Tips from the masses, please...

[RikuY]

So I am a washin' my bike last night, and I figure I should hop on here and get some tips for washing the bike properly and well.

So let me have your tips on washing the bike, the one's you are willing to divulge anyway...

[RikuY]

So I am a washin' my bike last night, and I figure I should hop on here and get some tips for washing the bike properly and well.

So let me have your tips on washing the bike, the one's you are willing to divulge anyway...

It's a compromise.
If you want it CLEAN then use a hot pressure washer. The downside is you'll lose all your lubrication and risk getting water in somewhere terminal.
I piddle around with a bucket of hot soapy water, a cold water hose, a car brush and a paint brush. And I'm sure I miss some of the important bits.

It's a compromise.
If you want it CLEAN then use a hot pressure washer. The downside is you'll lose all your lubrication and risk getting water in somewhere terminal.
I piddle around with a bucket of hot soapy water, a cold water hose, a car brush and a paint brush. And I'm sure I miss some of the important bits.

[thfwsf]

I've been using this spray stuff called Plexus for several years now. This stuff comes in a spray can. You spray it on your scoot and then wipe it off. I think the stuff is great. I like the convenience, and there is no water involved. However, when my scoot gets real dirty I still do a hand washing.

However for chrome and aluminum, I've used this wadding stuff called Never-dull.

FWIW,

Tom

[thfwsf]

I've been using this spray stuff called Plexus for several years now. This stuff comes in a spray can. You spray it on your scoot and then wipe it off. I think the stuff is great. I like the convenience, and there is no water involved. However, when my scoot gets real dirty I still do a hand washing.

However for chrome and aluminum, I've used this wadding stuff called Never-dull.

FWIW,

Tom

[sprintrsdawg]

I like a clean bike, so I frequently wash mine.

Simple Green is a biodegradable spray-on cleaner that does a good job of removing greasy stuff without hurting the bike's finish. I use it liberally in the dirty spots and then use a car wash solution in a bucket with a sponge. Don't use acid or alkaline based cleaners like Forumula 409 or Greased Lightening. Although they do a great job of cutting grease, they also leave a residue that will dull black bits.

Be careful if you use a hose. Keep the hosing to a minimum and don't use pressure to remove dirt. Triumph recommends sealing off the pipe end, key holes, etc. I don't go that far, but I do cover those areas with a hand while I rinse them. Be particularly careful around wheel bearing areas and the speedo--you don't want to wash out the grease that lubricates and protects these areas.

Towel off the bike then start it up and let it run to evaporate excess moisture from around the engine.

I use Blue Magic to clean my chrome and it works very well. It brough the dull and dingy headers on my RS back to shiny chrome life.

Well, that's probably more than you wanted to hear. Enjoy yet another facet of motorcycle ownership--cleanliness. :razz:

Kurt

[sprintrsdawg]

I like a clean bike, so I frequently wash mine.

Simple Green is a biodegradable spray-on cleaner that does a good job of removing greasy stuff without hurting the bike's finish. I use it liberally in the dirty spots and then use a car wash solution in a bucket with a sponge. Don't use acid or alkaline based cleaners like Forumula 409 or Greased Lightening. Although they do a great job of cutting grease, they also leave a residue that will dull black bits.

Be careful if you use a hose. Keep the hosing to a minimum and don't use pressure to remove dirt. Triumph recommends sealing off the pipe end, key holes, etc. I don't go that far, but I do cover those areas with a hand while I rinse them. Be particularly careful around wheel bearing areas and the speedo--you don't want to wash out the grease that lubricates and protects these areas.

Towel off the bike then start it up and let it run to evaporate excess moisture from around the engine.

I use Blue Magic to clean my chrome and it works very well. It brough the dull and dingy headers on my RS back to shiny chrome life.

Well, that's probably more than you wanted to hear. Enjoy yet another facet of motorcycle ownership--cleanliness. :razz:

Kurt

[Hinckley]

After washing and rinsing I use an air hose to blow the water off the bike to prevent waterspots.

[Hinckley]

After washing and rinsing I use an air hose to blow the water off the bike to prevent waterspots.