VFRfix Posted April 8, 2015 Share Posted April 8, 2015 Is it safe to leave a 1999 vfr800 out in the rain? I just bought this and haven't purchased a cover yet. Might rain tonight... I just really have no idea how "water proof" they are... Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer MadScientist Posted April 8, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted April 8, 2015 My first VFR was made of sugar, it melted while I was riding down the freeway. Then burst into flames. You should be fine man. The worst part of storms is usually the wind, can knock down a bike or knock stuff onto it. The other thing that sucks is if your seat has a tear in it and the foam never dries out. It makes squishy noises and can get moldy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Duc2V4 Posted April 8, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted April 8, 2015 I wouldn't do it too many days in a row, but overnight in a light rain shouldn't hurt it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Dutchy Posted April 8, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted April 8, 2015 You will be fine. even better, go for a spin and get a feeling of how she handles in the wet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer MadScientist Posted April 8, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted April 8, 2015 I've had bikes sit outside uncovered for a long time. Don't really know how many days it rained consecutively, but they were also used regularly in the rain so they weren't just sitting there either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Mohawk Posted April 8, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted April 8, 2015 Should be avoided if possible. Use a proper cover if you don't have a shed or garage. Wet metal has a habit of corroding. That said, the bike is fully waterproof, it will survive well if not salty as well as wet. I have ridden through some horrific rain with no bike problems, I on the other hand even with good quality waterproofs got soaked ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V4 Rosso Posted April 8, 2015 Share Posted April 8, 2015 I just really have no idea how "water proof" they are... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer WIN6 Posted April 8, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted April 8, 2015 I've never had a problem with rain yet. It gets dirty I guess, and the wet seat can be annoying. I got asked similar question about my baja bug too, but if you can operate it in the rain, it'll be fine to sit in the rain. A cover might be worthwhile if you're concerned about protecting your investment value maybe? Had a bike in Washington for a long time that lived outside. It got rained on a lot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LLifesaver Posted April 8, 2015 Share Posted April 8, 2015 It was raining some last night. I didn't think much of it, and left my bike outside. I went outside this morning, and found it looking like this.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer MorganSteele Posted April 8, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted April 8, 2015 The advce here is good: 1. cover it if you can, and 2. don't sweat it if you can't. I rode my VFR through a heavy rainstorm, and I experienced no problems. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Conedodger Posted April 8, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted April 8, 2015 As mentioned, wind can be a probllem. I would actually consider removing the cover if strong winds are expected. The cover can act like a sail and the wind could blow the bike over. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer 2FAST4U Posted April 8, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted April 8, 2015 Snow won't hurt, either. Ask me how I know. NYC, 2011: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Polarbear Posted April 8, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted April 8, 2015 It's a vehicle and as such will hold up fine in the rain. Over long period la of time it will rust more than if garaged but those ain't garage queens, are they. C Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Africord Posted April 8, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted April 8, 2015 Since my seat has a leather cover, which can rot over time, I popped for a cover. Good investment. But I've ridden through the rain several times, my bike was fine. In fact, I regularly take it to a spray arm car wash to clean it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marriedman Posted April 8, 2015 Share Posted April 8, 2015 I never left mine out in the elements, but I have ridden through torrential downpours. Bike was fine.If it is a long period of time, then you will need to check the electrical connectors. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timmythecop Posted April 8, 2015 Share Posted April 8, 2015 if you leave it out in the rain it will begin to look like this, and nobody wants that. Snow won't hurt, either. Ask me how I know. NYC, 2011: what kind of monster doesnt put his bike away for winter? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VFRfix Posted April 8, 2015 Author Share Posted April 8, 2015 lol nice thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer vfrAustin Posted April 9, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted April 9, 2015 I would just add that the cover should be breathable. I consistently buy the cheapest ones I can get. They are thin and get wet and dry fast after the rain stops. Waterproof is bad. It condensates and traps evaporated water under the cover, eventually rusting worse then if left uncovered to breath. Tarps are the worste you can do over longer periods of time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer MaxSwell Posted April 9, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted April 9, 2015 Long term outside uncovered is one thing. However, situationally, some peeps take off for weeks or months touring in all weather. If you like to camp, the machine stays out in the rain. I believe Olive spent a couple months out in the rain and snow on her VFR trips. These machines are made for that. And if you've kept it off the ground and out of the sand, a bucket wash and Original Polish will have her/him looking factory fresh. My 100,000 + '01 still worked fine after weeks in the worst weather; snow, dust, rain, and thunder storms, you name it. OEM r/r and stator lasted 80,000+ mi. Don't worry. Be happy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crakerjac Posted April 9, 2015 Share Posted April 9, 2015 Interesting point about the wind. I commute on my 1200 and I've just been transferred to a new facility. The wind really whips through the parking lot. Even better yet, it never seems to come from the same direction 2 days in a row. How windy does it need to be to knock a bike off the side stand? If I came out after work and found my bike on its side, or worse yet, another bike knocked over into mine, I'll have a complete meltdown... And nobody wants that. It's a new facility that had its 'grand opening' in October, so the MC parking lot isn't proven to be in an optimal location. Sent from my OnePlus One using Forum Fiend Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer vfrcapn Posted April 9, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted April 9, 2015 I've ridden my 5G in the rain 14 times without any problems so far. Those 14 wet rides we call "winter" around here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer BusyLittleShop Posted April 9, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted April 9, 2015 Is it safe to leave a 1999 vfr800 out in the rain? No... the only bike that is safe to leave out in the rain is a Harley... because sh*t don't rust... Examples of corrosion... mainly due to riding in the rain or hitting your prize with a garden hose... both acts promotes corrosion in all the little nooks and crannies hidden from view... The pitfull is that metal is etched for life... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Dutchy Posted April 9, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted April 9, 2015 Oh come on! I know "it never rains in California" but it does so in the rest of the world.... as does frost under a full moon.... sure, donot pressure wash your bikes, but for the rest? Game on!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Mohawk Posted April 9, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted April 9, 2015 I just really have no idea how "water proof" they are... Tell that kid to get his finger back in the Dyke & stop playing with himself :) Look at the mess he made ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer MaxSwell Posted April 9, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted April 9, 2015 I just really have no idea how "water proof" they are... Tell that kid to get his finger back in the Dyke & stop playing with himself :) Look at the mess he made ! HA! +1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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