34
TIPS ‘O THE MONTH
SEPTEMBER 2021
Maintaining our Pride and Joy – our BMW Motorcycles Our new 2002 R1150 RT was followed by our new 2012 K1600 GTL By Richard de Groot - Member # 769
I recently asked Richard to provide his tips and tricks for maintaining his pride and joy as it stands out as a well maintained and presented bike on all occasions. Here is his article which covers some very important points. Thank you Richard, much appreciated. Editor The goals I strive to achieve whilst motorcycling – 1. Enjoy the ride. 2. Enjoy the motorcycle. 3. Enjoy the scenery. 4. Enjoy the country. 5. Keep any pillion (Wendy is rarely not with me) safe. 6. Keep myself safe. 7. Don’t contribute additional funds to consolidated revenue.
K1600 GTL - 7 years old and app 70,000km
8. Maintain the motorcycle in good condition. The order is irrelevant; as each goal compliments all the other goals. An integral part of enjoying all of the goals is to have a well maintained and well-presented motorcycle. This is how I maintain our motorcycle – 1. Serviced as per scheduled servicing when due by time or distance. 2. Prompt attention to any faults. 3. Replace tyres prior to or when they reach the minimum tyre wear indicators. 4. Wash regularly; however not excessively. 5. Spray first, to remove all loose material, with a soft spray hose. 6. Never use high pressure sprays. 7. Then hand wash by sponge with vehicle wash detergent. 8. Utilise a car brush and or a large paint brush to access hard to get at areas.
Bowden’s Lazy Wax Polish
9. After hand washing utilising a kerosene-soaked rag to remove road tar from the paintwork, chromed areas, exhaust and wheels. 10. Again, hand washing areas where kerosene has been applied. 11. Rinsing all the motorcycle with a soft spray hose. 12. Wiping all of the motorcycle, including under the seat, by chamois. 13. Once dry, taking the motorcycle for about a 5-kilometre run to remove all water sitting on electrical and other components in areas which cannot be seen nor accessed and where water could cause damage if not removed e.g., electrical connectors, hubs, bearings, brake callipers etc.
