Unofficial Royal Enfield Community Forum

Royal Enfield Motorcycles => Bullet with the UCE engine => Topic started by: Ducati Scotty on November 30, 2010, 05:26:03 pm

Title: Withdrawal symptoms
Post by: Ducati Scotty on November 30, 2010, 05:26:03 pm
Winter has arrived here in Portland, OR.  Lots of rain and cold and rain.  It's been cold enough since I got my waterproof gear that I haven't ridden due to potential ice.  They're predicting record cold and record precipitation this year.  It's probably been almost two weeks since I've been on the road.

This morning on the way to work I reached for the front brake on my steering wheel.

It's going to be a long cold winter here :(

Scott
Title: Re: Withdrawal symptoms
Post by: r80rt on November 30, 2010, 05:43:49 pm
 I don't see how you guys up north do it, it must be terrible. Thank God I'm far enough south that I'll get a riding day or two every month all winter, it won't be a long ride but even a little will keep me sane, winter sucks.
Title: Re: Withdrawal symptoms
Post by: Ducati Scotty on November 30, 2010, 06:28:57 pm
Same here, usually a day or two every month that's clear except maybe February.  It's just the cold turkley going from riding to work every day to nada in the space of two weeks that caught me off guard.  My wife says I get kinda grumpy this time of year for a month or so until I re-adjust.

It's supposed to be clear skies this weekend.  Keep your fingers crossed.

Scott
Title: Re: Withdrawal symptoms
Post by: gashousegorilla on November 30, 2010, 09:26:14 pm
 I hear Ya . This time of year, up here, the weather can be a real tease. When your going to work in the morning, It may be near or below freezing, but during the day, It may get up into the 50's. >:( So the only time you get to actually ride it's miserable.
Title: Re: Withdrawal symptoms
Post by: clubman on November 30, 2010, 10:13:39 pm
Snow has stopped play on the UK side of the pond too. I was looking forward to a ride at the weekend but it's not going to happen now. I'm with you on the withdrawal symptons. That said the roads will probably be OK again in a couple of weeks so it could be worse.
Title: Re: Withdrawal symptoms
Post by: prof_stack on November 30, 2010, 10:20:52 pm
Oh yeah, withdrawals!

Up here in sorta Arctic Seattle (lately anyway) the forecast is not encouraging.  At least most of the fallen leaves have dispersed now.

Sunday's 30 mile "cycle-therapy" might have to stick with me for a while.  I'm on the hunt for heated gloves that use their own batteries.  Heated socks might be nice too.

We have to pick our spots.
Title: Re: Withdrawal symptoms
Post by: Ice on December 01, 2010, 04:21:48 am
 A temp of +40* F. on my front porch means frost likely on the lower laying roads,,,,tread with extreme caution.

Here's a few web links I found for batter heated socks and gloves,,,

http://www.brucemedical.com/ng30.html (http://www.brucemedical.com/ng30.html)
http://www.brucemedical.com/ng25.html (http://www.brucemedical.com/ng25.html)

http://www.nextag.com/heated-clothing-battery/products-html (http://www.nextag.com/heated-clothing-battery/products-html)
http://ecom1.sno-ski.net/battery.html (http://ecom1.sno-ski.net/battery.html)
Title: Re: Withdrawal symptoms
Post by: Tecomakeith on December 01, 2010, 04:55:46 am
It's the first day of summer here in Australia. But then again we can ride around all year round. :D
Title: Re: Withdrawal symptoms
Post by: prof_stack on December 01, 2010, 05:39:29 am
A temp of +40* F. on my front porch means frost likely on the lower laying roads,,,,tread with extreme caution.

