Protect and survive
Nine ways to ensure your pride and joy doesn’t dissolve in the shed…
IREALLY LOVE MY BIKE and there is no way it will ever see the salt and grime that plagues our highways and byways during the winter. Call me a fair weather rider but my Ducati is always tucked away, but not before a spot of preparation. This is my routine...
1. WASH IT: Give your bike a damn good scrub to remove any traces of salt and general road grime. My potion of choice is Progreen MC performance bike wash (progreenmx.co.uk) which removes anything with ease and contains no salt itself. 2. PROTECTION: Still dripping wet I spray the bike in Pro-green MC Aftershine 101 which when you leave to dry without buffing leaves everything with a high gloss, showroom look and a protective finish to combat Jack Frost. Then when the bike is dry start spraying anti-corrosion spray, such as ACF-50, on all metal components. 3. LUBE: Give the chain a serious lubing. Protects against rust and non greasy O-rings causing chain slap. 4. LIFT IT UP: I have invested in a couple of paddock stands which, when the bike is lifted, gives the tyres a rest and prevents flat spots developing. Good for chain lubing too. 5. FUEL: Fill the tank with fuel to the very top to prevent condensation and the resulting rust. 6. STUFF IT: Wet and drafty shed? Then stick an old sock down the end of your exhaust. Again this will stop the damp air getting in and causing condensation. 7 ELECTRICKERY: I’m lucky enough to have electricity in my garage so as a rule my 900 is always attached to a trickle charger. Mine is an Oxford Oximiser 901 (oxfordproducts.com) and it extends the battery life. 8 COVER IT UP: Invest in a good bike cover – it’ll keep dust and damp off, prevent scratches but will still allow air to circulate. I got mine from Specialised Covers (specialisedcovers.com) who sell both indoor and outdoor versions. Made of breathable microfibre cloth with a fleece lining, it stretches and fits my Monster perfectly. You can specify the colour from a choice of 15, specify the colour of piping and if they don’t already cater for your bike then ring them. All made in the wonderful county of Yorkshire. 9. SECURITY: Fat chain to a ground anchor is best. I also have a Biketrac (biketrac.co.uk) tracker fitted. Follow these nine rules and your bike should go ping in Spring. If it doesn’t then buy a new one…