Autumn, You Beautiful B***h!

[DaBruuzer]

I always look forward to the fall; I love the changing leaves, the gusty evening breezes, and most of all the cool fresh air that is, at least where I am, so clean and seems to fill my body with a cool, full and satisfying feeling.  In the back of my mind, I am fully aware that winter is just around the corner, but I like to live in the moment, and autumn rides have been some of my favorites - the ones that seem to stand out the most in my memory.

Sadly, where I am, I have to give in and put her away for the winter, maybe this weekend, maybe next.  I do quite a bit of my riding commuting back and forth to work, along some of the nicest roads around my area (until I get near the city, that is).  I leave for work at 5am, all on rural unlit (VERY dark this time of year, and twisty) roads.  The temperature at that time of day has been hovering only a few degrees above freezing, even when the high for the day is much warmer later on.  Last week I hit a patch of early morning frost/black ice, and although I kept it together it scared the crap out of me.  Add in the glare of some blinding headlights heading towards me, the near complete darkness, and a very good chance that a raccoon, skunk or rabbit can (and have) run out in front of me, and I am getting spooked.  And now we have had misty drizzle almost every morning for a week.  So the time, I think, has come for my fall ritual.

My ritual is a simple one.  I wait for that glorious 5 or so hour period that will offer me the best chance of a gorgeous last ride of the year.  I take that ride, come back home and put in the fuel stabilizer, and take another 15 minute ride to get it all circulated.  Before I go back home, I stop at a local watering hole for a Coke Zero (used to be Coke, but diabetes has a funny way of changing that), and sit on their patio, stare at my ride, and revel in the joy of our shared passion.  I like that part the best.  Then, finally, it is home to get her parked in the garage, where she cools down for my last wash and wax of the season.  I take my time with this part; a much more thorough and patient cleaning than during the riding season (at those times I just want to RIDE! lol).  Finally, the Battery Tender Jr. goes on, as does my cover.  And then the waiting begins.  Spring isn't THAT far away, is it?

The most frustrating part this time of year is when I get in the cage, drive to work, and after lunch notice how sunny and beautiful the day has become, with all the changing colors, leaves lightly blowing around, etc.  I love autumn, but wow is October ever a duplicitous month.  I was wondering, for those of you that live in cooler climes where winter is really winter, what you do for your "Fall Ritual".  Care to share?

[Hooter]

I love fall and spring. These are my favorite season's. The only thing I hate about fall is the corn. Corn here is right next to the road, 10' high and the deer are starting to move with the "cool" down. Other than that to ride this time of year is great.

[Spirited-6]

GUY, I think you  "NAILED IT" I wish I could have said better !!!

[cookiedough]

I love fall and spring. These are my favorite season's. The only thing I hate about fall is the corn. Corn here is right next to the road, 10' high and the deer are starting to move with the "cool" down. Other than that to ride this time of year is great.

Same here,  every single day I see a dead deer alongside the road coming home at night around 11:15 p.m. all in WI farmland roads only 15 miles of riding.  Last night I got spooked,  a darn huge oak leaf flew across the road right into my bike and scared the crap outta me I for a split second grabbed my handlebars hard thinking something was coming at me.  It really did look like a small animal coming at me, no joke.   I've been slowing it down to 50 mph but won't do any good if something jumps right in front of me in a split second besides maybe able to slow down a tad quicker before impact?

[hubcapsc]

  I've been slowing it down to 50 mph but won't do any good if something jumps right in front of me in a split second

I think about this when a bug (splat!) hits my faceshield... a deer could be just that quick...

-Mike

[DaBruuzer]

I love fall and spring. These are my favorite season's. The only thing I hate about fall is the corn. Corn here is right next to the road, 10' high and the deer are starting to move with the "cool" down. Other than that to ride this time of year is great.

I like fall a lot more - up here, spring is when all the snow melts, and all the dog, cow and duck poop from farms during the winter months adds a special "something" to the breeze that is just nauseating. LOL

[Black Dog]

My Fall ritual is much like yours...  Find a day, somewhere between November first and Thanksgiving where the sun will be out and the temps will be warm enough to allow a brisk ride.

I try to head to a county that allows the sale of the non-reformulated gas.  I'll add the correct amount of stabilizer, and fill her up to the brim. 

Once home, I put her on the centerstand, and drain the oil while still warm.  New filter and a fresh fill of synthetic oil, a quick ride around the block.  Again on the centerstand, and turn off the petcock.  Once she starts to sputter, I'll rev it lightly until she dies.

