First Things First…

2022 Raffles Licensing – If you are planning an ABATE fundraising event (raffles, Fun Runs, etc.) this year plan on having the required state of Wisconsin licensing. After you secure the license be sure to send to Laurie Thompson and myself. Our contact info is listed in this newsletter. If you have any questions, contact me. Thanks in advance.

All our General Liability and overall coverage insurance coverage is current. Unless there are any new insurance requirements presented, there is no actions on insurance until next year.

ZOOM Video & Chat Webcasting – ZOOM has great potential for ABATE. ZOOM can be used for smaller meetings (regional, committee, remote locations) to larger statewide meetings and events. Some of the benefits are; more member inclusion, no limits on any meeting you choose to attend, regional meetings can either be in-person, virtual or both, full interaction, the list is endless… Think about the possibility of attending the monthly BOD meeting from the comfort of your home or get with other ABATE Brothers and Sisters to tune in together.

Regional Reps and District Directors are asked to start incorporating these ZOOM meetings into their regular meeting formats. We are going to start by crawling with Zoom before we try walk and run. Please check it out and stay open minded to how we can all benefit by using ZOOM. Please contact your ABATE rep or me for assistance.

This is a great low cost, easy to use software program that will allow virtually any of us to attend any ABATE of WI meeting using our mobile or computing devices.

Here is an article provided by ABATE member Jim Moeckler that I feel is appropriate for this time of the riding season. As Steve Williams likes to say, “A clean bike is a happy bike!”

Deep Cleaning Your Motorcycle

It’s a fact—motorcycles get dirty. While wearing mud may be a badge of honor on a dirt bike, a dirty street bike puts us on the on-ramp for the road to ruin. Dried mud and excess dirt can conceal mechanical and electrical problems, which can lead to unexpected time broken down on the side of the road.

Even if your motorcycle gets a periodic surface wash and dry, it requires at least one annual deep cleaning to help maintain its highest operative level. If you elect to only deep clean your motorcycle once a year, it’s best to do so before you put your bike into winter storage. Ultimately, knowing how to properly deep clean your motorcycle is one of the first steps in learning basic motorcycle maintenance.

Items you’ll need to deep clean your motorcycle: Soft terrycloth rags and/or towels, buckets/hose, brushes, cleaning products. Regardless of the products you use, it’s important to read the labels to be sure that your cleaners are safe for the surfaces you’re treating

How to approach washing your motorcycle. Washing your motorcycle is different than washing your car. Virtually all of your motorcycle’s mechanical running gear is exposed, including the switchgear and controls. You’ll want to clean everything from the engine to wheels, saddle to brakes, and the colorful paint and chrome that makes your motorcycle beautiful. In short, your bike has many different surfaces that require special care, and many nooks and crannies to clean.

Pre-wash prep. Before getting out the hose and bucket filled with suds, there are some things to do to prep your motorcycle for a wash. Get some cling wrap from your kitchen and gently cover the following areas on your motorcycle so they don’t get damaged by water exposure or flooding: Switchgear, Exhaust and air intake, Upsweep mufflers, Exposed permanent air filter.

Pre-soak. You can remove accumulated dirt, depending on its type and location, more easily by pre-soaking.

Paint and fairings: Dried bugs are a culprit here. Cover this area with a water-dampened-terrycloth towel to soften the debris so you can wipe it away without too much work after the soak.

Wheels and engine cases: Brake dust, chain lube, oil, and road tar on these areas can be pre-soaked with cleaners like Simple Green or moto-specific bike cleaners.

Chains: If you have a chain drive motorcycle, pre-soak time is a great time to apply chain cleaner on your chain.

Bottom to top: Your wash will be faster and kinder to the paint if you wash your bike from the bottom and work your way up. Start by using motorcycle-detailing brushes to scrub your bike’s wheels, engine, and chain (if your bike is chain drive). Scrubbing loose the dirt and contaminants that you’ve soaked can help you eliminate cleaning the tank and fenders twice.

Water temperature. Depending on the season, water temperature can be a critical factor to maintain your bike. During the winter and early spring months, your bike gets covered by road salt. Salt combined with water causes corrosion—and heated water can speed up the corrosion process. So, use colder water during cooler seasons to help protect your bike from damage.

Pre-rinse. Once you’ve scrubbed the grime off the wheels and engine, it’s time for the pre-rinse. Remove any terrycloth pre-soak towels and start rinsing the wheels and engine. Give the whole motorcycle a thorough rinse to remove any abrasive material before the wash.

Go easy on the paint. Your pre-soak and pre-rinse should’ve removed dirt that can cause scratches. When you wash the painted areas of the motorcycle, rinse your wash mitt or rag often. Dark paint tends to show swirl marks the most, so avoid hard circular scrubbing. Consider washing gently in line with the way the wind crosses your bike from front to rear. After washing, rinse and make sure the paint is clean. Then take a moment to scrub off any remaining dirt on the engine and wheels.

Remember, the type of cleaner you use is important because harsh household cleaners can strip wax or mar painted surfaces; motorcycle or car-wash products are the best choice.

Blow dry. Using forced air to dry your bike is better than drying with towels. Avoid using high-pressure air that can force water past seals and gaskets. You’ll want to get as much water off the motorcycle as possible. If your bike has been on a side-stand, pay attention to pockets of collected water on its right side. Once your bike is dry enough, remove any kitchen cling wrap and towels you used to protect it from water.

Uncover the exhaust, and intake if needed, and start your motorcycle. Allowing it to warm to normal-operating temperature will evaporate hidden water on the motor. The motorcycle needs to cool before deeper cleaning, polishing, and waxing. Some riders will park the bike in a clean garage and use a fan to speed cooling and evaporate any remaining moisture.

Under the covers. The next step is to remove any side covers, the saddle, and other bodywork to reveal the normally hidden parts of the motorcycle. Using soft, slightly damp rags or automotive cleaning wipes, carefully and thoroughly clean the frame and components. This is the time to look for corrosion on internal areas and electrical connections. Use care around the battery area if there are any signs of leakage, as the acid will burn you. Also, check the terminals for corrosion. With everything exposed and cleaned, it’s a perfect time to perform a full inspection and start creating a service check list.

Polish, wax, and preserve. Before you close everything up, consider waxing the exposed frame and painted surfaces, like the rear fender or tank covered by the seat. Polishing and waxing side panels while everything is more exposed also allows for better coverage. Once you complete the waxing, treat or preserve leather seats or bags you’ve removed and replace them once cleaned.

The deeper you clean, the more you’ll understand the true condition and beauty of your motorcycle. It’s well worth the effort!

I will be posting pertinent information in my newsletters for the members (at all levels of participation) to use and become more knowledgeable of the behind-the-scenes details. You are welcome to submit a topic or article for use – this newsletter article is for us.

Sometimes there may not be much news to report (as you have read this month), however, I will try to find something timely and of interest. Contact me if you have a topic you would like to see covered.

We are always looking to reduce our costs and spend our Members money wiser while maintaining necessary insurance and licensing coverage while serving our Membership. Suggestions are always welcome!

Should you have any questions regarding Insurance or Licensing (Raffles, Fundraiser, etc.) please contact me. My info is listing towards the end of this newsletter. I may not have the answer, but I will get you the answer.

See you at the next Big One.

Bill