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Message started by Angie on 11/18/09 at 07:43:39

Title: Parked For the Winter
Post by Angie on 11/18/09 at 07:43:39

I know I saw something about this on another thread, but of course now I can't remember where. It said something about not parking your bike on dirt for the winter. We have a dirt floor in the barn. So now Im wondering why thats a no-no? And just what should I park it on? Humm...... :-?

Title: Re: Parked For the Winter
Post by bill67 on 11/18/09 at 08:06:22

Wood plywood or boards so the tires aren't on dirt.

Title: Re: Parked For the Winter
Post by 1st2know on 11/18/09 at 08:49:09

The science of mobile homes applies. The spot where the rubber covers the dirt will become a mini compost heap. microorganisms in the dirt will feed on the resins in the tire, speeding up the natural tire rot. The tire "rubber" contains organic compounds that will be returned to nature.

If you could find a few chunks of scrap concrete, you can build a couple of sterile step stones to protect your tires. Check with your local dumpsters for good deals on scrap concrete and other treasures.

Title: Re: Parked For the Winter
Post by PerrydaSavage on 11/19/09 at 01:13:19

A couple of cement patio blocks from your local Home Improvement depot would do nicely ... in lieu a sturdy plank ...

Title: Re: Parked For the Winter
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 11/19/09 at 05:22:39

Hang it from the rafters & avoid the trouble..

Title: Re: Parked For the Winter
Post by Angie on 11/19/09 at 06:49:08

3E2127203D3A0B3B0B33212D66540 wrote:

Hang it from the rafters & avoid the trouble..

;D Well that would solve the problem of the cats sitting on the seat and getting it dirty. I think I'll probably just find something like paving stones or whatnot to put under the tires. But thanks for the suggestion.

Title: Re: Parked For the Winter
Post by photojoe on 11/19/09 at 07:07:00

Check this out: http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/deluxe-motorcycle-cover.aspx?a=580393

Title: Re: Parked For the Winter
Post by Routy on 11/19/09 at 07:17:45

Be careful what you put under tires, as some things could hurt tires much more than plain dirt, like some glues and oil in some wood's or so says some experts.

If anyone has scientific evidence that plain dirt hurts tires in any way whatsoever, I'd like to see it. The question comes up often in the very large,..and active forum,..RV.NET, and the answer is always the same,.....no it doesn't. I asked that question there many years ago because my motor home cool cover has dirt floors. I am far from a rubber/dirt expert, but in my experience of over 50 years, I have never seen any dirt caused dammage of tires parked on dirt,....some as long as 30 yrs. In fact the bottom part on the dirt suffers less rot-deterioration than the rest that is exposed to sun etc.

Title: Re: Parked For the Winter
Post by Jimmer on 11/19/09 at 07:51:50

I've been parking my bikes on a dirt barn floor for years and never had any problems with tire deterioration.

Title: Re: Parked For the Winter
Post by bill67 on 11/19/09 at 08:56:11

I park my bikes in a garage with concrete floor but I still put them on a board.

Title: Re: Parked For the Winter
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 11/19/09 at 09:35:10

Different soils have different amounts of organic matter & minerals, etc.

I cant argue with Rocco. Hes shown himself to be anything but a loon.

IMO, these tires dont run far enough to matter, anyway. How much can one deteriorate over 1 winter? If its cold enough to not ride, Id suspect that any organisms chemical reactions would also be slowed, IF they even exist. Id park the darn thing & make sure the sidestand is on something solid & its covered to keep the cats off & Id put some mouse killer in it to keep them out of the wires. New oil, tank full, carb empty, sta-bil in the gas & a float charger.

Title: Re: Parked For the Winter
Post by bill67 on 11/19/09 at 10:47:37

JOG-2 what month do you park your bike for the winter?

Title: Re: Parked For the Winter
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 11/19/09 at 11:38:16

I dont really. I dont "Pickle" it at all. Im in East Texas. & I have a cement floor shop to park on or I can park under a carport, on gravel.

Title: Re: Parked For the Winter
Post by thumperclone on 11/19/09 at 17:27:25

dont park for the winter here..toy run dec 5th,wreaths across america the 11th and 12th,
if its 40F and roads are free of ice im ridin..
the 6 to 8 wks when its too nasty get out to the carriage house every 10 days or so fire er up and have a coule o beers as i watch the oil get up to temp...
no battery tender,no gas additives,do have carpet tho...

Title: Re: Parked For the Winter
Post by Dj12midnit on 11/19/09 at 21:03:29

I parked mine for two weeks last year. One cause of the snow on the road. And one waiting for them to clear the drive way to my heated storage unit.

Title: Re: Parked For the Winter
Post by drums1 on 11/20/09 at 06:28:22

Mine sits in the cold garage--cement floor. Start it up once a week or so, and let it run for 15-20 minutes. Keeps the battery charged. If not, I now have a trickle charger. 1st thing in spring--drain old gas if any is left, and change the oil. Check air in tires and ride.

Title: Re: Parked For the Winter
Post by Boule’tard on 11/20/09 at 06:43:02

It seems like if you go in periodically to start the bike, it would be easy to just roll it a few inches so the same spot isn't in contact with the ground all winter. I think tires will "flat spot" if you leave them stationary for too long as the air pressure gets low, regardless of what they are sitting on.

Possibly helpful tidbit: That $30 lift you can make out of a levered piece of 4x6 is only good for lifting the front OR back tire.. not both at the same time.