W800 chrome maintanence

[matt77]

Hi all,

Hoping to purchase the W800 from my local dealer. I've not ridden in 5 or so years, and returning to biking I've got a couple of 101 questions on maintanence....

In wanting to keep the chrome, spokes etc in great shape and rust free, what should I be doing i.e. warm rinse away the grime, apply x?

On my old F650GS, i had a Scott-oiler, how often should I be looking at oiling/chain on the W800.

Thanks in advance,
Matt

[backofbeyond]

The stuff that's keeping my chrome spokes rust free this winter (or at least I hope it is) is ACF50.

[fledermaus]

Autosol is a great general metal/chrome polish.Best thing is to give the bike a rinse with a hose to get the grime off when you return home after a spin.Dry the bike,polish as necessary,and if you are lucky,you have a dry warm shed to store it in.If like me,your shed is a bit damp,then a dehumidifier is a good investment.And maybe get another scottoiler for this bike?Best of luck with the new bike if you do get it.

[Tourider]

At the start of the riding season in spring wash and thoroughly dry the chrome and polish with Solvol Autosol, this is an abrasive polish that will cut back to a fresh layer of chrome. Polish the chrome with a good wax that should be built upon at every wash during the summer and autumn. For winter I prefer avoiding road salt at all costs but an application of ACF 50 or S100 should keep the tin worm at bay.

[matt77]

Thanks Tourider and fledermaus for replying and for the pointers.

One question I have is the W800 then a suitable bike for a daily 20km commute and should one be washing down/polishing post every ride i.e. is the bike with its beautiful chrome etc suited for this ?

[Tourider]

Good point, I'm a bit of an habitual polisher and don't use the bike for work so it could be a bit of a chore to keep them in tip top condition if its used daily all year round. I swapped my labour-intensive chrome wheels for polished stainless a couple of years ago (Devon Rim Company), they are now wipe clean but the rest of the chrome on my Harley Road King keeps me quiet. My other bike, a Victory Vegas has black everything, including black powder-coated wire wheels so perhaps even I've sub-conciously rebelled against the polishing cloth.

[matt77]

Guys I did it. Put the deposit down on the W800, collect it on Feb 11th

Very excited. Given its been 5 years, I'll need to brush up bike maintenance as well as my riding.

[fledermaus]

Originally Posted by matt77

Guys I did it. Put the deposit down on the W800, collect it on Feb 11th

Very excited. Given its been 5 years, I'll need to brush up bike maintenance as well as my riding.

Good for you!A very worthwhile investment at this point would be some riding lessons,i returned to biking myself a few years ago after a break ,and i found a few lessons invaluable.Best of luck with the new bike.