What's the best way to clean my GS500?

[stephan]

I've noticed my bike getting a bit dusty and dirty and am wondering what the best way is to clean it.  The engine is black and shows dirt really bad, but I know I don't want to blast water in there.  I'm assuming it makes sense to clean the engine one way, the body work another way, the rims another way, etc . . .

Any ideas, suggestions, previous threads (I did a search but came up empty handed)?

Thanks!  

[GRU]

2 days ago i washed my bike with a toothbrush and a cloth  :mrgreen:

my rims were very dirty and i had to use a toothbrush to get them clean...most people recomend WD40 to clean the wheels...

[Turkina]

Simple Green cleaner is good for getting grease off rims, swingarm and sprockets.  Just try to wash it off fairly quickly  WD40 isn't good to get on tire surfaces, so might not want to use that to clean rims.  It also works to get the tar and pebbles that collect in the engine fins.  Ummm... my black engine has spots and all on it from the weather

[Zarathustra]

i just go the ol bucket and two rags route myself.  one wet rag to wash with, and one dry rag to wipe off right away so it doesn't leave water spots.  i don't even use soap.  generally hot water is all you'll need.  grease poses more of a problem, but it's managable.  as for wd40 on the rims, i wouldn't risk it, you really don't wanna get that stuff on your tires.

[werase643]

submersion.....any lake will do :mrgreen:

[davipu]

ant good mud puddle at about 20 miles a hour. add soap if needed :lol:  :lol:

[newbieone]

What ever you do.....DO NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I repeat DO NOT!!! use Castrol Super-degreaser (Purple Thunder), or any sort of powerful engine degreaser. Just personal experience.

[werase643]

i think that crap will rip off chrome....well at least clear coat, it will mess up the paint.  It does work on wheels...but has to be washed off real quickly.