Will alot of rain ruin your bike?

[PhilJet09]

I won't comment on the electrical side, but will add my $.02 to the washing/cleaning side of this discussion. As a former full time aircraft mechanic, the very first thing we did was thoroughly clean whatever it was we were tearing apart. Getting rid of the dirt, grease, muck, whatever, is the only way you can really see the parts you are inspecting. Following a thorough cleaning, you then inspect and repair any damage, including corrosion. I have followed this mantra in my two wheeled world and it has served me well. You really can't expect to find future trouble areas on your bike without a good cleaning first. I don't wash my bike a lot, but when I do, I use it as an opportunity to find hidden damage, then I lubricate the areas that need it. Also, paint lasts longer when it's well cared for, which means an occasional wash and wax. In my world, the primary purpose of paint is to protect the part from corrosion/deterioration, which = longer life.

 

[Bill Lumberg]

I wash mine fairly regularly because the road film is abrasive. If it were only an aesthetic issue, I'd wash twice a year. I ride almost daily, year round. Between keeping crud off me and keeping me from scoring or scratching the bike through my (or my gear's) contact with abrasive crud, I just don't let it build up. For moderate cleaning, a thoroughly wet towel, top to bottom windshield to wheels, is effective and fast, and doesn't require soaking the bike. As long as you manage the towel so you're not wiping a new area with a contaminated part of the towel, you're good to go. That's for dust and light film. For full on crust or baked on dirt, hose and bucket only.

 

[CRFan1]

I keep my bike pretty pristine and at least use Honda spray polish on the front to keep the bugs off after every ride, etc. Takes minutes. If i get caught in the rain, the next day it gets a wash. Yeah, I am a bit OCD but I feel better when I am on a nice clean bike, hehehe

 

[JRF]

Havent had mine long but ive been caught in rain several times & the bike doesnt seem to notice. As for washing I used to keep my bikes spotless, but with this one I doubt ill wash it more than once a year. I agree its a good way to assess the bikes condition. Id just rather spend any time I have with it in the saddle.

 

[Bokerfork]

Of course there's always this. https://www.sanchem.com/electrical-contact-lubricant.html

Specifically for electrical conductivity and anti corrosion.

We use it at work for industrial batteries.

Common name is "NO-OX" as in no oxidation.

Just another option.

 

[Bill Lumberg]

Besides the suspension (rear) creak, the only thing I've had change condition were the screws holding the clutch/brake reservoir lids on. They got a white pitted look. So every once in a while, I put a touch of breakfree CLP on them. I've ridden in heavy rain quite a bit this year, and it's not even rainy season yet.