Winter protection

[matt_bailey]

Hello all,

I do a few hundred miles a week all year round, which means the ADV is getting covered in thick layers of road crud every day. As this is my first bmw, I wondered if anyone could offer tips on protection from the elements.

I do the usual - drench in WD40 and grease, but I was wondering if there were any parts on the ADV to which I should pay special attention.

Thanks for your help,
Matt

 

[newman7096]

Fork Brace, Bottom of fork legs, series of nuts around front of engine behind front wheel and all brake banjos.

Try ACF 50 seems to work and dosen't was off too easily.

I don't know why but my front brakes seem to seize every winter so it might be an idea to strip and sort the brakes out as well!

Good Luck!

 

[Gas'd Off]

Fork Brace, Bottom of fork legs, around front of engine behind front wheel

Grease, looks shite but when removed in spring no corrosion

 

[matt_bailey]

Thanks - pretty much as I guessed.
I've been using JCB grease, and as you say it doesn't look fantastic, but I'm not too worried about that as long as the bike still goes.

Mr Newman, did the brakes seize even while the bike was in day to day use, or after a lay up?

Thanks,
Matt

 

[MasterDabber]

The other alternative is the Scottoiler FS365 Protector Spray . I've been using it and it seems to work quite well.

 

[pomm001]

I think you need something a bit heavier than WD40 as it tends to disapear quick quickly, grease up linkages where you can, as far as the fastners go, get stainless steel kit from Steptoe, as the standard corrosion protection on these are p*ss poor.

 

[roly]

no not that winter salt

hi matt
i use my gs every day rain or shine, for the last 2 winters i've used waxoil , painted on or sprayed on with can , not one bit of rust anywere, even coated the remus alloy can at rear , salt hasn't even touched it. the bike is in the sea air all the time, its evil. check out the local cars. i used a artist brush for all the fasteners and small items, spray can for all bits hard to get, and paint brush for large items. the bike looked real bad for 3 months, come april de-greased couple of times ,has to because once won't touch it ,hot jet wash, rags with wd 40 on , got it all off. looked almost new again . i was that impressed that i went out and bought another gallon of it.few mates seen the bike during winter and said (what a mess) thought i did'nt like the gs because normally they look like they come out of a show room. but in the real world you cannot keep them like that if they get used daily, few people said the abs rings rust and fork leg lowers, tanks underneath ,rear subframes, no detoration on mine. exell bike bar the lights.

 

[Tarka]

I found the best way of keeping my 1100 clean and shiny,when I ride all year round,was to buy another 1100 for bad weather and keep the shiny one in the garage for good days....

 

[matt_bailey]

If I did that I'd start to worry about the corrosion on the winter bike, and I'd have to buy another one... :O)

I have thought about buying a cheapo winter bike, but I didn't buy the GS to sit in a garage under a sheet, and I think it'll last better if used every day anyway.

A more persuasive argument for a second bike is the concern over the GS getting nicked etc, as I have a big trip planned in 2007 and don't want to jeopardise that.

It's an expensive option though, as there doesn't seem to be any such thing as a 'cheap' winter bike.



Matt

 

[Tarka]

If I did that I'd start to worry about the corrosion on the winter bike, and I'd have to buy another one... :O)

....That`s why I`ve still got my Airhead....

And to save that from some dodgy conditions,there`s always the XLV750R....

The 400/4 is currently off the road..and the Guzzi.....and the Benly....so if it`s REALLY bad,or icy,there`s the Ural......or the Vitara....

 

[daj]

I had a cheap winter bike once, a Yamaha TT600 Belgarda...and it got nicked in the centre of London.

 

[newman7096]

"Mr Newman, did the brakes seize even while the bike was in day to day use, or after a lay up?"

Yes, used for six days continously and rested for three and the away for six again! And when I say seized I mean wont even roll off the centre stand!

I've become obsesive about it now!

I even had a R1100s and the brakes seized on that in winter with 2400 miles on the clock!

I will soon be stripping and treating the calipers to some 'caliper grease', it helps for a while!

 

[Rugged Path]

Winter riding scares me and my arthritus. Still, it is November and I am still wearing my airflow gear.
In fact, riding around Q8 for the long weekend.

 

[BLUE(UK)]

If it's a GS it's gonna rust away if ya take it in that winter salt......i tells ya it is!!(you know who you are keeping it locked away!!!)