rusty rotors

[jmoses]

Up until recently, my humble 2003 M800 has been an inside girl. Spending most of her days sheltered from the worldly elements. However, I was recently forced to keep her outside. We have been getting a lot of wet weather on the east coast and she'll sit for days under a cover, cheap one at that, getting rained out for long periods on end. When I go to ride, im finding the rotors are always rusted. After a few hard brakes the rust seems to whip itself clean.

I was wonder if I should be concerned about this newly accumulated rust. Should I be looking into getting a higher quality cover immediately? Or is this something i can live with and maintain the integrity of the bike. Are there going to be any long term effects from the accumulated rotor rust, dangers, problems?

[Cider]

It's not a problem, other than the aesthetics.

[Slide Panda]

Yep - it's just surface rust.  A better cover might help a tad - but the humidity will still cause rust like that on rotors regardless of the cover - it just might be a bit less than if water splashed up on the rotor.

[Spidey]

I'd focus on other parts of the bike more than the rotors.  Rotor rust is no big deal.  Bikes can live for a long time outside, but there are some preventative things to keep her running well.  Make sure that the bike was well-lubed -- cables, levers, etc.  Also make sure you lube your chain a lot.  And whenever you take a bolt out, grease the threads before you put it back in (no, it won't make the bolt back out).  

[CapnCrunch]

do not lube the rotor.

[DrDesmo]

Remove the pads, and spray paint the rotor surface with a chrome paint?!?! 

No, but seriously - it's just an aesthetic concern.  You'll be fine... A ridden bike is a happy bike 

Adam

[Takster]

...and if you're ever in need of a porn-star name, I think you've found it. 

[Jarvicious]

...and if you're ever in need of a porn-star name, I think you've found it. 

Rusty Rotor?  That sounds like what you may get after sex with a porn star. 

Errr.  You should be fine.  I'd spend some $ on a good cover though.

[DucDodgers]

Some WD-40 will clean the rust right away   

Wrap a plastic bag over your speedo before you put the cover on, it's a cheap way to make sure water doesn't leak in there (I've heard some speedos are prone to leaking and you'll have bigger problems then.

[ducatiz]

on stainless rotors much of the rust is actually ferric dust on the surface, some of which comes from the pads themselves

just make sure you take it easy when you ride for the first few minutes to rub it off.

it is not a problem on stainless rotors.

if you had cast iron rotors, then it would be a different converssation.. those are pregnant dog unles you ride daily.