Here's a few web links I found for batter heated socks and gloves,,,

http://www.brucemedical.com/ng30.html (http://www.brucemedical.com/ng30.html)
http://www.brucemedical.com/ng25.html (http://www.brucemedical.com/ng25.html)

http://www.nextag.com/heated-clothing-battery/products-html (http://www.nextag.com/heated-clothing-battery/products-html)
http://ecom1.sno-ski.net/battery.html (http://ecom1.sno-ski.net/battery.html)

THANK YOU very much!   :)
Title: Re: Withdrawal symptoms
Post by: Ice on December 01, 2010, 08:15:55 am
glad i could help.
Title: Re: Withdrawal symptoms
Post by: single on December 01, 2010, 11:15:12 am
4:30 am.Gave up on pretending to rest.Cough,cough,cough.Feel sorry for other family members.I believe influenzas,or whatever,are different here in Mo than in Mi.I was hardly ever sick in Mi but I get this a couple of times a year here in Mo.I am so glad I took Jolly out the last time.Everything worked perfectly,I enjoyed it so much.I swear I am gonna get more rides in next summer.I think my New Years resolution is gonna be more time for ol' Larry.I see the dog has not followed me out of the bedroom,probly sick of the coughing,nose blowing and whimpering.Just as well,I'm tired of his pitying stare anyway.
Title: Re: Withdrawal symptoms
Post by: Ice on December 01, 2010, 11:35:50 am
Br.single,
Around here its known as the super crud.
Prayers and best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Title: Re: Withdrawal symptoms
Post by: 2bikebill on December 01, 2010, 12:59:52 pm
Freezing north easterly winds here - Siberia comes to Devon! I drove to Cornwall early sunday morning and the outside temp gauge never got above minus 4.5. The van heater's busted so I was well wrapped, even so it wasn't a fun drive. And I saw a motorcyclist going the other way - now that's a tougher rider than this old fair weather boy!
I haven't been on the bike for about four weeks, and not much prospect for this week either. I put the dust cover on today, as the bike has to share the garage with the winter wood & coal stash, but I did it with a sad resignation. The roads are dry in spite of freezing temperatures - many parts of the country are under snow - and I'm hanging onto hopes of some winter riding later.
But yeah...... I'm really missing it.... :(
Title: Re: Withdrawal symptoms
Post by: r80rt on December 01, 2010, 01:41:45 pm
Single, I hope you get better soon, it's just miserable being sick.
Title: Re: Withdrawal symptoms
Post by: single on December 01, 2010, 02:31:32 pm
Thanks,guys.The dog did come out and look at me for a minute.Went back to bed.
Title: Re: Withdrawal symptoms
Post by: singhg5 on December 01, 2010, 05:04:06 pm
Freezing north easterly winds here - Siberia comes to Devon! I drove to Cornwall early sunday morning and the outside temp gauge never got above minus 4.5. The van heater's busted so I was well wrapped, even so it wasn't a fun drive. And I saw a motorcyclist going the other way - now that's a tougher rider than this old fair weather boy!
I haven't been on the bike for about four weeks, and not much prospect for this week either. I put the dust cover on today, as the bike has to share the garage with the winter wood & coal stash, but I did it with a sad resignation. The roads are dry in spite of freezing temperatures - many parts of the country are under snow - and I'm hanging onto hopes of some winter riding later.
But yeah...... I'm really missing it.... :(

@Will:

This morning I was reading news on the BBC website and there it was - 'Snow blankets Europe' with pictures of trucks (lorries for you  ;)) stuck on the highways from Manchester in the North to Kent in the south of England.  I thought about you and how were you coping with this weather.

It is no fun in my neck of the woods either.  Today we have non-stop heavy rain with winds blowing upto 40 miles per hour (64 kph) - enough to break tree branches.  It will be followed by cold front and below freezing temperatures by tomorrow.

 I did polish the bike earlier and put a cover on it.  Since it is parked outside (no garage), its wheels and some other parts are getting drenched with rain  :(.  

-  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-11887140
Title: Re: Withdrawal symptoms
Post by: gashousegorilla on December 01, 2010, 06:23:07 pm


 I did polish the bike earlier and put a cover on it.  Since it is parked outside (no garage), its wheels and some other parts are getting drenched with rain


How about something like this Singh? But is still might blow away on a day like today :D
http://www.motoshell.com/
Title: Re: Withdrawal symptoms
Post by: 2bikebill on December 01, 2010, 06:23:52 pm
We seem to be getting fiercer winters than we're used to. South Devon has escaped the snow so far, apart from Dartmoor where it always snows in winter, but there's plenty up and down the country, and more to come apparently... The usual traffic chaos....
Sory to hear you're getting a beating too Singh - especially with your bike outside.

