QuestionI have a 2001 883 Hugger that I bought new while I was stationed in the Coast Guard in Puerto Rico. I had it there for a few months, and then transferred back to the states. When we opened the shipping crate, there was about 4" of standing water in the bottom, the inside of the crate was very humid, and from then on I have been having rust problems.
I have never had a garage, and I use a tarp with bungee cords for cover from weather. Small rust spots have been popping up on everything from the heat shields, wheels, headbolts, front fork, mirrors, engine guard, etc. I try to wash and polish it about once a week with a metal polish/rust protectant I got from Wal-Mart, but within a few days the rust spots are back.
By the way, I live in a very salty, humid environment, and when my unit goes out to sea, it may go for a month or so without being washed.
I really don't want to be a slave to the bike, by washing it every other day, so is there something you can suggest to deal with the problem?
Thank you very much.
AnswerUsing a tarp is bad for the bike. What is does is collect moisture under the tarp when the temp changes. You need a bike cover that will breath, so the moisture will vent. When you go out to sea, get a bike cover that you can inclose the bike in. They have a zipper the will keep moisture out as well as a moisture collector. They are like a big z-lock bag. This will keep it from rusting while you are away.
Happy holidays
Mike
