Winter exhaust care: keep out moisture and mice

In a cold garage, condensation settles inside the pipe, and mice love hiding in a silencer and building a nest there. Rust from the inside and a blocked pipe only show up in spring.

• Warm the bike to operating temperature, then shut it off so the moisture in the pipe evaporates. Don't leave it idling in a closed garage.
• Wash and dry the exhaust, especially the joints and weld seams.
• Wipe the outer metal with a thin layer of metal protectant. Keep it off parts that get hot and don't spray it into the pipe.
• Block the silencer outlet with tight cloth or a plug that rodents can't chew through. Don't use a plastic bag: moisture collects under it.
• Tie a bright ribbon or note to the plug so you remember it is in the pipe.
• Check the garage for gaps, open vents and signs of rodents. Put traps or repellents next to the bike.