I did a search but couldn't find anything. Is it the same as washing your car, just be careful not to get any spray down the pipes? And don't use a power washer?
There are as many opinions on this as there are about which oil to use.
Personally, I use a mild liquid car wash, and a variety of sponges and brushes. I have some horse hair paintbrush-type brushes for getting at the handlebar pods and instruments. I use a soft wheel-cleaning brush for most of the other stuff, and a large sponge for painted body parts. You can get all these things at Pep Boys, etc.
A garden hose with an adjustable nozzle works fine. Stay away from self-serve car wash type pressure washers, unless you have a wide-angle nozzle that limits the pressure.
A lot of people cover up their exhaust pipe holes, but I don't worry about it. Just make sure you start the bike when you're all done, and take it for a short spin if you can. That will blow all the water out of your exhaust system, as well as water caught in your brake calipers and wheel hubs.
The best thing to have is an air compressor, so you can dry everything off with air. It's impossible to get all the parts dry with a towel, but an air nozzle does wonders. To me, an air compressor is a must-have tool for any motorcycle owner, so if you don't have one now, you should get one.
There's also a little air blower device I've seen advertised in the magazines, which probably works fine. But again, you should have a compressor anyway, so you don't need the blower thing.
I did a search but couldn't find anything. Is it the same as washing your car, just be careful not to get any spray down the pipes? And don't use a power washer?
Hawkman, Try S100. I've been using the stuff for 20 years. It's the best product I have ever come accross for cleaning a bike. It breaks down dirt and grease, and oil, and drys without any spotting. Don't let it (or anything else) on your paint when it's real hot, and/or parked in the sun. I'm telling you, S100 isthe product to use.
It isn't cheap (about $11-12 USD) for a liter or quart (don't remember). I buy the 5 liter jug for about $45 USD once every 1-1 1/2 years. It's a time and finish saver. Spray it on cool, use a clean wet spong to wipe over it, then a low-pressure hose to spray off thoroughly. Then towel dry, or clean compresseed air if available. Works like a champ. Made in Germany. -Got turned on to it by a guy somewhere in the hills of East-Tennessee. Had a Honda shop in his barn...but that's another story. Good Luck in your quest!
-Capt.
just rub the bike down with extra virgin olive oil
John, you don't understand ...... wash the bike (or have it washed @ babes & bubbles*) and then have the virgin rub you with extra olive oil
* heard the story on the radio earlier this week about some uproar in a little town somewhere in the UK. Some guy had opened a car-wash, where girls in bikini's wash your car for the equivalent of $20. For $5 more, they take there tops off
Business seems to florish and locals are protesting (what's new?)
RonB
Whoa.... all this talk about boobs and Olive Oil I am gonna start cleaning/oiling my bike, has anyone got a spare girlfriend I can borrow?......don't think mine will do it
I did a search but couldn't find anything. Is it the same as washing your car, just be careful not to get any spray down the pipes? And don't use a power washer?
If you are worried about getting water inside your pipes you can buy pipe plugs at any bike shop that sells off-road bikes, just check the size will fit. I always used them on my sons MotoX bikes, especially when water blasting them. If you use a water blaster keep it away from any bearings and use it very carefully on a wide spray. I would avoid it unless the bike is very dirty.
__________________
Your never too old to rock and roll, but your too young to die
Sounds like a little water on the Oil Sender. I wouldn't worry about it inless it becomes a regular event, like when it rains or something...But as always, never run the machine if there is any doubt about the quantity or quality of the oil in the motor.
-Capt
That's what I do. Bucket and wash cloth on paint, WD40 on the engine and wheels. Then Honda spray polish or lemon pledge on the plastic. Metal polish where needed. Bit of work, but looks good. Only a barbarian would take a hose to a motorcycle.
So how do you wash your bikes Chris? Just bucket and wash cloth, no rinsing? Just curious.
I normally just use honda clean and/or pledge. If the bugs are real bad, I'll use a bucket and warm water. In rare cases, I'll actually use cleaner and a hose on the engine or wheels. Or I'll remove bodywork and use a hose on it.
If you have an MH900e, I'd suggest keeping a bag and rubber bands to cover the gauges in the event of rain.
Washing Your Bike
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