Let’s talk r ninet vs mice/rats

1194 Views 18 Replies 15 Participants Last post by gene_apodaca, 2 mo ago

Sep226

Discussion Starter · 2 mo ago

My living situation has changed the past year. I’ve been paying a good amount of money to keep the bike in storage. However I’m not a huge fan of this solution as 1. It’s expensive($300/mo expensive) 2. I don’t have easy access to the bike. #2 wasn’t as big of a deal since I was storing it for the winter but now that it’s warmer I definitely want to ride!

My girlfriend has given me the okay to store the bike in her backyard. It’s great in so many ways as her place is only 15mins from me, it’s in a safe area, etc etc. the only down side is that it is the city… there are rats all over the place. I was hoping I could get some tips and tricks on how to deal with this situation.

I’m thinking if the bike is left uncovered mice might be less likely to try to nest in it. Especially if I cover the intake and exhaust. But we know what that means…dirty Bike. UV damage. Rust.

alternatively if I do get a cover which is more ideal then I get some protection from the elements, but then I’m worried I’m putting a roof over the mice. Anyways, I’d like to hear some suggestions.

Realistically if I can’t come up with a good reliable solution for the rat problem and if I find the slightest hint of them chewing something on the bike I think I will have to let her go. As much as I don’t want to do that since this bike has lived with me through some of my lows I also know I’ve taken too good care of her for rats to eat her up and it would be best for someone else to enjoy her.

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1 - 19 of 19 Posts

3570

· #2 · 2 mo ago

$300/mo is crazy for bike storage. I’d suggest popping it in a storage unit if costs are that high. Throughout college, I kept my XSR900 in a unit for like $75/mo MAX. Probably less, but it wasn’t significant enough to remember. Otherwise, some apartment complexes rent spaces for 150-200/mo.

I wouldn’t worry about mice outside as much as I would rust. My brother parks his 9T outside as his apartment complex only offers outside parking, and has noted a little bit of rust in random spots on his 2017 9T (PA-kept).

Overall, it’ll be alright. Throw a cover on and keep an eye on any rust that develops, but I don’t think a bike would be as attractive to mice as a car engine bay, for example.

Reactions: 1

Sep226

Discussion Starter · #3 · 2 mo ago

3570 said:
$300/mo is crazy for bike storage. I’d suggest popping it in a storage unit if costs are that high. Throughout college, I kept my XSR900 in a unit for like $75/mo MAX. Probably less, but it wasn’t significant enough to remember. Otherwise, some apartment complexes rent spaces for 150-200/mo.

I wouldn’t worry about mice outside as much as I would rust. My brother parks his 9T outside as his apartment complex only offers outside parking, and has noted a little bit of rust in random spots on his 2017 9T (PA-kept).

Overall, it’ll be alright. Throw a cover on and keep an eye on any rust that develops, but I don’t think a bike would be as attractive to mice as a car engine bay, for example.

It’s in a storage unit already. DC is expensive. $18-20 for a gin and tonic is pretty common around here. 🤷‍♂️

I hope so! I had to do some harness repair on her car recently because the rats got to it. I’m glad to hear that though.

Reactions: 1

Chris.

· #4 · 2 mo ago

Perhaps use a ultrasonic pest repeller? It plugs into the wall power and emmits an ultrasonic sound rats/cats/mice hate..

Although if there's a dog.. he probably also hears it.

Reactions: 1

Norbi

· #5 · 2 mo ago

Sep226 said:
It’s in a storage unit already. DC is expensive. $18-20 for a gin and tonic is pretty common around here. 🤷‍♂️

I hope so! I had to do some harness repair on her car recently because the rats got to it. I’m glad to hear that though.

Ah, Washington, DC. Yup, there’s a lot of rats.

Reactions: 5

3570

· #6 · 2 mo ago

Sep226 said:
It’s in a storage unit already. DC is expensive. $18-20 for a gin and tonic is pretty common around here. 🤷‍♂️

Oh man! Makes sense, my case was in rural Michigan. I’ve spent some time in DC and could absolutely see how a unit would get up there in price. As long as you block off the exhaust, I feel like the 9T isn’t super inviting to vermin. I could be wrong, though! Wish I could offer a better solution.

rich46

· #7 · 2 mo ago

Sep226 said:
It’s in a storage unit already. DC is expensive. $18-20 for a gin and tonic is pretty common around here. 🤷‍♂️

I hope so! I had to do some harness repair on her car recently because the rats got to it. I’m glad to hear that though.

When we lived in a condo with only a carport I found a very small (I think it was from Home Depot) that was about 5' tall and with just enough room for my GS1100E. You did need to duck down to get itt in and out but what the heck.

gene_apodaca

· #8 · 2 mo ago

Back in the day, I used to use a product that was really effective. Granulated or spray bottle coyote urine. You'll have to apply it fairly regularly because of the rain, buut you won't have any rodents. Many insects fear it too. Rats will simply go somewhere else if there's even a chance of predators in the area. Then, keep your bike under a quality cover that breathes, and you'll have a rust reduced motorcycle with no hint of rat problems.

