An itsy bitsy winter Spyder? (Frost, Snow, Salt, ...)

[Siara]

Hey everyone,

Since I never did a winter stop on my two-wheelers I'm not planning it for my Spyder either but I'm a little worried. The Spyder is well...new to me...and I'm not too sure if I should be doing something extra for it during the winter time.

I drive it when it's freezing and today also driven it to work while it was snowing. Don't worry, I don't drive when there's too much snow and I adjust my speed at all times. The Spyder does a pretty good job playing in the snow but caution is always advised!

Now, salt is everywhere during this season. On the road, on my boots, ... I take it salt is an issue for the Spyder as it is for most two-wheelers? How do you guys deal with this? I try to clean the Spyder when I get home with a damp cloth everytime to get most dirt and/or salt off but off course owning an RT I can't clean or reach the bottom properly...

Hints, tips or tricks for the winter season are most appreciated. :bowdown:

 

[Eagle1]

Hi, I would be concerned about salt getting onto belt, sprocket area.

 

[Luvs2Ride]

Sadly, we don't ride once the roads have stuff on them. We always wash/polish the bikes after our last fall/winter ride, top the gas tanks off with Sta-Bil, hook them to a battery tender, and cover them until the spring rains have washed away the salt/chemicals. And I pray for an early Spring! (I do frequently pat my Spyder though when walking through the garage... )

Jenna

 

[Orange Spyder Man]

Salt ? how do you get salt on your spyder... I have never seen salt on the roads here ???

osm

 

[Frank G]

Hey everyone,

Since I never did a winter stop on my two-wheelers I'm not planning it for my Spyder either but I'm a little worried. The Spyder is well...new to me...and I'm not too sure if I should be doing something extra for it during the winter time.

I drive it when it's freezing and today also driven it to work while it was snowing. Don't worry, I don't drive when there's too much snow and I adjust my speed at all times. The Spyder does a pretty good job playing in the snow but caution is always advised!

Now, salt is everywhere during this season. On the road, on my boots, ... I take it salt is an issue for the Spyder as it is for most two-wheelers? How do you guys deal with this? I try to clean the Spyder when I get home with a damp cloth everytime to get most dirt and/or salt off but off course owning an RT I can't clean or reach the bottom properly...

Hints, tips or tricks for the winter season are most appreciated. :bowdown:

If you have not done any electrical modifications where you have introduced splices or open terminal blocks you should be fine. The Spyders electrical system is totally sealed from the elements. I have friends that use the spyder as a daily driver and have never had an issue with salt except for cleaning. The aluminum portions of the bike will suffer after time.

 

[Bob Denman]

Hi Siara!
Glad to hear that you're enjoying "Life on a Tripod"!
Sadly; road salt also is also what parks my bikes. The damage done to the finish; just isn't worth it. :shocked:

 

[STELLING MAN]

SALT

Like some others posted, I won't get my :spyderut on the highway when there Is salt on them..

 

[Highwayman2013]

No salt here, but back in Pa we leave the bikes parked until lots of rain cleans the roads.

 

[Chupaca]

Tough one..!!

I would think the bigger issue is the under carriage. The salt/chemicals and sand (with more salt) stick to the radiators, engine suspension etc and cleaning off the body parts will not help. Don't know the availability of car washes or if you can get under and hose those areas. Once rusting starts it is tough to stop without getting to it sanding and re painting where needed. I used to spray WD40 all under and around to help which also made it easier to wash those areas. Be safe out there...:thumbup:

 

[Buggy]

To take protection a step further along with the washing advice listed above...I would get the Spyder rust proofed just like they do with cars. Something's the rust proofing companies sell their products in spray cans where you can do it yourself.

ride safe!

 

[grumpybob]

Here in upstate NY, once the roads are salted spyder camps out in the garage until the salt is washed off the roads. We could not get out of our driveway anyway, even when it is plowed.

 

[cognaccruiser]

As others have said, most of us park our spyders or bikes when there is salt on the roads and wait for spring and until the salt has washed away. If you have no choice, then you just have to live with it. If you don't have to continue to use it in the salt, I would try to hose off the under parts and wash off with rags and soapy water etc as much as possible.

Gary

 

[ARtraveler]

Salt corrosion is a vehicles worst enemy. Washing off as best as you can after every ride is going to help. The undercarriage and difficult to reach parts are going to be the problem.

Also watch out when you do give :ani29: a good wash. High pressure puts water into places that the :spyder2: electronics do not like and can cause funny operation until its all dried out.

On some things, it is hard to win. :yikes:

 

[OJ UK]

Having ridden in all weathers and right through the winter salt season I'm no stranger to at least minimising salt damage.
We have hundreds of motorcycle couriers who ride year in, year out and manage to keep corrosion to a minimum.

Prior to the onset of winter use a spray like ACF 50 ( http://www.acf-50.co.uk/motorcycle.htm ) ACF50 is used by the US Navy on their carriers.

This will seal all surfaces against the ingress of the salt-laced spray that gets everywhere.

At least every other days hose your Spyder down using cold water. Don't use detergents as many actually contain salt! Don't use a high pressure hose.

With the Spyder you're going to need an ATV lift or ramps to get the underside accessible

Here's some advice from an English bike magazine: http://www.motorcyclemonthly.co.uk/news/true-grit-how-to-ensure-your-bike-survives-winter-riding

It's not difficult to achieve reasonable results but just a chore..........Good luck.