Salt and corrosion.

[kman]

I would be interested in hearing some thoughts on riding in the winter with all the salt on the roads.Here in MD. they put so much down that when the roads get dry you are riding thru a "dust cloud".I don't mind riding this time of year but am reluctant due to the corrosion from the salt.Is it true that what they use now is less corrosive.

 

[Bob Denman]

I sure don't know about it being less corrosive, but it makes just as much of a mess on anything that gets driven, ridden, or towed through it! :shocked:

I have always parked my bikes for the Winter; only dragging them out when the roads are clear. By that I mean that there has been enough rainfall to wash all of the salt and sand off of them... There are places up here where they use coal ash on the roads... you wanna talk about a MESS...:shocked:

 

[jgwoods]

Some locales use less damaging de-icers than others. Salt is a killer, Calcium carbonate not so bad and I hear tell of lots of other mixtures being put on the roads to keep them clear of ice. You would really have to research the area you intend to ride in to make an informed decision.

As for me I ride all Winter in MA, and in the Spring I ride through puddles to wash off whatever got on the Spyder:dontknow:
So far so good with maybe 3000 miles of Winter riding. I know there's lots of folks who won't do it, won't let the machine get exposed to potentially corrosive salts etc. but I figure it was made by BRP in Canada and they ought to know a thing or two about Winter riding.
I can't afford toys that get put away.

 

[Bob Denman]

As for me I ride all Winter in MA, and in the Spring I ride through puddles to wash off whatever got on the Spyder:dontknow:QUOTE]
That reminds me of a question...
If you catch a puddle with only one front tire, does the bike track straight on through it, or does it want to pivot and hydroplane?? :shocked:

 

[dltang]

This is my third winter and let me tell you they use a lot of salt here in MI. So far no problems I have had have anything to do with salt or corrosion. When they had the spyder all apart for other issues, I asked if there was any damage due to salt and such. I was told no, it looked fine, no corrosion or salt damage. Also, they said if I was worried, to spray vegetable oil on the underside and that would help repel the salt.

 

[Sarge707]

In my city they seem to use the Non-Salt stuff but I promised myself to get out every 7-10 days . My Winter Elite gloves are arriving tomorrow and I am going to put the stick on toe warmers (Chemical) in the palms of my hands sticking to my silk liners which will then go in the glove!
I tried this with the Polar Glove and it worked pretty good to 36 degrees BUT I,m hoping the Winter Elite will be even better.:spyder2:

 

[boborgera]

I would be interested in hearing some thoughts on riding in the winter with all the salt on the roads.Here in MD. they put so much down that when the roads get dry you are riding thru a "dust cloud".I don't mind riding this time of year but am reluctant due to the corrosion from the salt.Is it true that what they use know is less corrosive.

All years i've been riding in the winter i never had a corrosion problem.
Salt sand ash mud it's just part of the territory when you ride in the winter. That's why they make soap and water.
Besides if you do get a rust though,

Just pretend it's a Speed hole Some people spend a lot of money for performance upgrades :roflblack:

 

[bone crusher]

I would be interested in hearing some thoughts on riding in the winter with all the salt on the roads.Here in MD. they put so much down that when the roads get dry you are riding thru a "dust cloud".I don't mind riding this time of year but am reluctant due to the corrosion from the salt.Is it true that what they use know is less corrosive.

You're down the road from me...I'm in Columbia...and yeah, the roads are dusty white from the salt.

I don't ride when it's really cold as it's simply not enjoyable for me. If we get a warm day here and there, I'll take a ride.

I keep the panels and metal clean with a spray wax...I ONLY use Waxing Frenzy...great stuff...NASCAR product.

As far as under your bike and the pipes, you'd have to hose them off to dilute any chemicals that attach to the metal and begin their nasty corrosion process!

I think we're gonna get a decent amount of snow/ice again this year...the bike is sitting in the garage for a long while, me thinks...

 

[sabunim5]

If you catch a puddle with only one front tire, does the bike track straight on through it, or does it want to pivot and hydroplane?? :shocked:
Your Spyder will keep tracking properly, don't worry the Nanny is always at work.

 

[Bob Denman]

Your Spyder will keep tracking properly, don't worry the Nanny is always at work.

Thanks! God Bless Nanny! :2thumbs:

 

[PCBeachBum]

Living within 1000' of the Gulf of Mexico, my Spyder is exposed to the salt air and corrosion was my first concern. Talking to the service manager at my dealer, they also sell Sea-Doo's.

He showed me a product that BRP puts out and can be used on all BRP products. Its called XP-S and its an Anti-Corrosive Lubricant. Removing the panels when the engine is cold, I spray all parts being careful to stay away from the drive belt. The first time using it, I did notice a smell and as long as you put it on while the engine is cold, it won't catch fire when the engine and pipes heats up.

I also use this on my guns and boat trailer. Checking the bores of my guns, they look as clean as the day I cleaned them last. I do run a brush and patches through them and reapply this lubricant. Its so good, that I'm working on my 5th can and it has made a difference and I no longer worry about corrosion.

The BRP products this can be used on are Ski-Doo, Lynx, Sea-Doo, Rotax and Can Am. Looking at the label, its excellent for salt water and high humidity environments. Both of which I have here.