winter riding

[cus]

Hello all, just registered and I am wondering if anyone has any tips on how to keep a naked curvy sv in good condition whilste riding on a daily basis during the winter months?

[Grinch]

Have a look at my sig.

[Dangerous Dave]

Hello and welcome, you want to use ACF-50 (http://www.acf-50.co.uk/) on the metal parts (not brake discs) of a motorcycle when running through winter. ACF-50 is the best form of corrosion resistance available, also doesn't wash off with every rainy ride like its rival products.

[Viney]

I gave up years ago. I dont think i have cleaned my bike since before the annual rideout in July!

[Grinch]

ACF-50 is great, if your having trouble finding it then you can also use Scottoiler FS 365, not as good, but better then nothing.

[Alpinestarhero]

ACF50 seems the way forward if you dont like washing your bike down regularly. However, in the interests of keeping on top of my own maintinence, I like to wash my bike down regularly (once a week). A quick rinse with the hose, then a bucket of warm soapy water applied with a sponge, more rinsing, dry off, and done. Only takes 20 minutes :D Then I'll apply some lubricant to the chain. Job done, cup of tea next.

I did it this way all last winter (45 miles of riding per day, 5 days a week) and was expecting to have a problem when it came to servicing my brakes in april. No problems, I was quite suprised

WD40 on moving parts also helps, like levers and the side stand, and I also keep the clutch mechanism (worm drive etc) oiled up.

Matt

[Ceri JC]

I gave up years ago. I dont think i have cleaned my bike since before the annual rideout in July!

+1 for this. I honestly don't think it makes an awful lot of difference in the long term for the SV (although for other, better finished bikes, it might). If you ride through winter, your bike won't look too hot after a few years.

[vilguy]

I build up a nice protective layer of brake dust and road crud all over the bike during the summer... which stops the salt getting through... then clean it once a year in the spring :D works a treat and saves alot of time!

[daveb]

As above - I use the Scottoiler stuff on a lot of the bike metals including the wheels, frame, bolts fixings etc. and it keeps the calipers nice as well (avoid the discs tho...).
I rode mine through a lot of crappy weather in the early part of 2008 and I use my bike for the daily commute and wash it every weekend - I then add the Scottoiler anti-corrode stuff and this seems to keep things in good shape.
The only part of the bike that seems to corrode regardless is the chain tensioners as they seem to be made from very cheep alloy (would like to get some nice anodised ones at some point).
Another tip is to use some Halfords engine cleaner around the sump/oil filter area as this keeps the crap to a minimum. It's just a case of spraying it on, leaving for a few minutes and then washing off with lots of clean water - it comes up quite nice but the engine spray does smell like dirty toilets tho...:o(
As mentioned by others, don't forget the WD :o)

Dave

[cus]

Thanks for your advice for all that posted. I have sprayed some of the FS 365 on for now but I am thinking of investing in the ACF-50 when it comes up on offer somewhere. Also been thinking of spraying waxoyl under the sump and around oil filter area as that area catches alot of road crud. Might buy a fender extender too and maybe a belly pan, not sure about the looks though. :-?

[northwind]

ACF50 is the business. I always cringe a bit when I read about how much effort people put into cleaning their bikes, but not a mention of how they protect it- clean your bike once a week, and the only result is that it gets wet once more than it would have otherwise, and tomorrow's filth has a nice clean bike to land on.

[fizzwheel]

Remember the FS365 needs to be applied after every wet ride as per the instructions on the bottle. This is where ACF-50 is superior as it doesnt get washed off by riding in the rain.

[mustnt grumble]

ACF50 is the business. I always cringe a bit when I read about how much effort people put into cleaning their bikes, but not a mention of how they protect it- clean your bike once a week, and the only result is that it gets wet once more than it would have otherwise, and tomorrow's filth has a nice clean bike to land on.


Hmmm, agree about the anti corrosion treatment, but cleaning has the effect of removing the salt. All the ACF50 in the world isn't going to stop salt getting in the nooks and crannies. A good clean at least once a week (preferably a hose down after every ride) followed by a coating of anti corrosion spray is what I've always been advised to do during the winter months.

[northwind]

A clean + protection, aye, but a lot of people just clean- and it's an idea that keeps on getting repeated.

PS, I apply ACF50 using a paraffin gun and compressor, so it comes out as a fine mist- gets absolutely everywhere.

[yorkie_chris]

Hmmm, agree about the anti corrosion treatment, but cleaning has the effect of removing the salt. All the ACF50 in the world isn't going to stop salt getting in the nooks and crannies. A good clean at least once a week (preferably a hose down after every ride) followed by a coating of anti corrosion spray is what I've always been advised to do during the winter months.

Yes it will, and wiping the surface over doesn't get salt out of such places either.

[Dangerous Dave]

Yes it will, and wiping the surface over doesn't get salt out of such places either.
+ 1, use a paint brush to dap ACF-50 in to the nooks and crannies. I have a SV here which I have owned since 1999 (100,000miles plus), compare it to the 2000 model (8,500miles) I bought earlier in the year with a lot less mileage, the engine is in a far better state regarding corrosion on my 1999 model.

[thedonal]

Someone posted to use the ACF on the metal parts.

I assumed it was also good for the plastics- is this correct?

Cheersy

D

[Nobbylad]

As has been said before, why would you try and protect plastics from rust?

[Dangerous Dave]

As has been said before, why would you try and protect plastics from rust?
+ 1, you can use ACF-50 on plastics as it is safe but the last time I checked plastic doesn't rust or corrode.