Prepping For Winter

HYF

HYF

HOLDYOURFIRE
WINTER IS COMING !!!

( thats the game of thrones ref out the way)

so here in the uk winter is just around the corner, and i know some people with be storing their bikes over winter, but for the all year riders, what are your top tips for prepping your bike for the harsh wet, cold and grim winter ????
 
I may need to have any to replace my drive belt, plus begin using the battery tender. A new jacket may be in the works as well.
I had a vlog about winter riding, and my take away is to dress right. If you're cold, you're uncomfortable which is a serious distraction from what's happening on the road.

Distractions affect your security. Security affects your safety.

- Wuf
 
ACF50 for the metal bits on the bike and a really good clean and wax prior to the salt going down, then as @scooterwuf said, get your riding gear in good order, may be re-apply some NikWax or equivalent to your textiles and dust off the thermal underwear. If commuting it is probs best to leave your work clothes at work and get changed when you get in so you have warm clothes then and can hopefully dry out your riding gear while you are working. Gloves are a big thing, you want them to be warm and waterproof coz warm fingers work so much better, but you also want to be able to feel the bikes controls so getting the right ones can be an expensive process.
 
I've never found those hand warmer packets to be useful as they just keep your palms warm while your fingers go numb. If it's so cold that electric gloves are needed, it's probably too cold for me to ride. Also, once the salts on the road it's a hard no.

- Wuf
 
Electric heated gloves are a must!!!. Don't even f with heated grips. Its not your palms that operate the switch gears! Good waterproof gear is always good.

For the bike though, ACF50. Well maintained chain. Regular washes of the bike. And always make sure its covered!! And obviously don't be a hooligan with the throttle when its wet, cold and icy.. it will only end bad. Always take it slow on roundabouts.
 
I usually lay up for winter , full tank with stabiliser, run for 5 mins to get carbs full with the stabiliser and fresh fuel, acf50! Amazing stuff , if you have one jack bike off wheels to stop flat spots , if stored in garage should be good for a few months
 
I disagree regarding starting the bike, if you are not gonna ride it then no benefit in starting it. You also shouldn't start your bike while it is connected to a battery optimiser as it can fry your regulator and battery.
 
HippoDrone said:
I disagree regarding starting the bike, if you are not gonna ride it then no benefit in starting it. You also shouldn't start your bike while it is connected to a battery optimiser as it can fry your regulator and battery.
Click to expand...

Actually Hippo was at a Dealer only show several years ago and attended a symposium about oils. Learned that a quart of oil can only hold 40 drops of water. We tend to forget about dew points and that our bikes have breathing room throughout the blocks. They explained even in a regular household garage the temp fluctuations can lead to condensation inside the engine and once the oil has absorbed all it can, then damage can occur.

Their suggestion was to changed the oil right before storing it and then at 3 months or before riding it (whichever comes first).

Or

Start it and run it at least 15 minutes every week or so at operating temperature to bake off the absorbed water. An added benefit of running it is coating all the passageways with oil to fight any corrosion.

So be sure to unplug the battery tender for safety if you choose to run it.

I did not see anyone mention parking the bike o cardboard or old carpet in the garage to keep the garage floor from damaging the tires. If you use a rack or wheel stands that lift the rubber off the floor, that would be good.
 
HippoDrone said:
ahh that is interesting @R-Rated and makes sense. I may change my storing of bikes process! :)
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Just suggestions. ;)

6b084696021df61470598bed4fb2b522.jpg
 
HippoDrone said:
I disagree regarding starting the bike, if you are not gonna ride it then no benefit in starting it. You also shouldn't start your bike while it is connected to a battery optimiser as it can fry your regulator and battery.
Click to expand...

I haven't mentioned battery tender at all :). I don't use one. I just remove the battery, charge it and leave it at home. When I go to start the bike to run a bit I just bring the battery with me and take it back afterwards. Not sure what the procedures with a tender are as I've never used one :)
 
WingManGT said:
I haven't mentioned battery tender at all :). I don't use one. I just remove the battery, charge it and leave it at home. When I go to start the bike to run a bit I just bring the battery with me and take it back afterwards. Not sure what the procedures with a tender are as I've never used one :)
Click to expand...
Yeah, soz, that was a general comment, not directed at you. @R-Rated has also changed my mind regarding not starting the bike too :)
 
WingManGT said:
I haven't mentioned battery tender at all :). I don't use one. I just remove the battery, charge it and leave it at home. When I go to start the bike to run a bit I just bring the battery with me and take it back afterwards. Not sure what the procedures with a tender are as I've never used one :)
Click to expand...

They vary based on tender manufacturer. The simpler ones are small and have a connector that you can leave installed. Harley made the wiring in the bike standard around 2009? Then you buy the unit to plug into it. Surprise! You do not have to buy the Harley branded one as it is made by Battery Tender brand.

I start using mine when it gets into the low 50F range.
 
R-Rated said:
I did not see anyone mention parking the bike o cardboard or old carpet in the garage
Click to expand...

I do this. Not for storage purposes but if there is a leak i would be aware of it. Plus it could save me money on my deposit incase i move property, don't want to landlord moaning about oils spills on his garage floor :D

I have the bike sat on top of an old cut away rectangle of light coloured carpet. then underneath that is a plastic runner for a hallway then underneath that is cardboard lol
 
The only thing I change come the winter is put a jumper on under my jacket. My bike dosen't have any computers on it so there isn't anything to do there.
 
I made the mistake today of not taking the lining out of my textiles, was wandering around a castle in them sweating out my hoop lol
 
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