W800 chrome maintanence

**matt77** · #1 27 Jan 2012

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** · #2 27 Jan 2012

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

**fledermaus** · #3 27 Jan 2012

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** · #4 27 Jan 2012

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** · #5 27 Jan 2012

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** · #6 27 Jan 2012

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** · #7 28 Jan 2012

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** · #8 29 Jan 2012

Quote:

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.