Really quiet these days …

[Sidecar Bob]

If I only had one bike it would be a year round daily driver BUT I learned a long time ago that if you live where they salt the roads you really shouldn't do winter to your good bike.
I've had one for the warm half of the year and 1 for the cold half of the year for 37 years because of that

[CYBORG]

My bikes are ready to go 24-7, ... 360 days a year. I find that prevents a major, "get ready", in the spring And I start them up every weekend, because because I'm in the shop anyway. And if the weather allowes, I might take a short ride.

[dontwantapickle]

All of my bikes are riders, and as such, they get ridden.

If a motorcycle is too nice to ride for fear of possible wear and tear,
I'm not going to own it.

I consider myself fortunate when I can ride all of the "resale value" out of a bike.
That means that it's doing what it made for.

When I do wear one out, I'll replace it and hopefully wear that one out too!

Icy roads or other dangerous conditions are the only reasons I'll park my bike.
but as soon as the weather breaks, we're riding again.

Again,
not judging how others treat their bikes, just saying how it's done at my house.

[Sidecar Bob]

They are your bikes but everything I've read about the subject indicates that periodically starting an engine when you aren't going to use it properly (under load with varying throttle) like that does for your engine what waking someone up every half hour during the night would do for their mood the next day.
All it does in increase the contaminants in the crankcase and waste a bit of fuel.

[CYBORG]

They are your bikes but everything I've read about the subject indicates that periodically starting an engine when you aren't going to use it properly (under load with varying throttle) like that does for your engine what waking someone up every half hour during the night would do for their mood the next day.
All it does in increase the contaminants in the crankcase and waste a bit of fuel.

Don't know about that, but I have been doing it Since 1979, when I bought it. And it has almost 500,000 miles on it. I have only rebuilt the carbs twice in that time. Thats on my 78. I've only had my 1200 about 5 years, but
I treat it the same. So far so good. And since my car has been in the shop the last week, I've been riding the 1200 most every day. I don't read a lot, but I do have a tried-and-true way of maintaining my bikes. Works for me at least.

[Lucien Harpress]

I did the "Sta-bil and start occasionally" the past couple years, with varying results every spring. I'm going to try the "draining the carbs" route this year for science.

The only new thing I heard recently was that, if you do run them, you need to be sure to get them hot enough to evaporate the moisture inside the exhaust pipes, otherwise you run the risk of rotting your pipes from the inside out. And the more bikes I get with pipes that you can't feasibly replace easily, it's definitely something in the back of my mind.

Either way, getting any of my bikes ready to ride won't take long regardless, if we snag a good day here and there.

[CYBORG]

I always run them until the fan kicks in, and vary the RPM. Also maintain the tire pressure. It's not really work. I enjoy hearing them run during the winter

[Sidecar Bob]

I just let mine sleep.

BTW, I also prefer to drain the fuel tank. No matter how good your intentions you can never guarantee 100% that you will be taking the bike out of storage again in a few months; Water that enters the tank during normal use will sit on the bottom and I've seen too many tanks with the bottom rusted out from the inside because it couldn't evaporate, not to mention all the ones that had gas turn to varnish inside them.
I was lucky. The original owner of Mr.H put his bike away for the winter, then had an industrial accident that left him unable to ever ride again and the bike sat for 10 years before he finally parted with it. Fortunately he had drained the tank for storage so when I got it the tank was clean & shiny inside.

Of course, if I want to hear a bike run while Mr.H is in storage I can just go for a ride on Eccles......

sidecar.GIF

[CYBORG]

I know you are doing what is best for your situation. The two bikes I'm referring to, are completely different from each other. Require a different riding style, and allow me to choose what I'm in the mood for that day. So keeping both ready is important to me. In many ways they offer an escape from the day-to-day reality. And sometimes I need that. Even in the winter. I respect every ones reason for riding. And what they ride. Snow and salt are just part of the bigger picture. To me riding is a lifestyle, and winter is just part of it.

[Sidecar Bob]

Yep. And at least the forum wasn't so quiet today

[CYBORG]

[ritalz]

I also have been lax on posting lately. Its been a rough year to find time for my bikes and only had 1 ride out of town. Wife's illness has played a big part in that and 1 outpatient surgery for me that is not healing well. Currently sitting on the couch with my trusty heating pad while typing with 1 hand. I do look in on the forum daily and read almost every post. We have a great group of members here that I am happy to be a part of. Lets keep it rolling.

[GW Hobo]

I don't get to this forum enough, and I'm going to try to change that in the New Year. I think a word of thanks, especially this week in the U.S., is in order for you "Consiglieres' on this site that keep it going. I'm not a Great Grampa (Congrats Oldewing - lots to be thankful for, this week for you) as I'm still in the trenches with kids in high school, but I love my Wing. Having moved to SC from Illinois in '19, year-round riding is still a pleasure. Here's a pic last year with a Georgia sunrise after I put the final paint job on. Not sure if I shared this before but it's because of this website and you all that this bike continues to be an wonderful escape.

[CYBORG]

Good looking ride. And a lot of good riding in your area. Thanks for the picture. And keep them coming

[todd54219]

Been slow here as well. My bike is ready to go now but temp is getting below freezing so not many opportunities to ride here is KC. I was able to put about 80 miles the past few weekends. I have some minor things to do on the bike but I am waiting for February. I have a bike show here at the end of January/first of Feb. It is sponsored by the local chapter of the AMCA. Me and a friend go every year. It is usually a great show. I dont win anything but I dont care. I like to talk to others about old goldwings. I will put the bike will be on the lift after that. I dont want to hurry on the repairs. I have to pull the carbs. I have a couple of float bowls that are leaking. Some of the screws are stripped and need tapped or heli-coils. Also intake runner clamps need replaced. They are aftermarket and I broke one and I need to replace them all so they match.

I do keep my fuel tank full. I use seafoam that I mix in the cans in the garage. I just prefer to keep it full.

Just got back from my sons house with the 8 grandkids. The youngest had a birthday. She is 2. Got pictures of her with cake everywhere. Good fun.

Be safe and have a happy holiday season.

Todd