  GHG has posted a good option   ;)
Title: Re: Withdrawal symptoms
Post by: singhg5 on December 01, 2010, 10:55:29 pm
How about something like this Singh? But is still might blow away on a day like today :D
http://www.motoshell.com/

@GHG

That is a very interesting shell to cover motorcycle.  One problem with any cover is that as the water on the ground evaporates, moisture builds up under the cover.  The motoshell (and my cover) has small opening to let out a little bit of air.  But in cold weather the moisture droplets remain stuck to metal under the cover.  Over a period of time the metal starts to rust.  It has happened to my bike already. 

To get rid off the moisture, you need a heater under the cover ......, an electric cable ....., and a wall .....  eventually a garage  :D.  And yeah, the wind ..... it may blow the whole thing off !

But I do like the ingenuity of making something like that.  I have bookmarked that website as one of the options to protect the bike.  Good find.
Title: Re: Withdrawal symptoms
Post by: gashousegorilla on December 01, 2010, 11:40:29 pm
 Yea good points Singh. How about a small enclosed trailer, with a ramp type rear door?  A 5x8 should be more then enough, and give you a little extra room for doing maintenance and storage. It can also be pulled by a small car. You should be able to pick up a second hand one for a reasonable price. It might be a problem if you live in a complex or development though? I have one myself, that I use when the garage is full. It's great to have for break downs to, Both yours and your Buddy's  ::)
Title: Re: Withdrawal symptoms
Post by: gashousegorilla on December 01, 2010, 11:49:42 pm
 Something like this.
http://newjersey.craigslist.org/bfs/2086445398.html
Title: Re: Withdrawal symptoms
Post by: singhg5 on December 01, 2010, 11:57:17 pm
You should be able to pick up a second hand one for a reasonable price. It might be a problem if you live in a complex or development though? I have one myself, that I use when the garage is full.

The main probem is that I live in a complex that has a little parking lot for cars.  When it snows, we have to move our cars to plough the snow.  Even if it does not snow, we cannot leave any 'structure' in the parking lot.
Title: Re: Withdrawal symptoms
Post by: Ducati Scotty on December 02, 2010, 12:00:13 am
Yup, singh is right.  When I lived in SoCal I had a cover and I started to get surface runst in a few spots from it.  It rains, moisture everywhere inside and out, then the sun comes out and turns the cover into a wet sauna slowly steaming your bike,

Still, with the cover gorilla posted you could put some small openings front, rear and sides at ground level, then a couple scoop covered vents on top like they use on boat covers.  It gets you some ventilation and keeps the worst of the wet off the bike.  Of course as soon as you start stacking all the improvements up you realize what you want is a real garage.  

Maybe it's better to just wax the bike really well, touch up small rust as soon as you see it, and just replace the soft parts every couple of years as the rain eats them.  I dunno, I'm spoiled.  I have a real garage now and free covered parking at work.

Scott
Title: Re: Withdrawal symptoms
Post by: 2bikebill on December 02, 2010, 08:36:35 am
Singh - do you have an accessible back yard where you could put a wooden shed? A wooden shed (with wood floor) is the ideal structure for a bike garage - no condensation problems as with metal storage or plasticised covers - whatever the weather. Just add a simple ramp to get the bike in & out.
Title: Re: Withdrawal symptoms
Post by: Ice on December 02, 2010, 10:18:51 am
Parking in the living room could be an option.

Looks nice too  8)

( Note to self;  Self, If you ever get the chance to do that again, empty, dry and then purge the damn gas tank with Co2 before pushing it inside )
Title: Re: Withdrawal symptoms
Post by: bob bezin on December 02, 2010, 07:10:25 pm
no parking space in my living room  as the artillery piece takes up all the room plus too many bikes.
Title: Re: Withdrawal symptoms
Post by: WKinNJ on December 06, 2010, 05:06:39 am
I don't see how you guys up north do it, it must be terrible. ...

