KymcoForum.com
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: joebro on January 31, 2014, 05:37:01 PM
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Well it is iced here :( been three days i couldn't drive (my only transports my S9). They super salted our roads and i was curious, now that its dry outside could salt hurt my scoot? I always heard aluminum + salt = disaster, but I know lots of people who ride year round. Do you ride all year round? What precautions do you take?
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I have an aluminum boat that rides in the salt all day long, no problem. You will get pitting after a time so just hose her down and you'll be fine. Ride man, ride!
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My steel Bet and Win 250 started to show rust at the fasteners and muffler covers and rear shocks when I commuted during the winter. I feel it starts to show age the moment the trucks start salting the surrounding roads. I guess that's why I used it as a beater scooter and applied light oil spray to fend off rust. I would hose off the bike when I find a nice dry day too. I imagine dry days should be just fine though for riding.
If I ran the world, I'd make everyone plow the roads and use winter tires and learn how to drive! The salt runoff can't be good for the environment.
If I were to do it again with a motorcycle or a scooter that I really like, then I'd park the motorbike and take the bus or use my beater bicycle on salty winter days.
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I've watched engines corrode away to a white pile of crap in just a couple months here in Wisconsin, because of being ridden in the winter. Let alone the rust from it.
Because I have no way to wash down a bike after riding, mine are put away before the white speed bumps and gallons of slimy beet juice are dumped on the roads, and they don't come back out until we get solid spring rains to wash all that crap off the streets and roads.
It's your bike and you're welcome to do as you wish.. I've ridden in comfort all the way down to 7F with snowmobile gear, but when they start salting the roads, my bikes get put away.
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Salt is very corrosive and will eat into almost any metal but especially has a taste for aluminum and steel nuts and bolts. Just rinsing won't get it all off.
Sam:)
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Salt is very corrosive and will eat into almost any metal but especially has a taste for aluminum and steel nuts and bolts. Just rinsing won't get it all off.
Sam:)
And mufflers... :) I just pulled mine off to sand blast and re-rattle can it in flat/high temp black.
I just bought mine a couple months ago, but heat is hard on paint and welds aren't the stickiest for paint to adhere to.. Hence, they're the first to rust.
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What do people think about this stuff from Amsoil?
And, don't 90% of these scoots live in countries near the sea? Ocean air 24/7 can't be a whole lot better than riding on roads which have been salted, and then rinsed after the ride. Surely Asian scooter companies have taken this into consideration? Not that a scoot won't rust - but I can't see 'em flinging themselves apart under most any conditions found in the real world. If that were the case, seems like it would be tough to sell a second one to a fellow in the Philippines, or Taiwan.----
http://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-product/other-products/cleaners-and-protectants/heavy-duty-metal-protector/ (http://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-product/other-products/cleaners-and-protectants/heavy-duty-metal-protector/)
(http://i60.tinypic.com/of7k9j.jpg)
Stig
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There's a difference between being around a little salt water, and driving down a road that's WHITE with salt, with the occasional 2" tall speed bumps, where the trucks stop but continue to dump salt on the road.
As you ride along on this salty surface, a cloud of salt is raised and the entire undercarriage is in a constant cloud, with this salt powder getting into every last crack and crevice. What's worse, is they now spread beet juice/salt slurry on the roads that does the same, splashing into everything. Hot, soapy water will wash it out, but when your garden hose spigot is outside, under 2' of snow and it's 12 degrees F, washing isn't an option. :)
Again, everyone is welcome to do what they wish.. I'm waiting until spring to get my bikes out.. I can barely see through the windshield of my car because of salt spray, needing to clean it every 5 minutes while driving in certain areas.. I don't want to ride in that crap, and I don't want my motorcycles/scooters in it either.
Beet juice/Salt slurry application. (it doesn't dry)
(http://saltybrine-robotics.webs.com/photos/Random%20Quirky-ness/salt%20brine.jpg)
Car salt (not my vehicle, but typical)
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Fuca7H8Ny0/Ur8JfS5D6-I/AAAAAAAAE2A/2rQ--zG_xLM/s1600/wi%2Bsalty%2Bcar.jpg)
And that's the back of the vehicle. Imagine what the front and areas around the tire look like!:)
OK, here's what it looks like.. I don't want this on my bike..
(http://www.kearnsmotorcar.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/winter-road-salt.jpg)
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When I bought my Harley in 2000, a fellow rider gave me this advice. Don't bring your bike out till the spring rains have completely washed the salt off the roads. I followed his advice, and when I sold the Harley in 2012, it looked like it came off the showroom floor. I do the same with my scooter now.
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Salt is bad... very bad... you have to wash more often...
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Google: Toyota Tundra rust problems and be shocked by what you see. There are links where owners forums are on fire with reports of the vehicles entire chassis falling apart due to corrosion and poor metallurgy and frame coatings.
https://www.google.com/search?q=toyota+tundra+rust+problems&biw=1093&bih=467&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=_RbtUtT5H-jv2QXdzoCoDA&sqi=2&ved=0CDgQsAQ (https://www.google.com/search?q=toyota+tundra+rust+problems&biw=1093&bih=467&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=_RbtUtT5H-jv2QXdzoCoDA&sqi=2&ved=0CDgQsAQ)
1940 and up American cars for the most part look just fine underneath. There is a difference in west coast vehicles and east coast ones and those driven in frequent ice and snow conditions where road treatment is a must.
