Parking after riding in the rain?

[misterdub]

So, odd question...

We're supposed to have some showers here today, mid-afternoon, but I still commuted on the bike. I'm tired of sitting it out when the weathermen call for rain and it's sunny all day. However, Murphy's Law dictates that now that I've taken the bike, it'll rain. :D

I don't have a garage, I normally just cover the bike when I get home. If it's raining on my way home which is worse: covering it when it's wet or just letting it continue to rain on it? Somehow I figure covering it when it's wet, trapping the moisture under the cover with all metal strikes me as a bad idea. Anyone else have this problem? What do you guys without garages do?

Also, as a side note, I have a Suzuki Savage so it's a belt driven -- no final drive chain. So at least I have one less part to rust. :rolleyes:

[atolleter]

I am in the same situation, I take a chance and take the bike to work sometime because weather.com says thunder by it always end up sunny all day. I wouldnt cover the bike right after you get home, never cover a hot bike. Sometimes I forget to cover mine and it's too late because it's already raining but I dont think it damages too bad. I always make the sure the chain is lubed. Although mine is 1984 anyway...

[YamahaFan]

lube the chain, wash your bike with a regular garden hose if it gets dirty, and do you know how to beat the weatherman? Get some raingear! I have raingear bungied to my bike, so everywhere I go I have it, not afraid of anything but snow and ice (in New England that is)

[iamgumby]

I'd cover it wet - it's bound to drip dry some. Please tell me you are using a real MC cover and not a tarp. They are built to vent. Just leave some kind of air gap at the bottom. When its through raining - then let it air off. It won't take long. Keep it waxed - wax keeps the water running off!