Hi Guys,
Lots of forum chat just now about how best to protect your bike during the UK winter months (about 11 of them anually I hear) We are only getting six months of cold here in sunny Spain
One bit of the bike that often looks a bit messy and rusty (IMO) is the cast iron Ex-up valve box .. tucked up under the engine it is well in line for road crap and neglect .. it's also in full line of sight whenever / if ever the rider has a knee anywhere near down
I've never found the need .. at my speeds
Anyway .. I have discovered that 'painting' the cast iron box with normal Olive Oil solves this cosmetic problem quite well.
Just paint it on when the box is dry and 'warm' .. let it cool off and then the next time it gets really hot it will 'Stove' on and stay a smart looking black .. for ages.
Looks a bit like powder coating.
If you give it another coat of olive oil from time to time .. your box will never look crap .. ever. This really works .. I had three Gen 1s and never had a rusty box .. or any Ex-up valve problems. While you are down there .. you might as well pull the valve out and give it it's regular six month (min) internal service
Have a happy winter y'all .. Stay Safe
Trev (Polar Bear)
