Protecting your bike against the elements...

scottmorley

scottmorley

scottmorley

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Joined
4 Jan 2013
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177
Location
kent
Well, I've just bought a new bike and it's getting delivered next week. I know it's a bit of an odd time in the year to buy a bike but I just miss having one.
Anyway, I want to know what products or things you can do to prevent your bike become a rust bucket. What with all the gritters doing there thing at the moment, I know it's not ideal to keep your bike looking like it's just come out the show room. I know it won't be easy to keep it looking it's best if you ride in all elements(which I will be)

I've heard there is some kind of protective coating you can get sprayed over your bike that helps prevent corrosion etc... Anyone got any ideas what it's called?
 
~Dockie said:
ACF50 is the stuff you're looking for.

i just give it a rinse over if it picks up salt after a ride.
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Thanks Dockie, can I ask how you actually apply it? Do you clean the motorcycle first then simply spray on? Is there any areas you avoid besides obviously the breaks?
Cheers
 
Never actually used it, but found this: http://www.acf-50.co.uk/motorcycle.htm

How to Use

ACF-50 is 95% product, hence virtually no propellant. Keep the tin in a warm environment, shake very well before use and remember a little ACF-50 goes a long way, so keep a rag handy to soak up any excess - then use the rag to help spread the product. ACF-50 has strong capillary action so will creep into all the areas that moisture can, 'actively' pushing out moisture and replacing it with protection. Go cautiously when applying to callipers to ENSURE YOU KEEP IT OFF THE BRAKES.

Use ACF-50 anywhere, except the brakes, on your bike including the engine and exhaust (will smoke on first start and burn off down pipes but still slows down corrosion process). Safe on paintwork, most rubbers and brings up black plastic trim a treat. ACF-50 contains no water and is approved for electrics so spray directly into electrical joints and components where it will prevent corrosion induced failures and high resistance joints. Works well at stopping dirt, mud and salt from sticking. You can come back from a winter ride with the bike 'white with salt' - a quick wash off and it's gone with the bike still protected.

Areas not in direct contact with the elements ie tank/seat areas, electrics require treating approx once a year. Other exposed areas re-apply as necessary. You can tell the product is still 'Active; as water will bead on contact...having no water content and not being water soluble ACF-50 only dissipates by being 'sacrificial' whilst stopping existing or new corrosion so just re-treat as required.
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Oh haha! Ok I was under the impression you used it. With all my previous bikes I was a 'fair weather rider' does your bike suffer from any corrosion or rust? Or do you not ride it regularly in the winter months? If the ACF50 isn't really necessary I'll just wash all the muck off every week. Just don't want the bike getting ruined.
 
I ride all year round, honestly they only place it's starting to rust (baring in mind its a 1998 bike) is on the rear wheel nut and the headlight chrome trim.

For me thought its a cheap all year round commuter, i try keep it nice to an extent but at the end of the day it's a 98', 60k mile, all year round commuter. That said, a quick rinse after a ride does enough for me.
 
TallPaul_S said:
http://www.allyearbiker.co.uk

These guys will clean your bike to within an inch of it's life to prepare it for the ACF-50 treatment, them apply it properly do it gets everywhere. Worth the 60 quid if you don't fancy doing it yourself.
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£60 is an absolute bargain for that, I certainly would not put that much labour in for that little!

I bought a bottle of it and use it with my compressor, much easier than ragging it on.
 
you can buy the clear protective stick on film to protect painted panels,esp where you sit/knees rub ect

stuck some on my bike and its invisible,also swear by wd40 sprayed on the metal parts/linkages/inside switchgear

baglux tank covers are verygood aswell,they protect the whole tank from chips,knocks/scratches from jacket zips ect
 
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TallPaul_S said:
http://www.allyearbiker.co.uk

These guys will clean your bike to within an inch of it's life to prepare it for the ACF-50 treatment, then apply it properly so it gets everywhere. Worth the 60 quid if you don't fancy doing it yourself.
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Cheers tallpaul! That's a bargain, and there is one located near me so I'm just going to leave it to these guys and get the job done properly!
 
scottmorley said:
Cheers tallpaul! That's a bargain, and there is one located near me so I'm just going to leave it to these guys and get the job done properly!
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Just noticed you're in Kent too, you're not going to the guy in Folkestone are you? I'm in the process of booking my bike in with him, probably for this Saturday.
 
Craig321 said:
Hmmm, last time I looked (and bought) it was £10. It has grown in popularity since then so I guess it would be more expensive now :(

Cheapest I can see is about £14. Still worth it though, lasts ages.
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Is one can enough?
Did you use on your new bike? because my bike is new... should I wait or use it now?
 
^
One can is plenty enough, it will probably last a few years if used properly.

I want to get the £99 4L and stick it in a spray gun, would probably last me a lifetime, or could do friends bike for a fee :p
 
Drangueos said:
Is one can enough?
Did you use on your new bike? because my bike is new... should I wait or use it now?
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Use it straight away, no point in closing the stable door after the horse has peed off (Well there is as it'll still help but you get my point).
 
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