Salt!!!
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 12,986
Likes: 715
From: NE Philly
Where I live, salt is in the air whether it's been put on the roads or not. Use ACF50 liberally on all the dark corners that are tough to clean, and otherwise hose her off after the ride.
DO NOT USE WARM WATER! It encourages the reaction that causes corrosion.
As for not riding because of it: get a grip and stop making excuses. If you don't want to ride, don't; if you do, do it. It's only a bike, and it's for riding. Storage doesn't do it any favours, either.
DO NOT USE WARM WATER! It encourages the reaction that causes corrosion.
As for not riding because of it: get a grip and stop making excuses. If you don't want to ride, don't; if you do, do it. It's only a bike, and it's for riding. Storage doesn't do it any favours, either.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 27,097
Likes: 4,676
From: Frozelandia, Minnysota
Salt isn't the same everywhere. Live in one of the real cold places, like here in MN, near a metropolitan area, like Minneapolis, and the salt gets put down way thicker and more frequently than in less populated areas. It can build up in little dunes 2 or 3 inches high in intersections. Roads can be covered with granules of salt that's like riding on pea gravel. You have to be careful with cars; be dangerous on two wheels, even when there's no ice or snow. Temperatures often drop below zero in the winter - without a heated garage, how are you going to wash it? Yeah, you can run a hose hooked up to freeze proof faucet, but in those temps you'll have a skating rink driveway and likely a bike well frozen to the pavement.
Several used bikes I've looked at here have obviously been ridden in salt; with the concentrations you get here, nuts & bolts and every spot there's a paint chip will show results after the first winter. I was able to ride till mid November this year, but who knows when it'll warm enough for spring rains to get rid of it; at least whenever it starts to warm, MN usually gets a lot of rain. Couple years ago, that was late March; last year, late May. You never know.
I'm seriously thinking enclosed trailer, Southwest touring once or twice during the winter, get a couple bikes out of the salt belt, have the daughter meet me at an airport and ride together for a long weekend, then just do solo as long as I feel like it (retired, time no problem). It does get depressing seeing the toys collecting dust in the freezer with the big roll up door.
I know a lot of folks with Harleys trade for new every 3 or 4 years; guess if I could afford to do that, it wouldn't be a big deal to me, but I've got two of the three Harleys that are my dream bikes, and they'll never hit salt; replacing them isn't as easy as going to a dealer, and I hope to pass them on to my daughter or grandson.
Several used bikes I've looked at here have obviously been ridden in salt; with the concentrations you get here, nuts & bolts and every spot there's a paint chip will show results after the first winter. I was able to ride till mid November this year, but who knows when it'll warm enough for spring rains to get rid of it; at least whenever it starts to warm, MN usually gets a lot of rain. Couple years ago, that was late March; last year, late May. You never know.
I'm seriously thinking enclosed trailer, Southwest touring once or twice during the winter, get a couple bikes out of the salt belt, have the daughter meet me at an airport and ride together for a long weekend, then just do solo as long as I feel like it (retired, time no problem). It does get depressing seeing the toys collecting dust in the freezer with the big roll up door.
I know a lot of folks with Harleys trade for new every 3 or 4 years; guess if I could afford to do that, it wouldn't be a big deal to me, but I've got two of the three Harleys that are my dream bikes, and they'll never hit salt; replacing them isn't as easy as going to a dealer, and I hope to pass them on to my daughter or grandson.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 7,776
Likes: 2,252
From: wet coast BC
you guys got me thinking,,,,,,,,,, it hurt so I stopped. But in that split second I became concerned for my toys. From now on.........
I will no longer insurance the bike year round and ride at every opportunity, due to salt, UV rays etc.
I will no longer use the boat when it rains so it will not get wet.
when it is snowing I will leave the snowmobile covered.
I will take transit or a cab and leave the car in the garage unless conditions are ideal.
I will no longer insurance the bike year round and ride at every opportunity, due to salt, UV rays etc.
I will no longer use the boat when it rains so it will not get wet.
when it is snowing I will leave the snowmobile covered.
I will take transit or a cab and leave the car in the garage unless conditions are ideal.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,864
Likes: 127
From: Aussie lost in Switzerland
I have a high pressure steam cleaner that I wash the bike down with once a week during winter. Gets into the nooks and crannys real well and cleans all the crud out.
Roads here get salted all the time during winter but they often use a combo of salt and volcanic ash. Keeps the roads clear of ice real well but it's filthy stuff.
Pretty sure the road maintenance authority is in cahoots with the local car wash owner....
Roads here get salted all the time during winter but they often use a combo of salt and volcanic ash. Keeps the roads clear of ice real well but it's filthy stuff.
Pretty sure the road maintenance authority is in cahoots with the local car wash owner....