Plug in the BatteryMINDer ( http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200332201_200332201 ), put the cover on, and say good night... 

Black Dog

[DaBruuzer]

My Fall ritual is much like yours...  Find a day, somewhere between November first and Thanksgiving where the sun will be out and the temps will be warm enough to allow a brisk ride.

I try to head to a county that allows the sale of the non-reformulated gas.  I'll add the correct amount of stabilizer, and fill her up to the brim. 

Once home, I put her on the centerstand, and drain the oil while still warm.  New filter and a fresh fill of synthetic oil, a quick ride around the block.  Again on the centerstand, and turn off the petcock.  Once she starts to sputter, I'll rev it lightly until she dies.

Plug in the BatteryMINDer ( http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200332201_200332201 ), put the cover on, and say good night... 

Black Dog

Good point!  I am used to fuel injected rides.  Have to remember the petcock before covering her up.  Thanks!  Sadly, no unpolluted gas is available anywhere near me.

[Otus]

Hey, DaBruuzer. Try puregas.com you might find some near you but it won't be cheap.

[BobB]

My riding is not unlike yours.  I watch the weather for the usual things, picking the afternoons to get out and put one to two hundred miles on the odo.  I'm retired so everyday is a possibility.  I just did 180 miles this afternoon.  Temps reached 60^o and partly cloudy, a very nice ride taking in the lettered county roads over in Wisconsin. 

My winter storage routine involves moving the Valk into my basement workshop, removing the tank draining it and the carbs.  This must happen before the first snow accumulation.  The battery is put on a charger from time to time and we go thru my check list of annual maintenance over the winter. 

[old2soon]

Even when I lived north of Chicago and just south of Wisconsin I NEVER stored my M/C. It was ready to go at a moments notice. I would have to read up on M/C storage in order to KNOW what to do. This Friday-the 10th I leave for Hannibal Mo. and the Mo. Fall Color Ride. We have subtle changes of color here already and I for one am looking forward to this ride.  I do feel your pain somewhat AND I'll give you an early heads up as I am guilty as hell about riding and posting here causing undo pain to my northern brethren about my rides when they are SNOWED in!  Antagonistic?-Maybe. Mean?-a little. Uncalled for?-Certainly!!! Will I quit doing it?-Not only no-but hell no!  There is a cure for M/C storage-move further south.  RIDE SAFE.

[Paxton]

Don't move to So Cal. It's horrendous! 

[DaBruuzer]

Don't move to So Cal. It's horrendous! 

Just as so many on this board are patriots of the United States, I am a Canadian patriot.  I love my country too much to consider leaving.  That said, some of that SoCal winter weather would be nice.

[DaBruuzer]

I got a two hour ride in today! Nice, clear but cool day.  But not "the" day yet.  I am determined to make it to next weekend.

[cookiedough]

My riding is not unlike yours.  I watch the weather for the usual things, picking the afternoons to get out and put one to two hundred miles on the odo.  I'm retired so everyday is a possibility.  I just did 180 miles this afternoon.  Temps reached 60^o and partly cloudy, a very nice ride taking in the lettered county roads over in Wisconsin. 

My winter storage routine involves moving the Valk into my basement workshop, removing the tank draining it and the carbs.  This must happen before the first snow accumulation.  The battery is put on a charger from time to time and we go thru my check list of annual maintenance over the winter. 

Really no need to remove tank and drain carbs.  Fuel stabilizer, etc. chalked full with fresh preferably 91 octane NO ethanol gas is fine for 4-5 months sitting under cover.  Been doing it this way for 20 years or so no problems.  But, if it makes you feel better, go for it, won't hurt one bit.

I do same as above post shutting off petcock but don't let it sputter until engine starves of gas just turn it to off position and a few seconds later shut engine off after putting in fresh synthetic Amsoil oil and running it around the block after all cleaned up/waxed/tires inflated, etc.  I also take the battery out and charge on 1 amp trickle charger for 5-7 hours in my basement since bike sits under cover in my unheated garage all winter long.  I think a trickle charger is fine but just feel if not going to ride my cycle for 4-5 months, might as well take out battery since is very easy to do.

[RP#62]

Don't move to So Cal. It's horrendous! 

Same with Arizona.  Its freezing here now.  Hasn't broke 100 degrees in a couple of weeks now.

-RP