Winter Maintenance?

[jambo]

I tend to mix some motor oil and LM grease up and use a toothbrush to apply that to all the bolts and fixings I can see. Keeps them from getting too corroded, barely needs re-applying and can be used near brakes as you're not spraying all over the area.

Lube your chain more often, ride frequently.

Jambo

Cleaning an SV used regularly through winter is a waste of time IMO. On bikes with a better finish it may well be worthwhile, but the SV will corrode to some extent regardless of what you do. I'd rather save the money/time on cleaning it to replace parts when they invariably do get ruined.

As others have said, with the amount you're using it, an optimate is probably overkill.

Washing things down with water is a good idea, especialy things like the rear shock etc. I don;t use any protectice coating on my bike, but I might look into it.

Be aware that your chain will have loads of crap stick to it, so be sure to clean it with parafin and use a good lubricant after; I use thicker chain lube in the winter...the wurth stuff seems to wash off quicker.

[ophic]

Originally Posted by Ceri JC

Cleaning an SV...

doing what?!

I just write my name in the dirt. That way I don't have to lock it

I have a Pyramid hugger I got on e-bay for a tenner, that protects my shock just nice.

[Viney]

I find the crap flap does just as good a job as my old hugger did