Sooner or later, the season changes. For the classic bike enthusiast, wintertime is often an opportunity to catch up with some maintenance, or to do some cosmetic improvements to the bike or riding gear. Making a plan for the fall and winter times will help you to get organized so that the project/s will be completed on time ready for when the weather gets better.
Some of the typical winter projects for classic motorcycle owners include:
- Service/repair/maintenance of their bike
- Renovating parts
- Restoring a complete bike
- Checking the bike for wear
- Fitting accessories
- Personalizing clothing
- Planning road trips or events to visit next season
Service, Repair, and Maintenance
Most dedicated classic bikers will follow a regular maintenance schedule, either mileage or time based. But winter season offers the opportunity to take care of more involved tasks such as changing tires, chains and sprockets, and replacing seals.
For safety reasons, the brakes must be thoroughly inspected and worn parts (shoes or pads) replaced as necessary. In addition, it is good practice to replace the brake fluids (brake bleeding) periodically and wintertime provides the perfect opportunity.
Although the rider will have checked his bikes light bulbs during the riding season, the winter break is a good time to fully inspect the lights, wiring, and the charging system. If the bike is being stored over the wintertime, the battery must be maintained during that period.
An excellent tool for this is a trickle charger.
(Note: The mechanic must observe all safety precautions when using this tool—ventilation is critical, as is ensuring there are no fuel leaks).
All classic owners must winterize their bikes, but this process may be delayed if they intend to complete maintenance during the winter. However, it is very important to add a fuel stabilizer as soon as the bike is stored, regardless of any planned maintenance.
Renovating Parts
Many components on a motorcycle are perfectly adequate for the job they have to perform when they begin showing signs of aging. For example, a brake lever arm may look dull or have begun to show signs of rusting. Winter time is an ideal opportunity to attend to items such as this.
Seats are another item that serve their purpose but begin, over time, to look old. Getting a seat cover is relatively simple for most bikes (complete seats are often still available to special order for bikes manufactured in the 80s). Alternatively, most automotive or aircraft reupholsterers can re-cover a seat. At the same time as the seat is being recovered, the owner should consider fitting a gel insert for extra comfort if s/he intends to cover any long distances.
Wheels are items that can be renovated easily during the wintertime too. Wire spoked wheels can be re rimmed, or have the original rims re-chromed (after disassembly). Aluminum wheels can be cleaned and powder coated in place of any original paintwork.
Restoring a Complete Bike
Although restoring a bike will take considerable time, depending on the starting condition, winter season is an ideal time to begin the project. Some bikes will require a complete restoration, while others will need only some cosmetic repairs such as re-chroming, powder coating or painting.
With careful planning, an owner can complete a restoration in stages such as:
Stage one:
- Wheels re-rimmed and new tires fitted
- Seat re-covered
Stage Three:
- Motorcycle fully disassembled to facilitate repainting of all steel components (frame, fuel tank etc.) and re-plating of chrome components
Checking a Bike for Wear
Every component on a motorcycle wears. For the most part, worn parts will be replaced as part of the maintenance schedule; however, winter time offers the opportunity to fully inspect such items as:
- Swing arm bearings (clean and re-grease as required)
- Head stock bearings (clean and re-grease plus set the free play)
- Wheel bearings (replace as required)
- Levers and grips (replace as required)
- Footrest rubbers (replace as required)
- Cables (replace as required)
Fitting Accessories
Fitting accessories such as saddle bags or aftermarket pipes are relatively easy, but ensuring that they fit correctly is very important. The majority of components on a motorcycle are mass produced, and dimensions can slip out of tolerance; this can cause problems when fitting components, and the extra time available during the winter break will give the owner time to ensure a safe and effective fit.
Personalizing Clothing
Some owners will be in the enviable position of having nothing to do to their bike other than winterizing it. For these individuals the winter season gives a chance to work on other items associated with their hobby, like their clothing.
From painting their helmets to adding badges to a favorite piece of motorcycle clothing, personalizing riding gear is enjoyable for many classic bike riders.
Planning Road Trips
Making plans is part of the fun for many hobbyists. This is particularly true of classic motorcycle riders. It is also prudent to check out a road trip well in advance; knowing where motels and fuel stops are will save time and money during the actual trip.
For riders traveling between countries, obtaining the correct visas and /or permits in advance is a must and winter time is the perfect time to do this.
In addition, it pays to prepare a basic tool kit and assemble some emergency parts (puncture repair kit, spare plugs, replacement cables, etc.) in readiness for any long road trip, especially if the service or repair facilities available on the route are unknown.
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