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Storing bike in a humid climate ?

17K views 21 replies 20 participants last post by  Givrsum  
#1 ·
Question to those in humid/tropical climates...

How do you store your bike in a humid climate so that rust does not start in? Has anyone sprayed their bikes with a silicon coating or any other ideas?

I have my bike garaged but there is no way to keep the air dry in there.

Has anyone invested in the "bike bubble" containers and if so, was/is it worth it.

Thank you in advance for any replies.
 
#3 ·
Four years and two bikes stored in SW Florida garage, waxed and cleaned , no rust problems. Just make sure any salt air is washed off before putting it away. Wax everything, including the pipes and bars, etc. Shouldn't be a problem. Agree about not covering it but, if you feel you have to, just use a sheet that will allow air to circulate and not hold moisture in. It is NOT a huge problem if the bike is clean to begin. If you are storing it for a long period, like six months, be sure you change the oil before you put her up.

EZ
 
#5 ·
Slammed Ride said:
Question to those in humid/tropical climates...

How do you store your bike in a humid climate so that rust does not start in? Has anyone sprayed their bikes with a silicon coating or any other ideas?

I have my bike garaged but there is no way to keep the air dry in there.

Has anyone invested in the "bike bubble" containers and if so, was/is it worth it.

Thank you in advance for any replies.
I have a bubble and highly recommend it. The air is constantly moving across the bike [within the bubble] so moisture will not form. I only use my bubble for winter storage but if i lived in a humid climate i would keep it in the bubble year round - except when riding of course. It only takes about 5 minutes to get the bike in/out of the bubble so it's not a big deal.
 
#6 ·
EZ2rider said:
Four years and two bikes stored in SW Florida garage, waxed and cleaned , no rust problems. Just make sure any salt air is washed off before putting it away. Wax everything, including the pipes and bars, etc. Shouldn't be a problem. Agree about not covering it but, if you feel you have to, just use a sheet that will allow air to circulate and not hold moisture in. It is NOT a huge problem if the bike is clean to begin. If you are storing it for a long period, like six months, be sure you change the oil before you put her up.

EZ
I live in SE Florida about two miles from the water and I would agree with EZ. I keep mine at the far front of the garage under a breathable cover, wash it frequently, wax often and haven't had any problems.
 
#8 ·
Wax on wax off. Works for me. On cold mornings not unusual to find bike in closed garage covered in condensation. I wax everything. No rust issues on five year old bike.
Rob<><
 
#9 ·
I agree with the above. But remember this clean/wax EVWERYTHING including nuts and bolts, any fasteners and clamps. I live in SE Texas and have the same problem with humidity. Good luck!
 
#10 ·
I'm in NW Fl about 3 mi from the water and stored my softail for a year while I was in Korea. I cleaned, waxed and covered it loosly with cheap cotton sheets (they breath) to keep the dust off--had no issues whatsoever.
 
#11 ·
EZ2rider said:
Four years and two bikes stored in SW Florida garage, waxed and cleaned , no rust problems. Just make sure any salt air is washed off before putting it away. Wax everything, including the pipes and bars, etc. Shouldn't be a problem. Agree about not covering it but, if you feel you have to, just use a sheet that will allow air to circulate and not hold moisture in. It is NOT a huge problem if the bike is clean to begin. If you are storing it for a long period, like six months, be sure you change the oil before you put her up.

EZ
Yup - what EZ said. But it's easier said than done to keep the bike constantly washed and waxed if you live in a tropical climate. S-100 has a silicone spray that I'm trying that's supposed to prevent rust. Might want to check it out.
 
#14 ·
during the winter in the Pacific Northwest, it is typically up in the 90% area. Right now it is low at 77%.
I have a de-humidifier in my garage, one that is designed for colder temps (down to 40). I got it to keep other stuff in my garage dry (like cardboard), and to keep mold/mildew from growing everywhere.
It doesn't hurt my bike that I keep the unit running either :)

I have heard of folks using wd-40 over all the shiney stuff to keep it nice during the winter.
 
#16 ·
WAX!

humid here in NC too!
I stopped covering my bikes with my covers (water proof) and only use
the covers if I'm going to leave the bikes outside.
The hard part is making time to keep the bikes waxed.
Minimum is about 3 times per year for the wax job.

{salute(
 
#19 ·
Winter Storage in a Humid Climate

I've read all the posts and I have a question. Some of the posts say to wax the bike and it will be fine. My question is should I leave the wax on or wipe it off?

The bike is in a garage 500 feet away from the ocean and I'm considering leaving it there over the winter.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

Vince