Salt Dust
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6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
Salt Dust
I just got my first bike the day after thanksgiving. I rode it home which is pretty cool here in Michigan. Here is my fear. We have zero snow but there is still a fair amount of salt dust on the roads from. I've been told don't ride the dust will kill the bike wait til spring after a couple good rains. I've been told screw that ride there's enough polish and wax on the bike it won't hurt it. I've been told you can ride but you have to spray it down right away and if you miss something in the spring your rims, pipes, etc. will be pitted and you'll have to replace parts.
This is my first bike so I want to ride so bad I can taste it but on the other hand I'm gun shy about what the salt might do.
This is my first bike so I want to ride so bad I can taste it but on the other hand I'm gun shy about what the salt might do.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,706
Likes: 14
From: Near Frankenmuth, MI
Today may be the last chance you have to get in one of the earliest rides of the year here in MI.
I was out last Friday and hope to pull out for a ride today before the snow storms move in tonight.
I feel if I had a brand new bike I'd left in the garage to keep it salt free for a few years until it's a little more worn from riding. BUT I bought a good used bike, 25 years old and it's not perfect so I don't let situations other than actual too cold, or too wet weather stop me from riding.
Use your own guidelines ... no one here can tell you how to take care of your bike ... use your own decision.
Salt powder was all over last Friday ... I guess some didn't let it effect them because I wasn't the only on the road.
You DO have to be careful ... the salt piles, dust and powder is at every intersection and can be as hazardous as sand covering the road for loss of traction.
I was out last Friday and hope to pull out for a ride today before the snow storms move in tonight.
I feel if I had a brand new bike I'd left in the garage to keep it salt free for a few years until it's a little more worn from riding. BUT I bought a good used bike, 25 years old and it's not perfect so I don't let situations other than actual too cold, or too wet weather stop me from riding.
Use your own guidelines ... no one here can tell you how to take care of your bike ... use your own decision.
Salt powder was all over last Friday ... I guess some didn't let it effect them because I wasn't the only on the road.
You DO have to be careful ... the salt piles, dust and powder is at every intersection and can be as hazardous as sand covering the road for loss of traction.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,311
Likes: 1
From: -
There's a very similar thread over in the Touring section of the forum. I'd say the great majority of people including myself advise against riding when the salt is on the road, it will ruin your bike. As a minimum wash it properly if (understandably) you cannot resist from riding it now. Others are saying who cares the bike is meant to be ridden and riding is fun. The choice is yours..
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 12,946
Likes: 32
From: Colorado Springs, CO
Quick wash down periodically with a power washer, keeping the blast away from the bearings does the trick in the colder months.
I didn't get into riding to do it 6 months out of the year...but that's me.
~Joe
I didn't get into riding to do it 6 months out of the year...but that's me.
~Joe
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,320
Likes: 56,879
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
Another factor to consider is that when the salt residue ( dust ) is on the road it can, and will, adversely effect traction .... and as others have stated that salt dust gets everywhere ... even put away dry ... you know how the dampness and humidity can gather on your scooter while sitting in the garage .... just my .02 cents worth.
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6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 13
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From: Michigan
Thanks guys!! I think I'll keep in the garage till the spring or til we get a big rain which the way things have been going in central michigan could be next week ha. I'll keep polishing it and marking days off on the calendar. Be safe and thanks again
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Joined: Aug 2011
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From: On. Canada
Back, when i used to ride till it snowed, i got caught with snow/salt on the ground after my afternoon shift. Rode it home nice and slow, and washed the bike off right away. Still had salt damage....
Now, even if there just might be a chance of some salt residue on the road, the bike stays in the garage! And i wait till we has a couple of good rains after the winter before i even think about riding, as bad as i want to......
Now, even if there just might be a chance of some salt residue on the road, the bike stays in the garage! And i wait till we has a couple of good rains after the winter before i even think about riding, as bad as i want to......
Last edited by Pete6114; Jan 11, 2012 at 01:44 PM.