Winter grim

cc123 · Geez a joab? Joined: 17 Jan 2005 Karma :

I don't know how many folk ride throughout the winter but if like me, I'm not to keen on it.

My bike was bought purely as a toy/play thing but not getting out on the bike is frustrating and the odd crap day I'm out getting rid of my frustrations.

But most of the time it's stuck up in the garage and that leaves me with some Q's.....

It's a concrete garage and if it's left long enough, dew builds up on the bike. Should I cover it also and still give it a regular clean or just dry it off?

What the best stuff to get shiney metal bits looking good and getting grime off? Does a normal soap wash do it?

And what about the chain, will it go abit rot if left without being cleaned and lubed?

I drain my carbs if I know it's going to be sitting a while and it's usually cleaned prior to being sat still but I worry my pride and joy will fall apart sitting in a garage!! I also can't get access to it all the time as it's parked in a friends garage so I want it to be A-ok when I go back to it... (can you tell it's my first winter owning a bike!?)

Any thoughts

Stu_666 · Brolly Dolly Joined: 27 Jun 2004 Karma :

Hi,

Yeah I keep mine in the garage as well but found that the roof gave off water droplets so decided to cover it over. i found that a cheap tarpulin from somewhere like B&Q did the job.

Like you I also bought the bike as a bit of a toy but now use it most weekends and possibly for work soon, so I'd recommend giving it a wash at least once a week. Also I'll probably fit something like a scotoiler to the chain so that it gets well lubricated.

Still, can't wait till the summer and this ##### weather's gone eh?

cc123 · Geez a joab? Joined: 17 Jan 2005 Karma :

I've had enough of the weather. Feels like a waste as I'm paying for it to sit and rot!
Going to give it some treatment tonight and try find a cover for it.

AD · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 17 Mar 2004 Karma :

Being at uni and the bike needing some repairing mine is in the garage, has been since september, just give it a good clean and spray everything that can corrode with water repellent like silicon spray, the same with the electronics and give the chain a good clean and lube. Make sure the battery is charged as well nothing more annoying than getting it out for the first time and realising that the battery is flat!
Mine is still imacculate an no sign of corrosion which seem to haunt suzuki nuts and bolts.
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It was like that before i got here!

cc123 · Geez a joab? Joined: 17 Jan 2005 Karma :

I know exactly what you mean with the battery, had it happen once before.
What is best to clean the chain with? Would a WD40'd wet rag do the trick?

AD · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 17 Mar 2004 Karma :

I got some purpose made chain cleaner from local bike shop, strong stuff, brings it up like new and even takes off any slight corrosion, can clean of oil from your sprockets and swingarm with it.. or anything else heavily greasy that shouldnt be.

Think it's about £3.99 a can but worth it as it makes quick work of what can be a long job with just white spirit, but that will work as well.
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It was like that before i got here!