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From: donch@tekirl.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.cycle
Subject: Re: Cold weather (sux)
Message-ID: <255@tekirl.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 21-Oct-86 14:10:44 EDT
Article-I.D.: tekirl.255
Posted: Tue Oct 21 14:10:44 1986
Date-Received: Thu, 23-Oct-86 05:33:59 EDT
References: <3523@mit-eddie.MIT.EDU>
Organization: Tektronix Inc., Beaverton, Or.
Lines: 32
Keywords: cold and insane


A couple things come to mind regarding winter riding.

As others have said, keep your battery well-charged AND topped up with
distilled water (continuous trickle-charging, which I too recommend,
can cause water level to drop via evaportion).  Check level frequently.

Use a light-weight oil, perhaps even a synthetic.  I used a synthetic in
both my bike and my old 912 Porsche several years ago; cold cranking was
much better owing to lower internal friction and viscosity.

Change oil frequently.  Perhaps once a month for daily driving would be
good.  Water buildup in the oil is the concern here; short commutes without
a good chance for the engine to heat up will facilitate internal condensation.

Keep your control cables and pivots well lubed.

A lap apron and "hippo-hands" will increase your comfort immensely.

Do something to protect your metal parts from salt if its used in Boston.
Some folks will drench the bike in WD-40.  Others give a throrough coating
of a good paste wax on all exposed metal surfaces.  Trouble is, you
won't know what parts you missed until the spring thaw begins; then it's
too late.

For God's sake, stay off the ice and snow.  You won't have a chance.
Cars can't stop WHEN you go down, which you will, and will snow-plow you.

Good Luck!

Don Chitwood 
Tektronix, Inc.