Don't wash your bike and put it away

[Steptoe]

Wash your bike and then ride it so it dries out before you put it away.

I see alternators seized and the casing cracked because they've been put away wet and i've seen clutches seized solid. Don't mention beakes and the many instances of the friction material falling off from the backing plate and rear caliper has seized when the bike has stood for a long period after being put away washed and clean but wet.

Here's a clutch that i've just changed where the friction plate was firmly stuck to the pressure and friction plate. All totally fecked.

 

[Nin]

What is this “washing” you speak of?


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[(RIP) Mark H]

Miles in that yet

 

[davegs]

Now you've all heard the word from above, so obey, don't wash the thing just RIDE IT!!!.

 

[Phil-H]

Dirty bikes rule!

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[KP100]

Hose pipe ban. Currently using rain and speed to clean.

 

[UturnTony]

My non/minimal washing policy is vindicated

 

[Pukmeister]

What happens if you can't help riding home late at night in the rain, then put the bike away ?

Probably the reason I had to replace my alternator, no issues with clutch or brakes seizing though.

 

[IrishGaucho]

So wash the bike and get it dirty again immediately? haha, that's just terrible.

I do blow the bike to remove standing water and let the bike idle for a little while to burn off anything off, specially out of the exhaust. But good to know the devastated effects of leaving the bike wet.

Cheers,
Rami

 

[Traffic893]

How does a clutch end up like that putting a bike away wet?

 

[KP100]

How does a clutch end up like that putting a bike away wet?

I would think the cast iron pressure plate grew a skin of rust, that stuck to the friction plate. Ripping it to bits at a later date.

 

[jogo]

Neil,
thank you for showing this, it makes me think about my habit of washing the bike once per year...when I put it away for the winter.
I can easily understand what you mentioned from your experience with brakes and alternators. But I am surprised that enough water gets to the clutch to cause such devatation.

 

[casbar]

Neil,
thank you for showing this, it makes me think about my habit of washing the bike once per year...when I put it away for the winter.
I can easily understand what you mentioned from your experience with brakes and alternators. But I am surprised that enough water gets to the clutch to cause such devatation.

Guess riding a bike all year around, might be an issue in Norway

 

[jogo]

Guess riding a bike all year around, might be an issue in Norway

Unfortunately not. Between end of October and March it is not very tempting. It's dark, often stormy and either lots of rain or icy/snow or a mix of those. Tons of salt on the roads...

 

[Littledumptruck]

How does a clutch end up like that putting a bike away wet?

I must admit im wondering how water can get in there from a wash. Thought it was all pretty well sealed up on these GSs? I guess there must be a hole or two where its best not to spray water into.

 

[Pauly S]

i use a garden blower to dry mine, then ride it for good measure.And also leave a layer of protective bugs on the screen and tank.