HDF Community Team
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,893
Likes: 552
From: NH
Salt isn't the same everywhere. Live in one of the real cold places, like here in MN, near a metropolitan area, like Minneapolis, and the salt gets put down way thicker and more frequently than in less populated areas. It can build up in little dunes 2 or 3 inches high in intersections. Roads can be covered with granules of salt that's like riding on pea gravel. You have to be careful with cars; be dangerous on two wheels, even when there's no ice or snow. Temperatures often drop below zero in the winter - without a heated garage, how are you going to wash it? Yeah, you can run a hose hooked up to freeze proof faucet, but in those temps you'll have a skating rink driveway and likely a bike well frozen to the pavement.
Several used bikes I've looked at here have obviously been ridden in salt; with the concentrations you get here, nuts & bolts and every spot there's a paint chip will show results after the first winter. I was able to ride till mid November this year, but who knows when it'll warm enough for spring rains to get rid of it; at least whenever it starts to warm, MN usually gets a lot of rain. Couple years ago, that was late March; last year, late May. You never know.
I'm seriously thinking enclosed trailer, Southwest touring once or twice during the winter, get a couple bikes out of the salt belt, have the daughter meet me at an airport and ride together for a long weekend, then just do solo as long as I feel like it (retired, time no problem). It does get depressing seeing the toys collecting dust in the freezer with the big roll up door.
I know a lot of folks with Harleys trade for new every 3 or 4 years; guess if I could afford to do that, it wouldn't be a big deal to me, but I've got two of the three Harleys that are my dream bikes, and they'll never hit salt; replacing them isn't as easy as going to a dealer, and I hope to pass them on to my daughter or grandson.
Several used bikes I've looked at here have obviously been ridden in salt; with the concentrations you get here, nuts & bolts and every spot there's a paint chip will show results after the first winter. I was able to ride till mid November this year, but who knows when it'll warm enough for spring rains to get rid of it; at least whenever it starts to warm, MN usually gets a lot of rain. Couple years ago, that was late March; last year, late May. You never know.
I'm seriously thinking enclosed trailer, Southwest touring once or twice during the winter, get a couple bikes out of the salt belt, have the daughter meet me at an airport and ride together for a long weekend, then just do solo as long as I feel like it (retired, time no problem). It does get depressing seeing the toys collecting dust in the freezer with the big roll up door.
I know a lot of folks with Harleys trade for new every 3 or 4 years; guess if I could afford to do that, it wouldn't be a big deal to me, but I've got two of the three Harleys that are my dream bikes, and they'll never hit salt; replacing them isn't as easy as going to a dealer, and I hope to pass them on to my daughter or grandson.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 2,296
Likes: 39
From: Land of the cold....
I was just thinking this am how the guys in Tx are going to ride this winter with all the salt thats been spread on the roads......hope it rains soon down there
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
From: Pasco, WA
No riding once....
the de-icer is put down on the roads. I retired after 34 years + driving and maintaining heavy equipment putting down salt/sand and de-icer products for a county municipality. The first 19 years an operator/foreman. The last 16 years managing the shops which included trying to get as much life as possible from the equipment.
I can tell you without hesitation that their is no way to undue the damage caused by these products. Salt is a problem but so is calcium chloride and mag chloride used in de-icer products. (the brown slurry crap referred to in an earlier post) No amount of washing or corrosion prevention will remove the residue from every nook and cranny in a vehicle.
I therefore do not drive a vehicle that I "Love" like I do my Harley or the Shelby.
I choose to sacrifice my Chev PU which can be replaced without alienation of affection. It will hurt financially though! Products used for the sake of safety are a necessary evil.
I can tell you without hesitation that their is no way to undue the damage caused by these products. Salt is a problem but so is calcium chloride and mag chloride used in de-icer products. (the brown slurry crap referred to in an earlier post) No amount of washing or corrosion prevention will remove the residue from every nook and cranny in a vehicle.
I therefore do not drive a vehicle that I "Love" like I do my Harley or the Shelby.
I choose to sacrifice my Chev PU which can be replaced without alienation of affection. It will hurt financially though! Products used for the sake of safety are a necessary evil.
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 453
Likes: 3
From: N. Illinois
I hate it.. but i park my bike from November to March every year. just part of living in the midwest. havent so much as looked at in a month.. but i have been eyeing my winter upgrades so that keeps me entertained.
monkey bars and leds all around are in order me thinks.
monkey bars and leds all around are in order me thinks.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 21,735
Likes: 17,572
From: Driftless Area
Between wheel bearings, swingarm bushings, and other hard-to-get-at wear items, I can't help but picture wet salt mix accumulating in those places. Some stuff is a PITA to replace. Your call.