Triumphrat

psionmark · 09-10-2005, 04:21 PM

Generic question, I suppose, but what't the best way to clean a bike?

I use my bike all year, and I always try to look after them, but the weather (and in particular, the horrid stuff they stick to UK roads) generally take their toll on my steed.

I don't want to use a pressure washer, as I know they can do evil deeds to your bike, so what's best? I normally use the usual soap and water effort, but it never seems to shift all the winter rubbish.

Cheers,

Mark (a bit pissed

)

09-10-2005, 04:41 PM

Hi

I use a product called MUC-OFF witch was recomended by my dealer and i for one think is verry good... JUst spay it on leave for about 1 min and hose off they also do a collection of brushes to loosen the stubbern stuf off the wheels ect..

they have a web site wich is www.muc-off.com. if you want to have a look.. hope thats some use..

Foxee · 09-10-2005, 04:43 PM

I just don't really clean it at all in the winter. She gets a good coating of FS365 each time I clean her, but the build up of grime does a lovely job of keeping the elements at bay, and each spring everything cleans up okay.

Timian · 09-10-2005, 06:05 PM

Best way to clean a Tiger??

Like porcupines mate: Carefully - VERY carefully.........

Just Had to do that. Now I'm off to the boring and factual BMW net again.

[ This message was edited by: Timian on 2005-09-10 16:06 ]

djr · 09-11-2005, 04:30 AM

You can use a pressure washer provided you are very careful of where you aim the stream and provided you dont use it on full blast. You do as you correctly say need to be VERY careful though.

An alternative is lots of buckets of hot water and a soft cloth. I have also heard of some using one of those pressurised garden sprayers just to take the ***** off each night. They seemingly give enough pressure to clean but not enough to cause any damage to seals etc and you can get ones that will hold a couple of gallons of water/cleaner mix.

tango · 09-11-2005, 05:57 AM

If you use a bucket of water don't use hot water when there is salt on the bike. Hot water will dissolve salt much more than cold which then makes it run into places you can't reach.

Using a power washer is fine, but don't aim it at electrics, up your exhaust, the cockpit, the top of the engine area and wheel bearings.
I have a compressor and airline which I use to chase out all the water.
If you use something like Scottoil FS365 in the winter it makes cleaning much easier and it also keeps the road salt at bay.

Brock · 09-11-2005, 01:27 PM

You lot clean your Tigers???

winger · 09-11-2005, 02:27 PM

Water??? Take to pieces and clean the parts with an oily rag!!!,and the bits you miss spray with silicone so it looks like you haven't, and i bet you think i'm jokeing,it's how i've spent today between watching WSB and BSB on the box!!!

Chris

2ndSpace · 09-12-2005, 01:08 PM

Best way to clean a Tiger

roll it in mud

pigpen955 · 09-14-2005, 11:15 AM

Quote:

On 2005-09-11 11:27, Brock wrote:
You lot clean your Tigers???

Some people would rather clean than ride! It takes all kinds.