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Message started by IN-S40 on 02/18/11 at 08:36:07

Title: Correct way to wash a bike?
Post by IN-S40 on 02/18/11 at 08:36:07

My bike could use a cleaning, whats the best way to wash it? seeing as how the electricals are some what exposed i'm assuming the pressure washer and tle local carwash isnt the best way to go. How do you guys keep your bikes clean?

Thanks!!!
Darren
IN-S40

Title: Re: Correct way to wash a bike?
Post by babyhog on 02/18/11 at 08:57:09

I don't know if there is a "correct" way?

I found a great can of detailer at a local bike shop, but can't remember the name. Will have to look at it tonight. But its a foam. You can spray it on directly, but I spray it on my rag, then wipe with the rag. No water required. Its safe for chrome and paint. Cleaned the bugs off my mirrors really well.

The water won't hurt the bike or electrics, but I wouldn't use too high powered spray. Garden hose is fine. I don't let mine get very yucky, so usually just the spray detailer does the trick for me.

Of course, avoid Armor All and slippery stuff like that!

Title: Re: Correct way to wash a bike?
Post by youzguyz on 02/18/11 at 09:02:35

Depends on how fussy you are.

I do quite a few dirt roads, mud paths, low water crossings, etc. Gets pretty filthy.
So, down to the car wash (not the drive through kind!! :o ) , toss in some quarters and spray 'em down! Just don't spray UP underneath the tank or try to get in behind the side panels! And, back off a bit further than you would for a car. Stubborn stuff you can get with a wet rag.
Remember, motorcycle are ridden in the rain. If you don't try to force water where rain and road spray wouldn't go, you should be OK.

If you have a newer bike, or care more about the appearance, then you can spend a ton o money on the microfiber this, wax stuff that, cleaner something or other.
I spend my money on gas.

Title: Re: Correct way to wash a bike?
Post by Serowbot on 02/18/11 at 10:07:36

I use a pump bottle "car cleaner" from the dollar store...
Squirt it on, wipe it off...

If the bike gets doused in mud,.. I'll do a gentle hosing with the garden hose first,... then use the cleaner and a rag to finish...

Just takes a couple minutes,...
...unless I get into cleaning the spokes... :-?...

Title: Re: Correct way to wash a bike?
Post by LostArtist on 02/18/11 at 10:48:39

lick it, like a cat

maybe get a cat to lick it for you??

;D

Title: Re: Correct way to wash a bike?
Post by LostArtist on 02/18/11 at 10:51:07

594F58455D48455E2A0 wrote:

yeah, that's what I do too. . . .

when I can't find a cat . . .

Title: Re: Correct way to wash a bike?
Post by Boule’tard on 02/18/11 at 10:54:18

737E7354514242555E300 wrote:

..the pressure washer and tle local carwash isnt the best way to go..

You're right about that, and not just because of electricals.. a pressure washer will also force water past seals and rust bearings, and cause fasteners to corrode before their time.. so it is important to stand back and really watch where you are spraying, as youguyz suggests.

Other advice is pretty much spot on, I can only add a couple things.. dryer sheets (fabric softener sheets) are also very good for dissolving bugs, and I use Simple Green on the really greasy parts. If you want a protectant, 303 marine UV protectant is far superior to ArmorAll. A paint brush is good for getting in all the tight areas hard to reach with a rag.

Title: Re: Correct way to wash a bike?
Post by verslagen1 on 02/18/11 at 11:05:16

Wash it? :-?

Title: Re: Correct way to wash a bike?
Post by bill67 on 02/18/11 at 11:09:55

I take a bucket of water and use a glass to pour water on the bike to wet it,Then wash with a car wash soap,Then rinse off and towel off and use a detailer on it.You don,t want to use a detailer on it without washing it first .You will rub the dirt on it and scratch the clear coating on it.

Title: Re: Correct way to wash a bike?
Post by kimchris1 on 02/18/11 at 11:54:25

I gently spray it off with the hose first. Then I use a wash/wax car product on her. I use a soft brush first, then I use a rag. I even take a soft bristle tooth brush for hard to reach places. I rinse inbetween so the wash product doesn't have time to dry.
Once completed, I take her for a lil spin. That seems to help in getting the water out of places that is hard to dry.
I take a chamois and dry her after that.
I have taken and just washed her then used the detailer afterwards. If you read the directions on most polishing or detailing cans, it will tell you to make sure the bike is clean first. To me that is a no brainer..:) kim

Title: Re: Correct way to wash a bike?
Post by IN-S40 on 02/18/11 at 12:12:02

717C667F7667726177130 wrote:

[quote author=737E7354514242555E300 link=1298046967/0#0 date=1298046967]..the pressure washer and tle local carwash isnt the best way to go..

