Dropping your bike and garage woes

[daktulos]

Between Christmas and New Year, there was a nice dry day where I had nothing on, so went out for a ride. I got half way from the garage back towards my house when I slowed for an oncoming car, my front wheel locked, went sideways and I came off. I had no idea why, but it can be quite a slippery road when it hasn't rained for a while, plus it was a cold day.

Eleven weeks later, and I've finally managed to get everything fixed and been out for a short (9 mile) ride. I was so cautious - I can't believe how much I've lost my faith in the wheel's ability to grip the road. I tried braking hard occasionally to build confidence, but I'm sure it felt like it was catching or slipping when braking hard.

So, I managed to get back safely, and opened up the garage - and I realised that the floor of the garage is very black and very wet. It's a council garage, with another garage above it, so there's nothing I can do about the stream of water when it rains, but it did look very greasy.

So, now I'm thinking that maybe I have an oily spot on my tyre from where it's been sitting. Does that sound likely?

Clearly I'm going to have to scrub the floor, but should I be scrubbing the tyres, too? Any advice for what to use?

Also, I can't stop the flow of water from the garage above (or wherever). I could try diverting it, but is there a simple solution? Some sort of mat, perhaps?

Thank you!

[R1ffR4ff]

Carb/Brake cleaner for the tyre/s.Will evaporate quick and won't damage the synthetic rubber or the Screwfix Degreaser of recent threads as it's water soluble so can be used on the floor as well for oil spills with a bit of Scotch pad.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/no-nonsen...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

After you have cleaned up you could spread some Cat litter in the areas where the water/rain pools to keep it soaked up and then discard and refresh when needed.I use Cat litter in my garage for soaking up oil spills and walk it into the spill area.It's as good as any more expensive oil/water etc soakeruppers.

Cheap as chips from Aldi/Lidl



My 10 Penn'th

[daktulos]

Originally Posted by R1ffR4ff

Carb/Brake cleaner for the tyre/s.Will evaporate quick and won't damage the synthetic rubber or the Screwfix Degreaser of recent threads as it's water soluble so can be used on the floor as well for oil spills with a bit of Scotch pad.

Thanks. I'll give some degreaser a go. I have a large pot of IPA somewhere which would probably work, too.

I'm not sure about the cat litter, when it's raining hard, it would be quickly saturated.

Thanks!

[R1ffR4ff]

Originally Posted by daktulos

Thanks. I'll give some degreaser a go. I have a large pot of IPA somewhere which would probably work, too.

I'm not sure about the cat litter, when it's raining hard, it would be quickly saturated.

Thanks!

Is there no way you can channel the leak/Rain so it's not a problem?

[daktulos]

Originally Posted by R1ffR4ff

Is there no way you can channel the leak/Rain so it's not a problem?

I'm going to try that - I need to clear the floor first to work out where which direction it would naturally flow.

[DarrenSV650S]

If the floor is that bad I'd keep the bike on paddock stands or even a plank of wood

[R1ffR4ff]

Originally Posted by daktulos

I'm going to try that - I need to clear the floor first to work out where which direction it would naturally flow.

Remember to keep good ventilation when using IPA as it can eat up oxygen pretty quick :O

[Bibio]

you say its a council garage.. then its up to the council to upkeep it. give them a phone and tell them the problem. remember you pay rent for that space.

[R1ffR4ff]

Originally Posted by Bibio

you say its a council garage.. then its up to the council to upkeep it. give them a phone and tell them the problem. remember you pay rent for that space.

+10

[Craigg]

whats the date code on the tyres..? how old are they?

i had a set of 2012 dated Metzlers on my VFR last year, and they were like riding on Ice...