1. Some members were not receiving emails sent from XJbikes.com. For example: "Forgot your password?" function to reset your password would not send email to some members. I believe this has been resolved now. Please use "Contact Us" form (see page footer link) if you still have email issues. SnoSheriff

    Hello Guest. You have limited privileges and you can't "SEARCH" the forums. Please "Log In" or "Sign Up" for additional functionality. Click HERE to proceed.

Best way to park in the cold

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by fatabebabe, Oct 31, 2011.

  1. fatabebabe

    fatabebabe New Member

    Messages:
    29
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    1
    I am a college student and find myself in a rather unique situation. My only means of transportation is my XJ550 seca right now and i am unable to park it in garage or gazebo of any sort. I had a very cheap cover that did not protect from rain well. I was wondering if there is anything that i can do to protect the bike and ensure that it will reliably start and run when i let it sit outside for a day. If theres not, i guess it times to get a car. :)
     
  2. RudieDelRude

    RudieDelRude Member

    Messages:
    306
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Location:
    Illinois (STL area)
    Has anyone ever installed a block heater on a motorcycle? lol
     
  3. smurf667

    smurf667 Member

    Messages:
    203
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Location:
    Newark, Nottinghamshire, England
    Sounds like a good idea...
     
  4. bigfitz52

    bigfitz52 Well-Known Member Premium Member

    Messages:
    21,283
    Likes Received:
    418
    Trophy Points:
    83
    Location:
    Rural SE Michigan 60 miles N of Motown
    Invest in a proper cover; one designed for a motorcyle that incorporates "breathable" panels and "heat proof" areas for the pipes.
     
  5. JeffK

    JeffK Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    1,208
    Likes Received:
    81
    Trophy Points:
    48
    Location:
    Just North of Annapolis MD
    If your bike is running well, it will always start. I never had a bike fail to start just because of the weather. I even dug an H1 out of snow so deep only the mirrors were showing and three kicks later, it was running just fine. With the advent of electric only starting though, having a good, well charged battery becomes more important so replace/recharge if it needs it and you should be fine. You can also buy cheap 12x10 tarps at the dollar store and Harbor Freight to use. They fold very small and just lay it down behind the bike, roll backwards onto it then wrap it over your bike and use a couple of binder clips to hold it together under the front tire and another clip under the chassis......weather proof and wind proof!!

    jeff
     
  6. maz43

    maz43 Member

    Messages:
    238
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Location:
    Detroit area
    I leave mine outside all year and employ two plastic tarps and bungees to keep the elements out.
    If tuned well with a good battery, You should start up with little problems.
    It was 31 degrees and foggy here yesterday and mine fired up on the second try.

    Maz
     
  7. fatabebabe

    fatabebabe New Member

    Messages:
    29
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    1
    thats really reassuring guys thanks
     
  8. cutlass79500

    cutlass79500 Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    2,226
    Likes Received:
    51
    Trophy Points:
    48
    Location:
    lawrenceville georgia
    I guess i am one of the lucky ones i have always had a garage. I feel your pain tho. I might even go as far with a tarp is build a triangular frame out of 2x4s then attach the tarp to it that would keep the tarp from scratching your paint when the wind blows
     

Share This Page