Sam:)
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Picture from the fellow in PA who rides his Vespa in the snow.
He also had a center stand fall apart from salt.
He never seems to give it a rinse after riding....puts it away, wet, in a cold shed.
(http://i59.tinypic.com/317cz2v.jpg)
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Google: Toyota Tundra rust problems and be shocked by what you see. There are links where owners forums are on fire with reports of the vehicles entire chassis falling apart due to corrosion and poor metallurgy and frame coatings.
https://www.google.com/search?q=toyota+tundra+rust+problems&biw=1093&bih=467&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=_RbtUtT5H-jv2QXdzoCoDA&sqi=2&ved=0CDgQsAQ (https://www.google.com/search?q=toyota+tundra+rust+problems&biw=1093&bih=467&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=_RbtUtT5H-jv2QXdzoCoDA&sqi=2&ved=0CDgQsAQ)
1940 and up American cars for the most part look just fine underneath. There is a difference in west coast vehicles and east coast ones and those driven in frequent ice and snow conditions where road treatment is a must.
Sam:)
The underside of my son's 9 Ohio winter's old Scion xB astounds everyone who looks under there. It is so clean it could be 6 weeks old. Every time we run it up on the ramps to change the oil we stare in amazement at how Toyota/Scion accomplished this. No black gunk sprayed on - just painted metal.
Stig
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In recent years the highway department has been using treatments that are much more effective than in years past for snow and ice removal.
I always change the oil in my vehicles my self. Days ago, I was changing the oil in 2007 model car. While under the car, I noticed some rusty spots on the metal beams. I put Rustoleum on the rusty spots.
This is the first time I have seen this on one of my cars.
Not sure if it has something to do with the new chemicals they are putting on our roads or not.
I do know one thing; I will not ride my scoot until the roads are clean.
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Guys: I live literally on the water in a sleepy seacoast town north of Boston. It's not just the salt on the roads (which isn't good) but it's "air" that ages all of my 2-wheels over the years for me. If you live 10+ miles away from the ocean, you'll be much better off. As Stig mentioned, that Amsoil, Boeshield or Corrosion X is a MUST! They all work well, but I find Corrosion X in the larger can costs less. I spray my entire exhaust before the Winter & it really helps out. Even washing it once a week in the Spring, Summer & Fall doesn't completely stop it.
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I realize being from Florida my opinion may not hold as much weight but, I spent most of my life in New York and Mass. I junked a 1985 Toyota due to a rusted frame after 10 years. It was washed once a week and hand waxed in warmer weather. Good wax and keeping things clean are important. You wouldn't eat the stuff they put on the road. Why would you think it wouldn't hurt your ride?
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I feel real bad for you guys, the topic was about Aluminum I think, don't think my little aluminum boat had any special kind of alum. and alum doesn't rust so those replies aren't directly applicable but I do get the reasoning.
Thousands upon thousands of cars and pickup truck go axle deep into the salt dozens of times every year, I don't ever hear about them rusting out losing their brake lines, tail lights, etc.
I own at the "sea"shore (waterfront) have an all aluminum car, and have zero problems. Sorry you all have been having such a rough time of it.
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;D Well it rained away our salt so I am free to roam the roads. I don't know but it seems like salt destroys scoots from what I have read. So does anyone know if there is a way to fix damage to aluminum or is it just ruined?
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Like 08087, who's boat came with a clear coat to protect the bare aluminum , unless your exposed aluminum came with a shiny clear coat like almost every motorcycle for absolutely years, your aluminum is "RAW" and not clear coated nor anodized so special care must be taken to avoid dulling and pitting. Don't ever use strog cleaners and detergents on clear coated aluminum because it will eat the clear coat away.
I still find it odd that a vehicle like my wife's new 1994 full size Bronco's undercarriage and frame is essentially brand new as are/ were the frames on my new 1999 Dodge Cummins diesel pickup, my new 2003 Dodge hemi pickup and my current 2009 Dodge hemi 4x4 pickup are clean enough to eat off of as are most 50 year old American vehicles. Toyota screwed up very badly and is paying the price for bad metallurgy, drainage and rust prevention.
Sam:)
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The issue is not aluminum per se, but metallurgy... aluminum is just the dominant metal in aluminum alloys... not all aluminum alloys have the same formulation... simple... low quality aluminum alloys performs less than high quality ones... In my experience, salt is not one of my worries when it comes to my aluminum wheels.. it's dog piss... ;)
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The issue is not aluminum per se, but metallurgy... aluminum is just the dominant metal in aluminum alloys... not all aluminum alloys have the same formulation... simple... low quality aluminum alloys performs less than high quality ones... In my experience, salt is not one of my worries when it comes to my aluminum wheels.. it's dog piss... ;)
hmmm whats all this then about salt??
