corrosion prevention

[blackbird]

Hi all i am missing not using my GS because of all the salt on the roads are BMW bikes prone to corrosion ? what do you guys that use your bikes in the winter months do to limit the threat of salt damage as my bike is only 5 months old i would hate to see it rot in front of my eyes.

 

[Schtum]

Ride it, let it rot and then get new parts fitted under warranty......

Seriously....I lathered mine in FS365 before I even rode it off the dealer's forecourt last December, washed it whenever I took it out on salted roads and reapplied FS365 at frequent intervals. None of that stopped the corrosion on the front engine casing and the inlet tracts on the cylinder heads. Two new cylinder heads and a front engine casing later........

 

[Pukmeister]

Same here, but after 2 replacement front engine covers I coated the alternator belt cover steel screw threads with 'starbrite' liquid electrical tape before screwing them into the aluminium cover, and touch wood, she is still looking good (Plenty of FS365 used too). The cyl head covers are holding up okay, maybe the original paint was poor quality ?

After riding on salty roads, my advice is:

COLD water hose to rinse off salt deposits. (Hot water liberates salt and makes it worse so avoid at this stage.)
Coat bike in dedicated spray-on bike cleaner (I use Hein-Gericke brand).
Wash clean with stiff brush and warm water with "Wash 'n Wax" in it.
Cold water rinse using hose.
Use Garden Vac on blow to blast away excess water (good trick)
Coat in FS365, spray WD40 onto switchgear to protect (or whatever preserving fluid you use), especially in hard to reach areas. Obviously avoid spraying onto brakes.
Store under cover (mines garaged).

 

[Wanderer]

Keep on top with washing and have plently of AC50 and GT85 to hand.

 

[Richyboy]

road salt n rot

I always use wax oil painted on the offending areas with a small brush , let it go off for a few days its awesome .good for ally rims etc etc.you need to steem it off tho does a1 jobby !

 

[Snooky]

Wax oil, ACF50 and a good caoting of road crap for 3 months

 

[skybluebird]

I just let the bike cool then drain the local reservoir to hose the salt off. Then dry with a microfibre cloth, spray FS365 on the fork brace and lock her up in the garage. TBH I don't ride too much through the winter, basically 'cos I cant always be bothered with the above and would never put the bike away overnight with salt on, but after 2 1/2 winters there is no corrosion (not counting a fork brace replaced under warranty).

 

[Mzokk]

I Just gave up and bought one of these to play on in the winter. Cheap as chips use it sling it in the garage wash it occasionally and don't worry to much.

Seems to be holding up well after 3 winters

 

[Pressurized]

Bet you don't worry about it being fully warmed up before nailing it in the nearest 60 limit, eh?

 

[Mzokk]

Bet you don't worry about it being fully warmed up before nailing it in the nearest 60 limit, eh?

Er No.

 

[Howard Millichap]

Bet you don't worry about it being fully warmed up before nailing it in the nearest 60 limit, eh?

They only do 62mph.

 

[Murph]

2 winters on an 1150, not too much washing, no coating in anything and as far as I can see corrosion not too prevalent - are my standards just too lax !

 

[Mzokk]

They only do 62mph.

 

[GS Rider]

after every wash

Hi , After every wash you can use X-lube bike spray 500ml @ £5.99from M and P direct item 507137 or 5 ltrs for £29.99 or go to Nippy Norms ACF-50 369mls aerosol t/pack special price of £20 or as motor cycle news said last year give your bike a good spay of WD40 all over you can get these tins from pound land for !! yes you got it a £1 happy cleaning . PSI ve not tried the acf but I know the others work ok and the bike spays good all over Bill

 

[Gas'd Off]

Will you lot STOP worrying about corrosion and dirt please!

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

Will you lot STOP worrying about corrosion and dirt please!

Andres

 

[French Adventure]

Rust runs

My '03 GSA gets used every day and is suffering now. Have noticed rust runs from the top of the forks and the leading edge seams on the tank are starting to rust. Not quite what I expected from my premium product.

Haven't had time (or daylight) to investigate the top of the forks - any clues?