bike cleaning & appearance

Message

bikeleaver · Wed Dec 07, 2005 6:40 am

I'm a new biker who wishes to keep my bike in top condition. A fellow biker uses WD40 to spray down all his metal parts (except tires & brakes) to preserve the metal from rusting in our moist weather area. Then when he want to participate in a group ride or just wants to shine his bike he will do a regular wash and polish to remove the oil.

Is this an OK procedure or are there recommendations against it?

Thanks

#2 Unread post by **cb360** » Wed Dec 07, 2005 6:57 am

I'd be interested to know the answer to this as well. I have a garage, but for a lot of different reasons I have to keep my bikes under covers in the driveway during the cold wet seattle winters.

#3 Unread post by **Sev** » Wed Dec 07, 2005 7:40 am

A lot of the guys over at www.hondahornet.co.uk recomend doing this if you're going to be doing winter riding. Especially in and around the rear shock where the bike is really prone to rust.

The other suggestion was to slowly heat vasoline until it becomes a liquid and "paint" it on. But I'd be very hesitant to do that myself.

Itzamna · #4 Unread post by **Itzamna** » Wed Dec 07, 2005 9:40 am

Definitely a good idea if you live in humid climates and ride in the winter. I don't do it as often as I should to the SV, but no noticeable problems after riding through all different kinds of weather.

paul246 · #5 Unread post by **paul246** » Wed Dec 07, 2005 12:08 pm

Much better product than WD40 for this purpose is CorrosionX. I have used it for years. Protects everything from corrosion, including switch gear, any electrical connections, boards, fuses you name it. Of course, it protects against rust, even alloy corrosion. Super good stuff, has a Mil-Spec number too.

Last time I ordered some in it was around $22CDN for a 16oz spray can, which goes a long way.

I also use it in my model airplane engines to protect the bearings and cylinder sleeves while in winter storage. I also use it on my cars (all folded seams, etc) to protect against salt damage.

I'm still operating my '73 CL350 in a salty environment (road salt) and have the entire bike sprayed with it. Next spring it will wash up like new.

You should find a dealer list on their site.

www.corrosionx.com

jmillheiser · Wed Dec 07, 2005 2:29 pm

sounds like good stuff.

I know you DONT want to use WD40 on a chain as it is a degreaser and will remove any grease from your chain.

#7 Unread post by **Sev** » Wed Dec 07, 2005 2:33 pm

WD40 is a water repellant, not a degreaser. What it does end up doing is drying out the o-rings on your chain causing them to crack. Which totally wrecks the chain in the long run.

Wizzard · #8 Unread post by **Wizzard** » Wed Dec 07, 2005 4:22 pm

I have also found that WD40 tends to collect dust and stuff for lack of a better word .......

Regards, Wizzard

#9 Unread post by **Sev** » Wed Dec 07, 2005 4:58 pm

Yeah, but it keeps that dust and water and stuff from sticking to the metal of the engine and corroding. So all you have to do is give it a quick soap n' water and it all comes right off looking sparkly clean.

Personally, I just park it for the winter

#10 Unread post by **sv-wolf** » Fri Dec 09, 2005 3:31 am

I used to use WD40 regularly as I ride right through the winter. It's always done the job but can get messy and I don't always have time to clean the bike down. (And I didn't know about the chain problem either.)

Last year, I went over to using Scottoiler FS 365. Don't know if this is distributed on the other side of the pond but it is bloody good stuff. It is water based so washes off by itself. You just have to remember to spray every morning.