Salt on Roads
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 17,148
Likes: 6,170
From: SE Michigan
I'm assuming it will last 5-6 years until I trade it in. Buddy of mine has an 06 King, he does this all the time (and he is WAY less meticulous about washing than I am), and his bike is fine. I just cannot help it.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 808
Likes: 1
From: so.jersey
I put about 250 miles on my Bike over the last three days here near Chicago. It has been dry but my bike has allot of salt dust on it. Does anyone know what that will do to your bike if you don't clean it right away?? Is it just like any other road dust or will it start to pit and rust? It is in a warm dry garage. Just haven't had time to clean it. Any thoughts??
the bike long and when you wash rinse ,rinse ,rinse.except your electrics.
enjoy the ride
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: north of Pittsburgh,PA
I'm having withdrawl already but the way the state trucks put ashes, salt and brine on the road here there is no way my bike is coming out till spring..not just the rust problem but safety issue at intersections,,so,to everyone still able to ride be safe..
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 892
Likes: 11
From: Northern NY
I rode early one spring. Went into the Adirondacks and there had been some late salting of the roads due to black ice. Washed the bike up real well and believed that I had gotten the salt dust off it. The next summer I decided to change floorboard covers. I couldn't believe the corrosion that had started in under the covers in the floorboard pans. That convinced me of the corrosive strength of the salt dust. Won't put the bike out in the salt dust at all now. I always wait for a couple of rains in the spring before getting on the roads.
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Montgomery Il
Didn't think this post would get this much attention! Thank you all for the impute. I don't think I will stop riding on days like these but I will try to wash it off after ever ride from now on from this salty road dust. I bought the bike to ride and put mile after mile on it. Just can't stand looking at it on the stand if you know what I mean. Ya'll have a good one!!
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 9,243
Likes: 3,267
From: west Michigan
I used to ride in the winter when I was younger, but now I put the road bikes up until the roads are washed clean by the spring rains. I do ride my DR650 on the gravel roads near my home if there isn't too much snow and ice. Road salt trashes Harleys.
