Pseudo-Winterize

My wife and I intend to ride our bikes this winter whenever there's a sunshiny day and no snow or ice on the road. We live in Indianapolis, and there are generally one or two oddball days that meet this criteria even in the winter months.

My BMW-riding friend has already tucked his 1150 in for the winter and won't ride again til spring. My Harley-riding friend has already started his winter repairs, and probably won't ride again til spring.

What's an appropriate level of winterizing for us? It may be a month between rides. I've put stabil in the tanks and am going to buy a battery tender. Anything else?

Regards, The Rat

1984 VF500C V30 Red "Katie" (hers) 1984 VF500C V30 Black "Raven" (mine)
MSF BRC Grad: 2000 (her); 2004 (me)

(Un)Stuck Bleeder Valve

Thanks to those who replied with helpful hints on unsticking my bleeder valve. This afternoon (when I should've been riding) I bled the brakes and cleaned out the master cylinder.

Actually, the components inside the master cylinder looked brand new, no deterioration at all. The fluid wasn't black, it was a murky reddish brown, and it did have some brown sediment in it, clogging the ports in the reservoir.

I suspect the calipers will need to be rebuilt. Where's the best source for a caliper rebuild kit?

Any tips for tackling that one? Thanks to all who reply.

...The Rat

1984 Magna V30 Red "Katie" (my wife's)
1984 Magna V30 Black "Raven" (mine)

Stuck Bleeder Valve

Front brakes are not releasing on my 84 Magna; I want to do a master cylinder rebuild on it. And probably a caliper rebuild as well. That's what we had to do when my wife's had the same symptoms.

My caliper bleeder valve is stuck though. Any suggestions on persuading it loose? I don't want to snap it off! I was able to release the brakes by loosening the brake line at the caliper and bleeding off a little black, evil goo fluid there.

Regards,
The Rat


1984 Magna V30 Red -- Katie (my wife's)
1984 Magna V30 Black -- Raven (mine)