Switch to three wheels (URAL with 2WD for bad weather) and heated gear. 
Title: Re: Withdrawal symptoms
Post by: raycopper on December 06, 2010, 06:12:44 am
All of my bikes have been kept outside. Not had problems with rust. I spray everything,  except the front brake & tyres :), once a month with ACF50, and never put the cover on if the bike is already wet. Cannot praise ACF50 highly enough

Ray
Title: Re: Withdrawal symptoms
Post by: singhg5 on December 06, 2010, 06:20:17 am
All of my bikes have been kept outside. Not had problems with rust. I spray everything,  except the front brake & tyres :), once a month with ACF50, and never put the cover on if the bike is already wet. Cannot praise ACF50 highly enough

Ray:

I have heard a lot of good words for ACF50.  You must be in UK.  I have not seen it here in the USA.  Do you know what is its equivalent in USA ? What is its composition ?
Title: Re: Withdrawal symptoms
Post by: raycopper on December 06, 2010, 08:31:47 am
Not sure of its composition Singh, smells a lot like lanolin though.

Have a look here: http://www.acf-50.co.uk/ (http://www.acf-50.co.uk/)

There is an Ontario phone number on the can (905)-564-0018, maybe they can point you towards a US supplier?

Regards,

Ray
Title: Re: Withdrawal symptoms
Post by: Marrtyn on December 06, 2010, 03:42:07 pm
I think you will find that ACF 50 originates in Canada. I believe the airforce there use it on there flying machines.
I can't praise it enough.
I lathered it all over my bike, even over the old summer road dirt. (Didn't have time to clean it). Will just wash it all off come spring, with Muck Off, and re-applie.
Title: Re: Withdrawal symptoms
Post by: singhg5 on December 07, 2010, 07:30:47 pm
Not sure of its composition Singh, smells a lot like lanolin though.

@Ray and @Marrtyn:

Thanks for all that info.  I have found MSDS - material safety data sheet - that gives some info on its composition - see link below.

Ray's description of 'smells a lot like lanolin' is very interesting, because it may very well have some of that in it.  MSDS of ACF-50 states "it is a proprietary blend of ultra pure synthetic and organic hydrocarbons".  It seems that the description is purposely vague and general.  A common example of hydrocarbons widely used as lubricant and coating material to protect from moisture is Vaseline - which is refined white petrolatum. ACF-50 may have crude petrolatum which also has some smell.

Lanolin is a mixture of hydrocarbons, long chain fatty alcohols and esters - waxy mixture.  Both these ingredients would be fairly non-toxic, water repellant, sticky, leave a coating that will last long time, non-reactive so that they can mix with anything and reasonably safe, can also act as lubricants - all the characteristics that are attributed to ACF-50.

But ACF-50 may be more than these ingredients, because it has some synthetic hydrocarbons - long chain carbon-hydrogen compounds which are not as sticky, inert, and hydrophobic - water repellant.  Low molecular weight ones will be smooth, and leave a more flexible film, and safe to use on a wide variety of materials.

http://www.corrosion-control.com/media/cms/pdf/acf-aerosol-usa.pdf
Title: Re: Withdrawal symptoms
Post by: gashousegorilla on December 07, 2010, 08:20:01 pm
 Ths may be a stupid question, but could you cut vaseline with something to make it thinner and sprayable? Mineral oil?
Title: Re: Withdrawal symptoms
Post by: r80rt on December 07, 2010, 09:06:55 pm
What about just spraying down with WD-40?
Title: Re: Withdrawal symptoms
Post by: gashousegorilla on December 07, 2010, 10:06:30 pm
What about just spraying down with WD-40?
Yea, that's what I was thinking Dan. Maybe It won't hold up as well outside as this other stuff though? And if you mix vaseline with mineral oil, wouldn't' that just be ,,,.. Oh forget it  ::)
Title: Re: Withdrawal symptoms
Post by: Ice on December 07, 2010, 10:41:23 pm

Corrosion Preventive Compounds of various types have been in use in Aviation since Wilbur and Orville took flight.
Here's just one link returned from a Google search, there are many more than whats listed on the link.
http://www.corrosion-doctors.org/Inhibitors/CPCs.htm (http://www.corrosion-doctors.org/Inhibitors/CPCs.htm)

I'll bet the boating industry has some too
Title: Re: Withdrawal symptoms
Post by: singhg5 on December 08, 2010, 04:34:28 am
Ths may be a stupid question, but could you cut vaseline with something to make it thinner and sprayable? Mineral oil?

