Washing Routine?
- NorthernPete
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- Real Name: Pete
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Re: Washing Routine?
I don't think I've ever washed my bike. Might be about time. Make it a 6 year if it needs it or not. Lol
1988 VN1500
2009 GS500F
2009 GS500F
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- Elite
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Re: Washing Routine?
I don't wash my bike anymore, but when I did...
I'd hose it down good, allow it to sit for 20 minutes to let the gooier bits soften up, hose again and wash with soapy water and a soft terry cloth. Dobie pad for the worst bugs on the chrome and glass bits. Dry with microfiber towels and follow with S100 on every painted surface. Plexus for the windshield.
I still clean the windshield regularly by draping a wet towel over it for an hour (re-wet as needed) to soften the bugs. Wash with microfiber cloth and mild soap, re-do the towel thing if any bugs remain, wash again, dry, and Plexus.
She looks a fright, now, so I just wait for the rains of monsoon season to wash her for me ever summer.
I'd hose it down good, allow it to sit for 20 minutes to let the gooier bits soften up, hose again and wash with soapy water and a soft terry cloth. Dobie pad for the worst bugs on the chrome and glass bits. Dry with microfiber towels and follow with S100 on every painted surface. Plexus for the windshield.
I still clean the windshield regularly by draping a wet towel over it for an hour (re-wet as needed) to soften the bugs. Wash with microfiber cloth and mild soap, re-do the towel thing if any bugs remain, wash again, dry, and Plexus.
She looks a fright, now, so I just wait for the rains of monsoon season to wash her for me ever summer.
Ooooooh. Shiny!
- dr_bar
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Re: Washing Routine?
Would you rather be riding your bike or washing it??? Nuff said...
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"Four wheels move the body.
Two wheels move the soul!"
"Four wheels move the body.
Two wheels move the soul!"
- ceemes
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Re: Washing Routine?
Once a year, hose, bucket of hot water with dish soap, soft sponge....rinse, wash, rinse, dry off and ride.....I ride pretty much year round and my bike looks it....about the only things I wash down on a regular bases are the lights, license plate and windshield.
Always ask why.


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Re: Washing Routine?
Thats why my bikes looks like it doesdr_bar wrote:Would you rather be riding your bike or washing it??? Nuff said...

Ooooooh. Shiny!
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Re: Washing Routine?
So after the new bike smell wore off, I have a new washing technique.
1. Look outside.
2. Notice it's raining.
3. Go for a nice long ride.
This can end in 2 ways, either I come home and dry myself off, or I ride long enough that the bike and I dry off in the wind.
1. Look outside.
2. Notice it's raining.
3. Go for a nice long ride.
This can end in 2 ways, either I come home and dry myself off, or I ride long enough that the bike and I dry off in the wind.
Have owned - 2001 Suzuki Volusia
Current bike - 2005 Kawasaki Z750S
MMI Graduation date January 9th, 2009. Factory Certifications in Suzuki and Yamaha
Current bike - 2005 Kawasaki Z750S
MMI Graduation date January 9th, 2009. Factory Certifications in Suzuki and Yamaha
- JackoftheGreen
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Re: Washing Routine?
LoL, and here I thought I'd eventually get crucifed for my twice-a-month bike washing schedule.
Philistines!!
Philistines!!
- Grey Thumper
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Re: Washing Routine?
I'm in the "rain is classified as a wash" camp (convenient here in the tropics).
Seriously though, I only wash the bike if it has mud on it. If I feel like making the bike vaguely look good, I just wipe off the painted plastic with furniture polish. This rarely actually happens because I ride a Rockster. Not much point in trying to make it look good.
Seriously though, I only wash the bike if it has mud on it. If I feel like making the bike vaguely look good, I just wipe off the painted plastic with furniture polish. This rarely actually happens because I ride a Rockster. Not much point in trying to make it look good.
"If you ride like there's no tomorrow, there won't be."
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- Elite
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Re: Washing Routine?
I figure thieves are going to go after something pretty and shiny before they'll make off with my filthy, dilapidated looking bike
I've used that same logic to avoid washing my cars in the past, too.

Ooooooh. Shiny!