And HIIIIII thought i would drop by, Wordslinger posted some vids on FB and mentioned the forums so i thought i would say YO BROS!!!
AAnnnnyway bk on topic ;D
i live in england and i rode my Suzuki Intruder for the most part until it got stupidly dangerous, not sure if theres a difference in salts used there to salts used here.
HEY VIVO!! How u doin?
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Years ago, I found out the hard way about salt rust on one of my motorcycles. It only took 1 RIDE early spring while salt was present to begin corrosion in many places on my up-till-then cherry 8 year old motorcycle. These days, my bikes/scoots don't come out of the garage until after a good spring rain washes away all of the salt. In the fall they are no longer ridden after the first snow or salting.
That said, if you do have to ride on salted roads, make sure you give the scoot a good washing every week.
BTW, MY 9 year old Scion xB has some major rust on the passenger side door. But I don't wash the car as nearly as much as I do my motorcycles or scooters.
Wil B.
Broadview, IL
'71 Guzzi Ambassador
'91 Honda Nighthawk
'04 Kymco Super 9
'10 Kymco Yager 200gt
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hmmm whats all this then about salt??
And HIIIIII thought i would drop by, Wordslinger posted some vids on FB and mentioned the forums so i thought i would say YO BROS!!!
AAnnnnyway bk on topic ;D
i live in england and i rode my Suzuki Intruder for the most part until it got stupidly dangerous, not sure if theres a difference in salts used there to salts used here.
HEY VIVO!! How u doin?
Hey WHITEKNIGHT!!! What's happening here... Peters and Wordslinger came back and now you!!... a reunion??? Back to scooters? NIce to hear from all ya!!!
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Guys: I live literally on the water in a sleepy seacoast town north of Boston. It's not just the salt on the roads (which isn't good) but it's "air" that ages all of my 2-wheels over the years for me. If you live 10+ miles away from the ocean, you'll be much better off. As Stig mentioned, that Amsoil, Boeshield or Corrosion X is a MUST! They all work well, but I find Corrosion X in the larger can costs less. I spray my entire exhaust before the Winter & it really helps out. Even washing it once a week in the Spring, Summer & Fall doesn't completely stop it.
Way off topic here - MassScoot - are you familiar with the Halibut Inn in Gloucester?
Back on topic - Do you remember when car dealers used to push undercoating? I never cold figure out if that was a scam or not.
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Way off topic here - MassScoot - are you familiar with the Halibut Inn in Gloucester?
Back on topic - Do you remember when car dealers used to push undercoating? I never cold figure out if that was a scam or not.
SCAM, when's the last time you've seen a modern car rust out?
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SCAM, when's the last time you've seen a modern car rust out?
Well, I was referring to decades ago. :)
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SCAM, when's the last time you've seen a modern car rust out?
Actually if you ever go up north there are many modern cars rusting out.
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Clean is good just keep it washed off.care for the things you own...........
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Actually if you ever go up north there are many modern cars rusting out.
Agreed. Some places can be brutal on even galvanized bodies. In other places, cars can seem forever new.
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2013/07/piston-slap-in-god-we-rust-part-iii/ (http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2013/07/piston-slap-in-god-we-rust-part-iii/)
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The salt they put on roads regularly eats the cars around here. Mufflers, brakes, wheel wells. All fall victim to the nasty stuff they pile on the roads just in case it might snow. The underside of your car isn't aluminum, it's cheap metal composites that don't hold up to any corrosives they encounter. Same for scooters. Go riding on a salty road and pray that you get all the salt off before Spring. Kymco's aren't known for the quality metals they use on springs and other under body parts. We just had a nice hard rain and I may get out in a day or two but I'll probably be waiting until Spring is here for good.
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My scooter is wet a lots of times and I go to the car wash once a week... no problem with rust... At the car wash, they use compressed air to dry my scoot....
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When I wash my scooter at home, I dry it off with a leaf blower. Works great!
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Salt and chloride combination out here ( Maine) is eating away peoples brake lines,gas lines,body parts, etc. and car washes are only a minimal help(even with bottom blasting) , so I won't expose my scoot to that ( nor do I trust sand/salt residue on roads) . I am going to replace everything I can get my mechanic to find , underneath my truck , that may be close to needing replacement from this...then FluidFilm it ( my mechanic calls it Gorilla Snot ). Wonder if it can be used on Scoots ?
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Hmm never heard of it, sounds like it would help though bluesin. If you find out please get back to use on that.
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www.fluid-film.com (http://www.fluid-film.com) ::)
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Just last week my Doctor told me to eat more salt! Dropped 10 lbs, getting lots more exercise and riding the bicycle. Blood pressure down to 110/70. Feel like I have much more energy. Sort of like those guys in the Testosterone commercials. Hate to brag but... Was showing off at this morning's Moto Guzzi breakfast meeting peppering AND salting my meal! ;D
Oh... You guys are talking about salt in the roads. Nevermind - living in the Southwest I know nothing about that! 8)
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Hey this fluid film may work. I might buy some next winter and sprayer down good. :D