Title: Re: Correct way to wash a bike?
Post by bill67 on 02/18/11 at 13:15:21

5B595D535842594301300 wrote:

The reason I don't use a hose is that is hard water,I use hot water which is soft water.

Title: Re: Correct way to wash a bike?
Post by weracerc on 02/18/11 at 13:38:47

I use some stuff we sell here called 210 cleaner - aerosol foam - spray it on the windshield, mirrors chrome wipe off - spray the motor with GUNK degreaser occassionally and hose off with garden hose - use leather conditoner on the seats about 4 times a year - armour all on the side walls of the tires & bags every month (never on the contact patch of the tires) - mcquires wax and polishes on the painted parts about twice a year - "never dull" on the chrome about 3 times a year......she never gets wet from rain riding - I am a daylight dry weather only rider - riding in the cold is ok but not in the dark or wet....i'm a wuss i guess....but my bike stays pretty clean.

Title: Re: Correct way to wash a bike?
Post by mg66 on 02/18/11 at 14:32:14

I use Honda Spray Cleaner & Polish. The stuff in the pink can. Use it on plastic, glass, windshield, mirrors, chrome, paint and I reckon just about any other surface. cleans bugs off well.

Title: Re: Correct way to wash a bike?
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 02/18/11 at 15:23:02

I used to take it o the car wash & hose it with the wand. Never had a problem but the squeaky belt.

Title: Re: Correct way to wash a bike?
Post by Wake51 on 02/18/11 at 17:28:00

The thing that kills me is little spots of rust formations. My bike stays outside under a cover during riding season and I get little spots of rust on parts of the kick stand, on the bolt covers, on the alan screws to the oil filter cover, and around the bottom of the necks to the mirrors. But I suppose the only way to avoid that is garaging! Does this bother anyone else?

The oil leak used to cause a BIG mess. A few small drops of oil would go a long way in making a big mess once the wind blew it off the cooling fins. Hoping to end this annoyance by fixing the oil leak before riding season arrives here.

Title: Re: Correct way to wash a bike?
Post by Boofer on 02/18/11 at 19:48:42

Boys and girls, there is a correct way to do everything, but if you want to do it right, do it my way. :D Seriously, Google Monkey See Monkey Do, then click on automotive, then motorcycles. Tons of short videos on riding, washing, tire changing, etc. I would leave a link thingy, but I don't know how. Caution: You can spend a day on that website with "how to's" for dozens of projects.

Title: Re: Correct way to wash a bike?
Post by verslagen1 on 02/18/11 at 20:02:51

monkey see monkey do (http://www.monkeysee.com/video/subcategory/1?subcategory=24)

now you do

Title: Re: Correct way to wash a bike?
Post by Boofer on 02/18/11 at 20:17:17

150611100F0204060D52630 wrote:

monkey see monkey do (http://www.monkeysee.com/video/subcategory/1?subcategory=24)

now you do

Just call me "Cheeta".

Title: Re: Correct way to wash a bike?
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 02/18/11 at 20:40:08

Stop rust, no sanding necessary, just get some Ospho ( not the gel) from Kelly Moore. Last I gt was about 12 bux a quart. I keep that stuff around, cuz something I own needs a dab every month or so. It turns ion oxide to iron phosphate. It wont work thru thick rust, but stain, yea, its gd to the metal below. Wipe it off a bit, protect your paint & such, then, a dab of oil is better than rust.

Title: Re: Correct way to wash a bike?
Post by Trippah on 02/20/11 at 19:31:11

I always look for the high school age car wash..might kill the bike the girls are cute in those wet tee shirts. ;D ;D ;D

Title: Re: Correct way to wash a bike?
Post by Dj12midnit on 02/20/11 at 20:24:25

Here is what I do. I wait for it to start raining then I go out and ride real fast.

Title: Re: Correct way to wash a bike?
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 02/20/11 at 20:47:07

I used to drive my car thru the park at nite, when they were running th sprinklers. They werent some wimpy dudes, they squirted a Long Ways. Get me a free wash,, never got busted,,

Title: Re: Correct way to wash a bike?
Post by stinger on 02/20/11 at 23:51:59

I borrowed my mom small steam cleaner she bought at Wal_Mart. Its about the size of a tea pot. Cost somewhere around $25. I use it all the tie to clean my bike. It shoots a pretty powerful blast of steam that cleans off all the oil, road grime etc. without removing any paint. Works great! Gets in all the small areas that a brush or rag can't get to. It comes with all kinds of attachments. Even brass brushes that won't scratch chrome.