Hi guys, long time no post, and this is a tragic one. I just moved out from California up to Boston and as they were unloading my baby from the truck it started raining. The area which I had thought I could store the bike in my new house was not large enough. I couldn't get the running boards past the doorway. Thus, my poor bike just sat outside in 4 days non-stop rain up here. Does anyone have any advice or tips on a checklist of things I should check out before I start it up. Places to check for water ingress or corrosion, mabye even possible rusting points? Has this ever happened to anyone else here? I'm really upset about this whole thing and I want to make sure the bike is protected.

Also along those lines can anyone recommend a quality outdoor cover for an 06 roadie? Like I said I live in Boston now so its definately going to rain on it. Also it should be noted that I have a sissy bar on the back. I looked at the factory Yamaha one and it looks great, just slightly expensive. I'll have no problem laying the money down though to protect my bike as long as I know it's quality. Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated!!!!

Hi Soma, I live about 30 min west of the North Shore in Billerica. I know what you mean about the rain, I think that's how Noah got his start. I have an Ultra Guard Classic 2 cover for my 2005 Midight Silverado. Even with the hard bags and windshield it fits nicely and is made of top quality materials including a flannel inner liner. It'll run about $60-$70 depending on where you get it. Anyway, it looks like we are in for a fairly long stretch of nice weather now. So you should be able to air dry it, 70 mph should do it. Don't sweat the fact that it sat in the rain for a while, I've lived here all my life and have known guys that leave there bikes out all winter uncovered in 3 feet of snow. Not that I would do that, but after they thawed out they would start right up with no ill effects. Modern motorcycles are for the most part reasonably water proof. The only thing I would check is the air cleaner if it is an after market like a BAK. the exposed filter media could soak up enough water to penetrate through and when the engine is started it could take in water. Otherwise just dry her off and enjoy the New England springtime riding weather. By the way if you need someone to take a ride with let me know, I always game for ride. Ride safe. <br><br>Post edited by: slorydr, at: 2007/05/21 18:25

Soma wrote:
The area which I had thought I could store the bike in my new house was not large enough. I couldn't get the running boards past the doorway.

Why did you not cut notches in the doorway?

Some good advice from slorydr. I have the Yamaha cover but only use it indoors (I park my bike in the garage) over the winter to keep the sawdust off of it. The Yamaha cover is very high quality.

Doc