Bike Cover

[HarryHornby]

My bike lives in the garage but over the winter it does get a little damp in there so I was thinking of getting a cover for the bike.


Is it worth doing?  Does it help protect the bike from damp or does the damp just creap up and under the cover and then get held around the bike rather than getting an air flow round the bike?


If it is worth doing?  Are bike covers bike covers or are some more recommended than others.


Ta

[darrsi]

It obviously wouldn't hurt it, but i doubt you'll gain anything if the bike is generally out of the direct elements.
Keep it on the centre stand rather than the side stand to keep the weight off the tyres, other than that i wouldn't really worry about it.
Might be worth cleaning and relubing the chain if you're not planning on riding it, i clean mine with WD40 and a brush, which won't hurt X ring chains, wipe off the excess with a rag then regrease it with Wurth chain lube. The WD40 gets in all the nooks and crannies and keeps the moisture at bay.
If you're confident enough doing it then it's also a good time to clean and grease up the brake pistons as well, not a full overhaul, just clean the crud off the pistons with a toothbrush and brake cleaner, then slap on some red rubber grease for protection. I'll do this at least once, but normally twice a year, and it prevents seizing issues. Once you've done it a few times it does get easier, although it is time consuming if you do it right, but it's certainly a worthwhile job.

[Ferg]

Old duvet and http://www.acf-50.co.uk/motorcycle/default.htm

[Mick-H]

Old duvet and http://www.acf-50.co.uk/motorcycle/default.htm

+1

[red98]

Old duvet  ......that will hold moisture a treat and make matters worse...better off with nothing.....I use breathable covers but on the occasional nice days through the winter, like today  I remove covers and leave all the doors open.good air circulation is the key here 

[Hedgetrimmer]

You can get light, breathable dust covers. Oxford used to do one  - Dormex I think it was called. I'd clean the bike thoroughly, ACF it, then throw one of those or similar over it.

[Mick-H]

Old duvet  ......that will hold moisture a treat and make matters worse...better off with nothing.....I use breathable covers but on the occasional nice days through the winter, like today  I remove covers and leave all the doors open.good air circulation is the key here 

I suppose it depends on how much moisture your talking about. Personally I've always done it, even in a wooden shed before I got a garage, never had a problem.