@GHG:

It is not a stupid question  ;).  The whole science is based on asking this type of questions.  What, When, Where, Who, (w)how !  

Your question is - What happens if vaseline is mixed with mineral oil ?
Your other question is - How can vaseline be made thinner and sprayable ?

Vaseline itself is a mixture of many different types and lengths of non-straight chain hydrocarbons of series CnH2n+2 and high boiling liquid hydrocarbons.  It is insoluble in water but is solube in benzene, chloroform and ether.  Dissolving in these strong organic solvents will make it a solution.

To mix with mineral oil - first warm and melt vaseline in a bowl, add warm mineral oil and keep stirring to mix, then let it cool.  It will become a fatty liquid whose consistency will depend on the proportions of the two used.
Title: Re: Withdrawal symptoms
Post by: gashousegorilla on December 08, 2010, 04:56:29 am
  Pretty cool singh, see that, I know some science stuff ::)
I can see it now brother " Singh's Super cycle Saver"  ;)
Both ingredients are pretty cheap, thin it enough to put in a spray bottle?
May be a PIA to wash off in the spring though?
Title: Re: Withdrawal symptoms
Post by: ScooterBob on December 08, 2010, 11:55:36 am
Get  FLUID FILM! It's basically spry lanolin - it WILL wash off in the spring and it coats like nobody's business and stays on. I think it works pretty dandy! All my spoke nipples still move ......  ::)
Title: Re: Withdrawal symptoms
Post by: Ducati Scotty on December 08, 2010, 03:36:34 pm
Your question is - What happens if vaseline is mixed with mineral oil ?
Your other question is - How can vaseline be made thinner and sprayable ?

Isn't that napalm?  Does that go with this thread?  
http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/forum/index.php/topic,9080.0.html

Get  FLUID FILM! It's basically spry lanolin - it WILL wash off in the spring and it coats like nobody's business and stays on. I think it works pretty dandy! All my spoke nipples still move ......  ::)

Did Bob just tell us to put lanolin on our nipples?

Man, and I thought I was bored with too much time on my hands due to the weather.  This forum is getting cabin fever fast! ;)

Scott
Title: Re: Withdrawal symptoms
Post by: gashousegorilla on December 08, 2010, 03:47:57 pm
 :D  :D  :D..... :P...... :D :D :D
Title: Re: Withdrawal symptoms
Post by: gashousegorilla on December 08, 2010, 04:00:13 pm
Get  FLUID FILM! It's basically spry lanolin - it WILL wash off in the spring and it coats like nobody's business and stays on. I think it works pretty dandy! All my spoke nipples still move ......  ::)
This Stuff here ScooterBob?
http://www.motorcycleworld.info/enthusiasts/catalog_item_detail.asp?catalog=5701&levelcode=62523&product=869597&cattype=&ProductCategoryCode=
Title: Re: Withdrawal symptoms
Post by: ScooterBob on December 08, 2010, 09:57:15 pm
That's the stuff! If you call them directly - they will send you a sample ..... and I spray it on the SPOKE nipples .....  ::) ....... although it IS pretty slick before it dries ......  ;)
Title: Re: Withdrawal symptoms
Post by: singhg5 on December 10, 2010, 03:18:46 pm
Man, and I thought I was bored with too much time on my hands due to the weather.  
This forum is getting cabin fever fast! ;)
@Scott:

I look at my motorcycle parked outside daily with a hope that may be today I will ride.  I had taken out the battery and charged it.  Thought ah, ha, now I am ready to go.  As I was putting the battery back in the bike, the wind and cold practically froze my fingers within a few minutes.  I had to rush back inside and think again - not today.  Mind you this 'not-today' routine - let me ride today, go out to check, come back in freezing - happens everyday  :D.

ACF 50 IN US

Recommendations of Ray and Marrtyn led me to do some search to find ACF-50 in US.  None of the motorcycle dealers or hardware stores in my area have ever heard about it.  Not seen any ad or news in motorcycle magazine or parts / accessories dealers. It is perhaps more well known in aircraft industry.

It is available from a store in California - http://www.corrosion-control.com/
Title: Re: Withdrawal symptoms
Post by: The Garbone on December 10, 2010, 03:31:52 pm
Or No-Ox

http://www.sanchem.com/ox.html