Stupid question No2 Cleaning the bike after winter commuting

GBUK101 · Scooby Slapper Joined: 26 Jun 2005 Karma :

I will be using my bike over the coming winter to get to work and have read that it can be really bad on the bike to do so. Does the salt and crap really do your bike in? Also how often should you clean the bike during the winter period? Should it be every night or is this to much? I've also read that you need to grease up and oil up everything, is there a good guide (online or not) that can give a total novice like me an idea about where to grease and oil and where not to Embarassed

eli_74 · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 18 Aug 2005 Karma :

I'll be interested to read any adivce also ~ t'is my first winter riding and I don't want all my chrome rusting Rolling Eyes

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Rookie · World Chat Champion Joined: 09 Feb 2005 Karma :

Salt does corrode the surfaces on your bike, so if you're parking near the sea, or the roads have been salted, you want to clean your bike regularly.

craigs23 · Mr Muscle Joined: 08 Jun 2005 Karma :

Clean the bike as reguarly as possible - even if this is just a rinse down after a day's commuting (then give it a proper clean every weekend or so).

Salt is the main culprit to winter corrosion and is recommended that to get it off your bike as soon as possible. Hose down your bike with cold water (warm water accelerates the corrosion) at least once a day, or before washing the bike. (EDIT: do not add cold water to a hot bike, wait for it to cool down first) Autoglym Motorcycle Cleaner works wonders (soak before washing, it's water washable so should drain off), but make sure you keep it away from lubed areas.

Keeping your bike in tip-top working order is also a good way to go - WD40 all electrical areas, keep everything free and lubricated (chains, bearings, cables, etc), service the bike more reguarly (i.e. cleaning the chain/brakes/etc) as these would clog up with road crap due to the worse weather conditions.

My routine for keeping the bike in good condition during the winter months was quite intensive (obsessive), including a 40 minute clean each day if the weather was bad (even if it was going to rain/snow the following day) with a proper clean every 3rd day (or at the weekend).

The bike's got too much exposed alloy to keep clean during the winter, so it'll be going into hibernation. Time for a second bike me'thinks.

craigs23 · Mr Muscle Joined: 08 Jun 2005 Karma :

Attempts to keep it clean (note embarassing large ice-induced chicken strips Embarassed

) taken in the middle of January.

https://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y51/whers84/398.jpg

Spiral · Traffic Copper Joined: 17 Jul 2004 Karma :

From what i read in a book one time it said that after riding in winter conditions you should hose down the wheels and forks brakes with cold water then towel dry everytime.
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colin1 · Captain Safety Joined: 17 Feb 2005 Karma :

omg
40min clean every day then a proper clean on the third day !
you wouldnt catch me doing that

Im sure cleaning is very satisfying but its not really for me.
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craigs23 · Mr Muscle Joined: 08 Jun 2005 Karma :

lol, I actually enjoy doing it Embarassed

Marcg868 · World Chat Champion Joined: 20 Jan 2005 Karma :

No harm showing you have pride in your possesions is there. I enjoy giving the gf a bloody good seein too Laughing

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Marci · Brolly Dolly Joined: 01 Sep 2005 Karma :

Wash with cold water before winter starts. Hot water is pointless, just melts the salt, allows it to run into cracks, cools down, salt re-crystalises and causes more damage in places you're less likely to spot.

Anyways, wash with cold water before winter starts... before salt gets on the road... then dielectric grease the entire under carriage of the bike, and any exposed metal likely to be at risk. Then don't worry about it over winter - can get away with not washing at all... once the gritters naff off again, wash the grease off with HOT water, lots of... underneath, bike should be in exact same condition as it was before u put the grease on. Doesn't need a stupidly thick layer either... Luberex or DowCorning DC4 is superb for the job.
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Villers · World Chat Champion Joined: 13 Sep 2004 Karma :

Scottoil bike protect spray

https://www.robinsonsfoundry.co.uk/shop/images/large/FS365_1L.jpg

Cover anything you want in it. It neutralises salt and stops rusting. It also gets into the nooks and crannies and protects rubber seals etc from corrosion. It also makes cleaning the bike easier as the dirt comes off with it when you wash it! Swear by it!
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mattfuzzy · Scooby Slapper Joined: 19 Nov 2004 Karma :

i also have some of that scottoiler spray, good stuff i think, not that i use it much... must start using it now i got brand new forks i guess Mr. Green

Marcg868 · World Chat Champion Joined: 20 Jan 2005 Karma :

Where'd u get it from! It oki to spra on plastic then?
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