Reactions: 1

BlitzSchnell

· #9 · 2 mo ago

gene_apodaca said:
Back in the day, I used to use a product that was really effective. Granulated or spray bottle coyote urine. You'll have to apply it fairly regularly because of the rain, buut you won't have any rodents. Many insects fear it too. Rats will simply go somewhere else if there's even a chance of predators in the area. Then, keep your bike under a quality cover that breathes, and you'll have a rust reduced motorcycle with no hint of rat problems.

Just like this Mate, cheap too …..

If you need any explanation I’d be happy to talk you through the build ……………………………. Blitz

Reactions: 3

Chopper_Bob

· #10 · 2 mo ago

maybe something like this:

The Bike Shield Motorcycle Shelter / Cover / Shed

The Bike Shield is an easy and self-enclosing motorcycle storage / shelter / garage / cover unit, keeping your motorbike protected against any external damage such as rain, dust, harmful sunlight and so on. Galvanized 16 square pipes, cross plate and strong locking system, keeps your motorcycle...

www.thebikeshield.com

or this:

MotoCabin Motorcycle Shed Storage Solution

Do not corrode your motorcycle under a canvas, best way to get your ride parked for the long winters. Best motorcycle storage solution to fit your situation. Efficient bike storage Weatherproof MotoCabin Motorcycle Shed.

motocabin.com

Although for the price of the last one you can store it for a whole year....

Reactions: 1

SD05

· #11 · 2 mo ago

Peppermint oil. Rodents hate it.

TimC

· #12 · 2 mo ago

It's good news you'll be able to ditch the $300/month storage unit. I think using a good, breathable motorcycle cover, along with covering the openings for the air intake and exhaust outlet, is a good idea.

But here's another option if you want to really hide the bike from any prying eyes: https://www.lowes.com/pd/ShelterLog...Canopy-Storage-Shelter/50035220?user=shopping

The potential downside to this is whether your girlfriend can have a shed in the yard, even a non-permanent one like this. Different cities have different regulations, so if you did want to go with an option like this (or even wood or steel-sided shed) you might want to check local regulations first, and that's assuming your girlfriend is on board with having a small shed in her yard.

You didn't mention security being a concern, so maybe it isn't. At least with the bike under cover, whether a motorcycle cover or a shelter, no one will be eyeing your bike with evil thoughts. But if security is a concern, then you'll need to look at some bike locks, too.

One other thought, unless the bike will be sitting on concrete or a patio of some kind, you might consider a piece of 4x8 plywood or other boards to sit the bike on so it doesn't sink into the ground at all. This will also give you a better way to spot rodent droppings if they end up congregating in or around your machine.

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Reactions: 1

Uncle Kebo

· #13 · 2 mo ago

3 things - rubber band a screen around your exhaust opening, mothballs are your friend BUT rodents love wires and seat foam if they get past it and 2 legged city rats are the worst... That you'll need a good chain for.. I had the same when I lived in NYC....

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austinw6793

· #14 · 2 mo ago

Hi! I was thinking through the same situation for my 9T. I live in Baltimore with no garage and we have a healthy population of rats lol. I ended up building a small shed in my backyard. I think everything cost me about $800 to put together.

Window Building Wood Road surface Asphalt

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Reactions: 2

David37

· #15 · 2 mo ago

With the money you're saving on the storage rental. I would buy a prefab shed from Costco, Home Depot, etc. and store your bike inside. Plug the exhaust pipes and air intake with steel wool or mesh bag with moth balls. I would put moth balls under the tank and in any wire harnesses. Yes, it's a hassel removing all the anti mouse measures. Much cheaper than replacing a wiring harness or time spent on trying to figure out which wire has been chewed through and causing electrical problems.

Drmeng

· #16 · 2 mo ago

Ultrasonic repellers don’t work . when I had mice the rat catcher told me not to bother with poison they breed very quickly. He advised me to get a cat, vermin smell cat and move somewhere else. Anyway how does your GF live with the rats they surely go into house and eat her food

Drmeng

· #17 · 2 mo ago

gene_apodaca said:
Back in the day, I used to use a product that was really effective. Granulated or spray bottle coyote urine. You'll have to apply it fairly regularly because of the rain, buut you won't have any rodents. Many insects fear it too. Rats will simply go somewhere else if there's even a chance of predators in the area. Then, keep your bike under a quality cover that breathes, and you'll have a rust reduced motorcycle with no hint of rat problems.

Not sure if coyote urine is available on Amazon

Vectorbug

· #18 · 2 mo ago

I live in the woods on an island in the PNW. Noticed mice in my detatched garage. Made the outside of my property more cozy than the inside, cleared all the brush away from the garage and keep piles of leaves farther out by the fence or the street. Run a roomba in the garage often and blow out the needles and dust with my shop vac in reverse.

gene_apodaca

· #19 · 2 mo ago

Drmeng said:
Not sure if coyote urine is available on Amazon

Coyote pee right here

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