercado of Waxes and Polishes with a high level of UV protection.
As for the seat I would opt for a seat cover or do what they do south of the Border.
Were I frequent In Mexico at the Mercado locals set up with a Mexican blanket or piece of Cardboard for the seat so you can
actually sit on it once you finish shopping, keep apiece of cloth or towel under the seat and use on the seat while it is parked.
Ride On!
Clone

[steelblade]

Kz, is this the Armorall spray that lays a 'coat' over one's vehicle?

Clonedrone, what waxes/polishes do you use?

Thanks to everyone else. I DO cover overnight, moisture DOES happen here in Texas, no matter what some western movies like to say.

[fj12rider]

It's not the plastic body you have to worry about fella , it's all the rest . I hate leaving any of my bikes out in the weather but some times it's inevitable , I only have room in the shed for one, within a day the brake discs are starting to rust , the screw heads are all starting to rust , there are water spots all over and it just looks a total mess. With a scooter , the rain hits the floor and bounces up under the plastic and before long it'll start to rot the metal . Especially if it's a Chinese bike . Keep it covered mate and make sure you cover it properly too !!

[clonedrone]

Mar 19, 2014 15:38:58 GMT -6 steelblade said:

Kz, is this the Armorall spray that lays a 'coat' over one's vehicle?

Clonedrone, what waxes/polishes do you use?

Thanks to everyone else. I DO cover overnight, moisture DOES happen here in Texas, no matter what some western movies like to say.

I have a Plethora of Mothers and Meguires products.
I find the Best for the Scoot and Fireblade Plastic for UV and especially Bugs.
First is Protect-All, developed originally for RV's, Great UV protection and the Bugs fall right off with a water wet paper towel.
Next is Plexus does pret much the same thing as Protect-All, A Polish spray a little bit on and buff out, Easy, Easy, Easy.
Both are a bit pricey, most M/C dealers will stock both.
I'm fortunate enough to grab samples at the Trade shows.
Ride On!
Clone

[ducked]

Sunflower oil.

In the event of rust, rub sunflower oil in with aluminium foil.

On my car, I also treat the tyres, window rubbers, and radiator hoses with sunflower or canola oil to avoid dry rot.

This is speculative, experimental and not necessarily safe, but it seems to work.

I havn't risked it on a 2-wheeler yet.

[cyborg]

i cover mine if i'm not on it,,,i'm at my studio this very minute and my vespa is covered out in the parking lot as i type,,,in california the sun is the thing,,,beats the sh!t out of everything,,all finishes suffer here,,,covered in my garage too,,, all of them,,,,when i hit the store i get a shaded area,,,i don't mind the walk,,,any good car wax is for the bodywork ,,back to black for the rubber when it gets ashy,,,satin armorall for the rest,,,as far as hardware goes i generally switch to well graded stainless or ti ,,,i'm tired of chasing the detail jobs i have to do every couple months,,,(i'm a freak,,i like my stuff nice),,,,,last winter is the first time i didn't disassemble my bikes down to the last nut and bolt to clean,,repaint,,reassemble,,,( i told you i was a freak),,it makes my brain itch if my bikes are not right

[mike6736]

Several coats of wax and cover when out and parking in the sun for more than an hour. I carry a t-shirt and slide over the windshield also. Shield is 11 years old and still looks New in Florida Sun. When in garage I cover scripts with sheets. I guess we all have our own ways.

Magoo