New York Chapter "W"

Gold Wing Road Riders Association

Rochester, NY

Rider Education Information by Gary Mandak

Riding Educator, New York Chapter "W"

Get Right With Your Bike

It is cold outside and you are probably passing the time reading your GWRRA magazine and other motorcycle magazines waiting for mean old winter to stop. Well, why not go and check on your bike?

Battery

Did you remove your battery when it was warm out and put it on charge? It is a good idea to charge your battery on a regular monthly basis with a trickle charger. You may consider the "tender" type that will stay on and charge your battery as needed. I have found it better to remove the battery and keep it in a dry warm place and charge it at a low ampere rate throughout the winter season.

Fluids

You may want to check and make sure your bike antifreeze is doing its job. Look at the overflow and see if it resembles a slushy. If so, your antifreeze is not set up for the cold weather. Drain some out and add the antifreeze specified for your motorcycle. Usually that is the type for aluminum motorcycle engines.

Tires

It is best to keep the tires off the cold floor or ground. Putting your bike on the center stand will get the rear tire off the ground, and then use a simple bottle jack centered under the engine. Lift it just enough so the front end is just off the ground and the tire not touching. This will help not to flat spot the tire and aid in longer tire life. Despite some rumors, you do not have to change you summer air to winter air for the season, air is air!

Manual

Try reading your manual to make sure you have done correct maintenance so you will not have any surprises in the spring. You may want to invest in a more comprehensive type manual if you choose to work on your own bike during the year. Read the book, learn the bike, grasshopper.

Lubrication

If you changed the oil in the fall that is preferred according to most manuals, but did you lubricate the cylinder walls? Use a teaspoon of oil in each cylinder and turn the engine over so it coats the cylinders. You can also put the bike in the highest gear and slowly turn the rear wheel, which usually works quite well.

Trip planning

It seems that winter comes earlier and earlier each year and we think of all the rides we hope to do when it finally warms up. I find that now is a good time to research some trips and make those plans. It makes the winter seem shorter when you can dream of that first spring ride.

Each morning when I go by my motorcycle, I pause and recall some of our rides. I give it a gentle pat on the tank and make a couple of vroom-vroom sounds. I think we both feel better after that. You may want to look over your shoulder before you do that, some people just don't understand, now do they?!

Practice safe riding

Gary Mandak

Chapter "W" Educator