Unofficial Royal Enfield Community Forum
Royal Enfield Motorcycles => Bullet Iron Barrel => Topic started by: jdrouin on December 21, 2007, 04:28:19 am
-
I'm getting just a little closer to buying a bike and am almost positive it'll be a Bullet Classic. The only problem is that I live in a city in the Northeast U.S. without access to a garage, so the bike would have to live outside, at least for a year or two until we possibly move.
How would a Classic hold up to outdoor living under a weather-resistant cover? What else can you do to protect it?
Jeff
-
Some of the folks from up north can probably tell you better but I have heard that a liberal coating of WD-40 and a 60W light blub help.
I'm getting just a little closer to buying a bike and am almost positive it'll be a Bullet Classic. The only problem is that I live in a city in the Northeast U.S. without access to a garage, so the bike would have to live outside, at least for a year or two until we possibly move.
How would a Classic hold up to outdoor living under a weather-resistant cover? What else can you do to protect it?
Jeff
-
Mine does the same. A really good wash 'n' clean then plenty of polish seems to be the answer and if you do see any slight rust (especially on the chrome rims) forming etc get on it quick. Don't leave it and say I'll get around to doing that the next day 'cos next day becomes next week and............well you know how it'll end.
Good hunting for your R.E. !!!
-
I'm getting just a little closer to buying a bike and am almost positive it'll be a Bullet Classic. The only problem is that I live in a city in the Northeast U.S. without access to a garage, so the bike would have to live outside, at least for a year or two until we possibly move.
How would a Classic hold up to outdoor living under a weather-resistant cover? What else can you do to protect it?
Jeff
Jeff,
I highly recommend the Covercraft XN103 for solo bikes. I use two of them during 3 out of 4 seasons. The outer one catches the wear and tear (and UV damage) while the inner one does the final job of protecting the bike. During the winter I throw on my *very* old XN103 as a third outer layer.
The covers fit very well: not so tight you have to fight them, but not so loose that they get caught in the wind.
My experience so far (and several years with Urals) is that they are just as well protected outdoors year-round under this type of system as they would be in a garage or shed that was not climate-controlled.
I also use WD-40 for chrome and frame cleaning.
It collects dust much more quickly than chrome polish and wax, but makes cleaning easier and protects from rust.
Matt
-
Thanks for the advice so far, and for the specific cover recommendation. I will definitely look into it.
I wonder, is there anything in the way of more permanent treatments?
Jeff
-
I remember when I was growing up all the truck drivers around here would paint all their chrome with "tire black" paint. Then just take it off with diesel fuel in the spring. I think a hard wax coat would probably do just as well on a stationary bike. I agree with Thumper about storing without a garage, as long as it's covered it should be okay.