Triumphrat

Ninjaboy · 10-08-2006

Now our wonderful summer has turned to Autumn and winter is on the way, what experience have S4 owners had of their bikes general resiliance to our fantastic british winters and the abundance of salt that starts appearing around december time??? For a change I'd actually quite like to enjoy a few rides over the cold months but dont particularly want to start december with a sparkly new bike and finish march with a furry mess!!!!!!
Currently considering a big trailie as an option.

Any opinions / thoughts greatly received.

8-) :clown:

ManxKat · 10-08-2006

The road salt increases the electrolytic nature of water, even the airs humidity - just rinse the bike down after every ride to get rid of it, even if it was dry, with a damp winter the fuzz starts even if the bike hasn't seen rain! Also I'm using scotoiler fs365 to neutralise anything left.

johnnycactus · 10-09-2006

i've had a few early starts at work- and the liners have gone back in the jacket and trousers. winters on the way!
my t3 was ridden all year round and left outside (secured a shared garage for the s4- lucky girl) and tended to give it a good wash down once a week. i was impressed with the build quality. it still scrubbed up like new even after 12 years since it rolled out of the factory.
i hope the s4 lives up to the standards set!
personally i think if you keep on top of it, regular scrubbing behind the ears,strip down the calipers after the winter, keep the chain oiled and have plenty of autosol and wax to hand you'll still be looking at a sparkling beastie when the sun shines again.

Treehugger · 10-09-2006

yeap, i just rode back from bristol to london today, im all year everyday ridr and park outside uncovered. I hadnt washed my bike for 2 months till this weekend. Its all about the products and when you do clean, CLEAN. with the proder layering of protective wax/polish, dirt wont stick so bad. so when it comes to cleaning, good products make light work of making your bike gleem again

Rik · 10-09-2006

My Speed Four has done 3 winters, and the engine paint on the underside around the oil filter is starting to flake a little bit but other than that it's holding up OK. When I get round to cleaning I use ACF50 to protect.

Ninjaboy · 10-11-2006

cheers guys, sounds like the build quality is tough enough with a bit of TLC and common cleaning sense!