Road Salt Dilemma
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,479
Likes: 4
From: SoCal
There's a reason why the manual recommends waxing the wheels once a week. Even on roads that aren't salted, there is some salt that mixes with moisture and adheres to the wheels. When they turn, the wheels generate electrolysis that creates a charge to slowly corrode the wheels. One look at a 10-year old set of mags and you'll see the corrosion and off-color stain. Then look at my "new" FLHR mags and you'll wonder why my mags still look new...
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,439
Likes: 884
From: 'Noke, VA
There's a reason why the manual recommends waxing the wheels once a week. Even on roads that aren't salted, there is some salt that mixes with moisture and adheres to the wheels. When they turn, the wheels generate electrolysis that creates a charge to slowly corrode the wheels. One look at a 10-year old set of mags and you'll see the corrosion and off-color stain. Then look at my "new" FLHR mags and you'll wonder why my mags still look new...
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 429
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
I did the same thing when i got home i washed the bike with a bucket of hot water and everywhere i missed pitted. dont do it. fortunately for me the manufacturer warrantied the wheels but the tail light and other parts were starting to pit after.
DONT DO IT YOU WILL REGRET IT.
DONT DO IT YOU WILL REGRET IT.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 241
Likes: 0
From: SB, Indiana
Glad mine just sits in the garage waiting for me to take another picture of it so I don't have to deal with all this destruction of my investment. It won't come of of it's bubble until spring for a fresh coat of the finest wax before having fresh pictures taken. You get the most enjoyment from just looking at it, really.
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,832
Likes: 37
From: Rockland County, NY
Thanks. I've really enjoyed all of the responses.
I've ridden for days on end in the rain. That's probably the only way to wash off the salt from previous winter salt rides.
Picked up the bike around this time of year and couldn't resist a few rides. Since I have a few weeks window to get the job done I have postponed my appointment.
If we don't get some rain to clear the salt I'll borrow a trailer or pay for pick up.
I know I bought it to ride and I'm not afraid of rain or cold. I put on over 10,000 miles a year. I just remember taking the bike apart and finding salt stains months after the weather turned warm and the bike had been hosed down a few times.
Since I don't HAVE to do the job today I'll wait for better conditions. Thanks to all who responded. I love this forum. JB
I've ridden for days on end in the rain. That's probably the only way to wash off the salt from previous winter salt rides.
Picked up the bike around this time of year and couldn't resist a few rides. Since I have a few weeks window to get the job done I have postponed my appointment.
If we don't get some rain to clear the salt I'll borrow a trailer or pay for pick up.
I know I bought it to ride and I'm not afraid of rain or cold. I put on over 10,000 miles a year. I just remember taking the bike apart and finding salt stains months after the weather turned warm and the bike had been hosed down a few times.
Since I don't HAVE to do the job today I'll wait for better conditions. Thanks to all who responded. I love this forum. JB
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,716
Likes: 13
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Joe Kucinski
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 267
From: Southern California
What is salt doing in the road anyway?
I spent a decade one year in Detroit and they really liked to salt the roads. Turns a perfectly good vehicle into a piece of S*** in less than a couple of years.
I spent a decade one year in Detroit and they really liked to salt the roads. Turns a perfectly good vehicle into a piece of S*** in less than a couple of years.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,184
Likes: 0
From: The Peoples Republic of Massachusstts
I would ride it home an clean it later. Some times there is not enough riding time ever....I had a heart attack Nov 12th and a triple bypass on the 15th. Now I can't ride till Jan 10th. I will not let a little shumutz on the road stop me. It really is whats important to you and what you priorities are!!! IMO its now just a bike and saddle time to me is so much more important then a clean bike. Health issues will show you whats really important in life and very quickly.