Winter SV riding precautions?
 

well having only had the bike a few months and only really pottered about on nice days im planing a trip to Cardiff from aldershot on saturday. Just wondered if anyone had any tips to stop any likely problems I would have riding in the wet i.e. common electrical gremlins.

Also gota buy a few bits of wet weather gear some over trousers ect.. any recommendations?

cheers Malcs

Re: Winter Ride
 

Its a 99 sv650s for what it counts!

Re: Winter Ride
 

Have you got a fender extender on the front?

If not, unbolt the bottom of the radiator and pull it forwards, then pull the plug cap off and smear it in grease to stop water getting down the plug hole and causing a misfire on the front pot.... Err that's all I can think of really, I'm sure the resident gurus will add to this :D

Re: Winter Ride
 

Check your engine oil level and lube the chain.

Re: Winter Ride
 

tyre pressures as the temperature has dropped alot recently.

Re: Winter Ride
 

cheers guys will give the bike a good look over before the trip, im looking forward to giving it a decent run. Ive just changed the battery for a bosh one as the old one gave up on the 1st cold day we had

Re: Winter Ride
 

Whilst your out there if its not an awful day give it a good clean and ACF50 if you have any to keep the road crap off it.

Re: Winter Ride
 

Check overtrousers actually go over your boots before stumping up your cash, and that they are long enough with legs bent on bike. If you are riding in leathers and already have a decent waterproof walking jacket or similar that will probably do in a pinch. Probably flap about a bit more that a specific bike one but will keep wind and rain off.
Take a couple extra base layers with you including some long johns or similar. If temp drops again being cold on a longer ride quickly becomes very unfunny.
Have a good one.

Re: Winter Ride
 

go with an all in one waterproof not a jacket and bottoms as i have found you will get wet where the two meet, also most are now double lined so keep you warm(ish) as well.

check battery is charged
check oil level
tires tread and pressures and over all condition
chain/sprocket condition
lube chain
grease plug cap if not all ready done, even if you have fender extender
obviously check lights, indicators and all that lot.

bit OTT but well worth doing every now and then

Re: Winter Ride
 

Take the car if it's cold or raining ;)