I've been reading through the Service Manual for my '15 Versys 650, and I came to page 2-62, which states:
NOTE: Whenever the vehicle has been operated under wet or rainy conditions, or especially after using a high-pressure water spray, perform the general lubrication.
Pivots: Lubricate with grease.
Brake lever
Brake pedal
Clutch lever
Rear master cylinder push rod joint pin
Points: Lubricate with grease.
Clutch inner cable upper and lower ends
Throttle inner cable upper and lower ends
Cables: Lubricate with rust inhibitor.
Clutch cable
Throttle cable
Do you guys really go through this procedure every time you ride in the rain? I re-lubed my chain after my ride in the rain, but hadn't heard about all these other things.
As do I. Unfortunately, my license road test was yesterday, and it was raining! :laugh: My first time riding in the rain, but I aced the test so that's the important thing.
If you travel by motorcycle you are going to ride in the rain. It is a good idea to get good waterproof gear and go ride in the rain on purpose close to where you live. It is much better to sort out any issues with gear, handling, vision, etc.... while close to home than 1500 miles away.
You have to learn to trust your tires. You only give up about 20% of traction or less with wet tires. Modern tires like Michelin PR series have quite a bit of silica to give great wet traction. Stay away from painted road surfaces and metal man hole covers, grates, etc.
As for lubrication. I just try to do it fairly regularly.......not after a ride in the rain.
Mike
Agreed. Regular lubrication would also help to ensure that any rain water is better repelled and less likely to cause any issues to these points on your MC as well.
You normally lube the chain every second tank of fuel. If you've been riding in the rain for along period of time it probably wouldn't hurt to lube it more frequently as the lube can get washed off. The other stuff I try not to get OCD about and save for my once a year spring maintenance.
Thanks for all the advice, guys. I kind of had an epiphany about this today, I need to keep in mind I'm reading the service manual, not the owner's manual. The shop wouldn't have the bike after every rainy ride, they'd have it once every 4-6 months.
I agree. On our Alaska ride (17 wet days out of 20) we lubed every 600 to 700 kms and did that before we finished the ride for the day so that (a) we did it on a hot chain & (b) it was well worked in before we stopped for the day.
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