Dark.Wet.Cold.Windy.Greasy.Treacherous.Dangerous. Yep, winter's coming

[Ixion]

Well, tonight I had to break out waterproofs on the BMW. And yep, it was cold, dark,wet,windy,greasy,treacherous and dangerous. And the cagers were totally stupid.

So I think maybe we've seen the end of the golden weather (Though I'll still hope for an Indian summer).WINTER'S COMING !

Which means we're coming into the best time of year for riding. When the real riders come out, and the posers slink off.

Some of you may not have ridden through a Winter yet . So now is the time to start getting ready for it.

Get your bike ready. Lube everything lubable. Grease everything greasable. Check your cables and lube them . Chains - will they last through a Winter, chain wear is much much greater in Winter ? (BMW and Guzzi riders, stop smirking) . If doubtful, may be time to replace them. Tyres ditto. A bald tyre on dry roads is no matter. In Winter it may kill you. If in doubt, now's the time to fit new ones.

Electrics! Winter means water,and water will try to get into your electrics, and stop them working (Ducatis and Motoguzzis, of course won't notice the difference ) ! Which can be embrassing at best, lethal at worst. WD40 everything, and use insulating tape and sealant liberally. Especially aroud the HT stuff. The beginning of Winter is the worst, during summer electrics get coated with a light layer of dust. When Winter comes the dust gets wet, and conductive. Clean coils, HT leads, replace plugs. More WD40.

Sort out the little things. Like that tear in the seat. Nothing more horrible than sitting down and going "Squelch" cos your seat has become a huge sponge.

It's going to be dark. Are your lights nice and bright? Lenses clean ?

What about your gear ? Time to clean and Nicwax the cordura. Put the leather jacket away and get out the greatcoat. Dubbin (bet your tin's dried up) for the boots and gaiters. You do HAVE gaiters, don't you (from your local Army surplus store in K road opposite the billboard of the bint with the bodacious bristols. You can't miss them) . Put the linings back in jackets and leggings. Check zippers run freely, lube as necessary. May be time to replace that visor , eh, so you can see at night.

Don't forget yourself. Eat well before going on a ride. Watch out for hypothermia , it's sneaky and deadly. You WILL encounter it sooner or later. Carrots are good for night vision. On a ride take every opportunity to warm up and dry off. Stop at the pubs, they'll often have a fire. If you venture into the Wild, be sure to take matches (in a waterproof container) , kero and an axe. Remember, if worst comes to worst, burn the bike. It can be replaced , you can't.

Lots and lot of other stuff to think about and get ready. This is a busy time of year, preparing for Winter.

Riding daily through the Winter is a challenge. But, the good thing is, if you do survive it, you'll gain some splendid skills to roll out come summer.

Some links to previous threads, read them , the wisdom in them may save your life .
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ad.php?t=26925
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ad.php?t=11778
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ad.php?t=29244
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ad.php?t=28437
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ad.php?t=18006
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ad.php?t=14070
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ad.php?t=12594

[Nitzer]

...bah humbug! You've really cheered me up....

Nice one, some really good points there.....must go and check my chain now

[The_Dover]

i thought you'd been visitin the cheap hookers again with that thread title Ix.

[Macktheknife]

A timely reminder Ixion, well done. Now if only I could do any of that stuff I would be happy, especially the riding bit. lol

[Disco Dan]

WD40? I thought it was hydroscopic like CRC and 'attracts' water? Or am I way off base here? I used to coat everything in the stuff till I was told that.

[scracha]

Cold? You're in Auckland FFS. Bunchakiwibufties.

[Nasty]

Great thread ... good ideas ... my second winter through so am really looking forward to it ..

[Steam]

my second winter through so am really looking forward to it

Ya mad twit! How can you be looking forward to winter??

[Hawkeye]

Is it Winter? When your from the North of England, winter is when you have to clear the snow so you can get the garage door open to get the motor out

[XP@]

Is it Winter? When your from the North of England, winter is when you have to clear the snow so you can get the garage door open to get the motor out

... and you need to fit snow chains to your bike.

well it was like that when i was a kid, but now they are lucky to get an inch or two.

[more_fasterer]

Remember, if worst comes to worst, burn the bike. It can be replaced , you can't.

Handy to remember for the ride to work, thanks

WD40? I thought it was hydroscopic like CRC and 'attracts' water? Or am I way off base here? I used to coat everything in the stuff till I was told that.

It says on the tin that it's more pentrative than water (no mean feat), so it gets under the water. AFAIK it doesn't absorb water (a.k.a. hygroscopic), unlike brake fluid.

[Freakshow]

MMM bike maintanece time!! Just bring on the snow and the Ski season

[Disco Dan]

It says on the tin that it's more pentrative than water (no mean feat), so it gets under the water. AFAIK it doesn't absorb water (a.k.a. hygroscopic), unlike brake fluid.

ahem... err yep thats the one...

[xwhatsit]

Yay! Rain's the best stuff ever! And I don't have to deal with CBRRRs trying to drag me at traffic lights any more!

I'm a great wimpy nana around corners anyway, so I'm not likely to be pushing my luck.

One of the real bastards though in the wet is those S-curves towards the beginning of Remuera Rd. They're just after the shops if you're heading towards Newmarket. On your left is Mt Hobson, and a whole lot of overhanging trees, which drop leaves and dirt and all kinds of other shit. Best to stay in the right-hand lane, as in the left lane, there's not only all the foliage, but water seems to pool very deeply. That's the only place I've ever had my front wheel wash out (foot down very quickly!), and I was only doing about 40kph (but was I really? ).

Past few times my bike's got (very) wet, the battery has drained in a matter of hours. Some exposed lead is getting grounded, by the looks -- my bike has more electrical tape than a Russian spacecraft. Not a huge issue on a normally bump-started bike, but slightly disturbing nonetheless when you don't even get a neutral light.

Thanks for the reminders.

[KATWYN]

Well, tonight I had to break out waterproofs on the BMW. And yep, it was cold, dark,wet,windy,greasy,treacherous and dangerous. And the cagers were totally stupid.

]

Good thread.

and yep thats exactly why i'm in the car to come to work today.. has got nothing to do with looking like a drowned rat when I get to work AT ALL