Washing and cleaning advice/tips

[ArizonaKev]

Ok, so I am going to ask something that seems like a no-brainer here - but considering the fact that many days I can't reallly claim to have a brain, I think it's justified!

I am getting ready to wash my bike this weekend, and am trying to remember all the little things to keep in mind when doing so. It's been over 20 years since I owned one, and I want to make sure I don't screw anything up. If I remember correctly, the 2 major things to be careful about are getting the battery and or spark plug wet, right? Are there any other concerns as far as using a high pressure, carwash style washer, particularly where the motor is concerned?

Also, another question : I park my bike outside, in covered parking, but I still wonder about the weather wear on the hoses and cables and such. Is there anything I could/should be doing to protect them maybe?

As always, I appreciate all tips and advice. I realize there is a part in the owner's manual about washing and caring for a bike, but I have found that the best advice comes from people who have actually done it, rather than just written about it! Lol!

Happy riding all :2tup:

AZ Kev

[alantf]

I am getting ready to wash my bike this weekend

Surely you can find something better to fill your time on a weekend :cry: :biggrin:

[Easy Rider]

If I remember correctly, the 2 major things to be careful about are getting the battery and or spark plug wet, right? Are there any other concerns as far as using a high pressure, carwash style washer, particularly where the motor is concerned?


No, not really. The most important things to keep dry are the "dash board" (ignition switch area) and the ignition box. You can't hurt a battery with a little water; same for plugs unless they are exposed or the boots are REALLY old.

A DIY car wash is fine....if you are careful. Full power, close up, ONLY for the tires, wheels and under-carriage. Otherwise, back off about 3 feet and take broad strokes. Wipe with a soft towel after. Unless it is REAL dirty, the towel will do most of the work.

[patrick_777]

Remove the key and try not to spray directly into the ignition switch. I don't like to use high-pressure, but there's no real technical reason other than preference.

Personally, if I ever "resort" to using a car wash, I always wash with the soap spray, then rinse it with the low-pressure no-spot rinse.

[ArizonaKev]

Awesome - thanks for the great advice Easy Rider! I hadn't thought about the ignition components, but that makes total sense. And the idea about spraying from further away for the parts other than tires, wheels and undercarriage makes sense too.

It's just been such an awesome bike, I really want to take care of it. I am planning on changing the oil and filter this weekend too. Fortunately, there are some great tutorials on that here. Like I said - the books and manuals are fine, but I will take the word of someone who's been there/done that over the written stuff anytime. That's what makes this forum so awesome (well, one of the things anyway!)

Thanks again and happy riding :2tup:

AZ Kev

[ArizonaKev]

Patrick - that's some pretty good advice too. I actually thought about using the low power spot free rinse option. Perhaps I will end up doing a blend of both. I just want to make sure I don't hurt my baby! Lol! I never really understood people pining over their bikes, but I am starting to understand now that I have this awesome little scoot. Not only does it look and ride great, I think the 70mpg might have a lot to do with it too! Ha ha!

This site is really awesome by the way. Kudos to you and everyone who makes it work and keeps it going - thank you! :2tup:


AZ Kev

[Sarris]

My local Harley dealer offers a $10 bike wash, so I have them do both the Harley & the GZ.

They get a real kick out of seeing my 6'-1" 290 lb. ass ride in.

:lol: :lol:

[Water Warrior 2]

Try to avoid the electrics with a pressure washer. Switch housings, lights, starter motor and the like. Do not apply high pressure to any area around the axles, you may force water into the bearings and you don't want that.

[alantf]

I am planning on changing the oil and filter this weekend too.

Oil & filter change is mandatory. Washing is optional. :neener:

[bonehead]

I am planning on changing the oil and filter this weekend too.

Oil & filter change is mandatory. Washing is optional. :neener:
:plus1: 2 times a year, right? :lol:

[alantf]

I am planning on changing the oil and filter this weekend too.

Oil & filter change is mandatory. Washing is optional. :neener:
:plus1: 2 times a year, right? :lol:

That often? :biggrin:

[Water Warrior 2]

The bikes will get washed later this summer. After the trip to the Yukon they will need it. Last wash was in 2008 after a ride half way across Canada and back.

[diffluere]

I wash my bike every day in the late afternoon rain shower... :neener:

[Easy Rider]

I wash my bike every day in the late afternoon rain shower... :neener:

Maybe I should roll mine out in the driveway this afternoon.
Our weather has been pretty much like Florida this year.
90 degrees and afternoon storms; damn near every day.

[diffluere]

It's been hovering around 99-100 all week. Yesterday I think we only hit 94 because it was overcast. Of course, the one day I get the chance to put the cover on my bike it doesn't rain! Usually I get drenched on the way home from school and what's the point of covering a wet bike?

Every day I'm tempted to recover my seat with a non-black vinyl...even if I park in the shade it's molten-lava hot!

Oh the joys of Florida. Wouldn't trade it for snow though!

[Water Warrior 2]

Keep the seat a lot cooler by leaving a cheap cloth/towel over it. I had to get a sheep skin to cover the gel seat on my bike. The gel pad will heat up like a frying pan when parked in the sun.

[Sarris]

I wear a half police style helmet. So I put my helmet on the seat when it's parked. It keeps the seat from scaulding my ass (I don't usually bring a spatula).

Leaving the helmet on the seat in the Florida sun also helps dry out the helmet some, which if you're bald like me is a necessity.

Since I have no hair to absorb the sweat I get bad helmet funk really quick, so drying it out regularly helps.

:)

[diffluere]

I'm too scared that helmet thieves at school will steal my helmet. I use one of those big u-locks for bicycles to lock it to the sissy bar. If it looks like rain I take the helmet to class with me. On some parts of campus I can score certain spots that are in the sun when I arrive, but in the shade when I leave. A few other bikes have discovered this trick though, so sometimes I miss out.

I really want a gel pad so maybe I'll find one that has the sheepskin cover. Sheepskin + Rain = disgusting though. How long does it take to put it on? Would it be worth it to stash it in the saddlebag, then put it on when I'm ready to leave, or too much PITA?

[Easy Rider]

Sheepskin + Rain = disgusting though.

Not really. Have you ever seen a soaking wet sheep ?? :shocked:
Wait, have you ever been close enough to a sheep to tell if it was wet or not ?? :crackup

Unless it rains a LOT over a LONG period of time, a real sheepskin does not take on water much below the top surface. Thus, it is easy to brush/shake most of it off.

I have one like you described but mine is ALL black; probably not a good idea where you live.

They typically attach to the seat with straps and hooks; easy to attach and remove.......too easy maybe as they are NOT cheap.

[Water Warrior 2]

Google Alaska Leathers. They sell sheep skins and have good pics of their products. If you don't like their price you will know what to make yourself with their pics, descriptions and dimensions.

[diffluere]

Cool, thanks guys. I didn't know that about sheepskin, I figured it would get soaking wet and retain water like crazy. Maybe I'm just thinking of this puffy (i thought sheepskin) mitt we used to wash cars with. It soaked up a LOT of water and was really fluffy. Ya'll are so smart =)