Winter corrosion protection

[Cone Bolt]

Now that I am getting a GS(my first) I want to ride it as much as possible during the winter. Is there a thread out there with recommendations/experiences ref corrosion protection vulnerable parts etc. I rode my VFR for about half last winter and despite constant attention it nearly rotted to bits. I very much doubt this would happen to a BM but would appreciate advice.

 

[carbold]

I very much doubt this would happen to a BM but would appreciate advice.

You are sooo wrong!!!!!
I use loads of WD40 and vaseline on lower engine, nuts and bolts. I also wash the bike quite often with cold water. Caliper bolts, discs bolts and exhaust bolts WILL rust whatever you do, I replaced most of the fasteners with stainless steel stuff (I used A2-70 but A2-80 or A4-80 would be better). We also had many cases of seized caliper pistons due to grit and salt and poor cleaning. Also the paint on the forks and fork bridge tends to flake.

Good luck

 

[Schtum]

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=29993&highlight=FS365

 

[gavin]

I've used something called ACF-50, from the aviation industry, works well.

 

[Cone Bolt]

Thanks guys Good info but you have shattered one myth about BMW

Schtum, guessed you'd come up trumps

 

[Schtum]

Schtum, guessed you'd come up trumps

You did.... So what does Cone Bolt translate to in VFR speak...?

 

[Firegus]

Try this

The new[ish] stuff from scotoiler works a treat just spray it on and it`s supposed to react with the salt to neutralise it.
I used it last winter and no problems

 

[Wreford Miles]

I've an Uncle that treats his imaculate Renault 12 with Creosote... Mind you he does live in Andover so that would explain a lot

 

[Spanish Bob]

Steptoe´s SS bolt kit!

 

[jenks]

I've an Uncle that treats his imaculate Renault 12 with Creosote... Mind you he does live in Andover so that would explain a lot


If he's still got a Renault 12 in one piece, then it must work.

They rotted out before they left the factory.

Andrew

 

[shready]

No R1200GS will have gone through a British winter yet with salty, gritty roads so we don't know what it will do to it.

It seems that as new models come out the build quality gets worse. My R1100GS has gone through numerous winters and has survived very well. That said, I know of issues with R1150GS models that have not faired so well against salt.

Are there any/many issues yet with the build quality of the R1200GS? It looks fine to me and I would hope a good covering of protector together with removal of salt with cold water ASAP should be fine. I tend to leave mine to get really grubby letting the dirt stick to the protection layer, then just hose of the salt when I can.

I spray everything (within reason) weekly with WD40 and wipe oil over the fork lowers.

I may try the BMW protector this year, just to see how good it is.

Jon

 

[Burfcontrol]

Try waxoil

I did last year. Got aerosol - 2 cans was enough - and sprayed everything metal, including engine, downpipes and exhaust, except tank and brake discs.
Learnings:
1) Make sure you check the colour - it comes in clear and black (looks like treacle toffee) - I didn't and got one of each
2) After a few weeks the whole thing looks like sh*t anyway so it doesn't really matter
3) Don't worry about the engine, exhaust and other hot bits - the first time you pull away you look like something out of a Hammer Horror movie with clouds of smoke all around - so make sure you have an appreciative audience
4) I didn't wash or hose down all through winter - from Nov to mid March - except to clean screen and lights
5) I used Gunk to remove - not a jet wash - jet wash can (did) remove paint from fork brace
6) The downpipes may take a bit of polishing up
7) Re learn the joys of washing and polishing every week
8) Oh yeah, the important bit, no problems with corrosion, rust or white fluffy deposits

Right that's my 2p worth. I'm off to Valencia for the GP, and a last look at some sunshine

 

[Rugged Path]

Rust eaten riders

I have got to laugh at all these moaning off-roaders (GSers). What the hells wrong with a bit of cold numbness and salty grit in yer teeth (cleans the dentures). Thats what winter riding is all about. If it rusts away, buy another.

Talk about rusting and prevention, well, my problem while GSing here in Saudi is the bloody sand and racing Land Cruisers. Myself and the bike are slowly getting pebble -dashed.

Still, it costs me £4 to fill the adventure tank and as it's sunny (again) outside, I'm off.

Home for Xmas (Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr).

 

[Cone Bolt]

You did.... So what does Cone Bolt translate to in VFR speak...?

Sorry had to change handle as already in use. See Bilko over by

 

[ELIMINATOR]

Waxoil, must try that next year, assuming the bike's still in one piece. Either through corrosion or warrantee repairs. Rather it looked shite over the winter than all year round. Probably too late. Ah, still under warrantee, leave it till nearer the expiry date for this, then make a claim.