OK, I've had my new bike for about 3 weeks now and it is dirty. My question is what parts or components would you or do you cover up before hosing it down???

Is there any areas to avoid with water or should not wash at all?

Or, should I not worry about it a clean the bike now before it gets too dark outside???

Yes I love these little faces

I wash it like a car, usually at the same time as my car.  I just concentrate on the plastics, and less on engine area, and dry everything afterwards.  I don't think our bikes come with any extra corrosion resistance besides paint.

I actually never really wash my bike unless there is a significant amount of grime/sand on it. I buy some brand of detail spray from the local bike shop and wipe her down when she has rain spots or bugs on her. The only part of my bike I consistantly have to hand wash with soap is the swingarm, it gets pretty greasy from the chain lube...I wonder if wax would be less of a hassle.

In any case, I'd never pressure wash it, but beyond that, I wouldn't worry too much. Just dry her after you wash her.

These things are built to be out in the elements... including heavy rain. You really don't have to cover anything up...as long as common sense is used. Don't spray water into electrical plugs, wiring/harness openings, exhaust opening or the air filter... which is pretty much common sense like I said earlier.

Quote from: tb0lt on April 13, 2011, 04:32:26 PM
These things are built to be out in the elements... including heavy rain. You really don't have to cover anything up...as long as common sense is used. Don't spray water into electrical plugs, wiring/harness openings, exhaust opening or the air filter... which is pretty much common sense like I said earlier.

I was just about to post something along the same lines when this was posted 

I also normally try to avoid directly hosting the dial area with higher pressuer, I dont know it it matters or not, but i'd rather not find out the hard way lol

I think you should dump a gallon of water into the exhaust and airbox, for a REAL clean bike!

tykho,

ouch, what did I do to deserve that

Outboard engines are designed for water too, but I don't hose down anything under the cowling.

Just a question

I wasn't being malicious, I was just kidding.

For the areas that get really nasty (swingarm, front of engine, etc) try getting it super clean then spray it with Pam cooking spray. Don't drench it where it's dripping off and getting on your tires though. Just enough to keep crap from sticking.

spray some degreaser on the chain too! then blast away, the exhaust can handle some water just dont fill it up all the way!

Quote from: tykho on April 13, 2011, 05:06:27 PM
I wasn't being malicious, I was just kidding.

He just forgot the smilies 

Quote from: Mart3y on April 13, 2011, 07:19:53 PM

Quote from: tykho on April 13, 2011, 05:06:27 PM
I wasn't being malicious, I was just kidding.

He just forgot the smilies 

He was kidding?! 

I just went and did this, now I have a 500cc bubble machine 

a 500cc bubble machine!! LMAO, that's a good one Twisted.

I just hose it down like a car. Although, the LED I use in the neutral indicator lights up very dimly until the bike is dry- never figured that one out though lol.

Wash? What is this Wash you speak of?

Once a week I give her a Sponge Bath and that is it. For some spots like the swing arm or top of sidestand I'll spray some WD40 onto a cloth and wipe it. Otherwise it, wet sponge on, dry towel off, done.

Michael

I take my bike to one of the magic wand type car washes every spring and give it a good soapy pressure washing and then towel it off with a paper towel.  That's usually it for the season except to quickly towel it off a bit occasionally when I come home in the rain, just hit the windshield and painted body parts mostly.  Actually it looks pretty good most of the summer riding season that way, at least from 20' away.    It really does need the one good spring wash at the car wash after splashing thru the salt water puddles all winter.

If you're running pods/open filter make sure you try to cover them or semi cover them. I made that mistake once with my pressure washer.

I never wash my bike with water. A rag and some windex goes a long way. That all purpose lemon scented spray cleaner works fine too. I also dont get her dirty (unlike my wo.....  )

Quote from: CndnMax on April 13, 2011, 11:37:20 PM
I just hose it down like a car. Although, the LED I use in the neutral indicator lights up very dimly until the bike is dry- never figured that one out though lol.

Mine does that too after a wash    

Sometimes the oil warning light stays dimly on with the engine running

I've been washing motos for 24 years, and the following works for me.

Wet moto top-to-bottom using a LOW PRESSURE nozzle.  You really don't need high pressure, and in any case high pressure tends to get water where it's inconvenient (airbox, some moto wheel bearing, et cetera).

Wash top-to-bottom using automotive soap mixed with water (dish soap leaves streaks) and a soft cloth or rag.  Rinse often.

Use WD-40 to remove spots of tar, road grime, grease, et al.  I usually spray it on a rag, not on the moto.

Dry moto (again, use soft cloth).

Apply spray-on wax to appropriate bits every third or fourth wash.  It protects the finish, and makes cleanups a breeze.

Note:  I only use microfiber cloth on the windshield, lights, and instruments.  Even soft cloths can scratch, which over time compromise clarity.

NEVER use paper towels on your moto, car, glasses, sunglasses, yada yada.  Paper is incredibly abrasive.

I'm not a nut about scratches appearance-wise, but I do like my stuff to last.  Scratches lead to rust, rust kills machinery...

Normally I only do a complete wash about once or twice a year.  I just spot-clean in the interim.