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Originally Posted by Water Warrior
Do not use high pressure water. The water gets driven into places you don't want it to go. Past seals, into electrical switches and connectors where it causes corrossion. High pressure will also work it's way into the O-rings of the chain and wash the lube out. Be careful of high pressure on the axle seals and bearings.
A lesson I learned is DO NOT use dish soap. It works well but eventually takes the shine of the paint. Dish soap is for dishes. Any wash product for automitive use should work.
Wet the bike down with a hose, use rags, brushes or whatever you have handy that is soft and won't scratch the paint. Rinse and dry a bit with a cloth. Wax if you want.
Careful washing a windshield if you have one. They scratch at the mere thought. A scratched shield can be treated with Lemon Pledge which removes a lot of scratches if you have any.
After a wash is a good time to lube cables, kick stand and kill switch, chain, levers, and shifter linkage, foot pegs pivots. Contact cleaner in the switches to chase out any moisture is a good idea.
How did I wash my Vstrom??? Easy!!!! I rode in the rain mostly and kept the lights, reflectors and shield clean of bugs on a regular basis.
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Good tip about the Pledge, I'll have to try that.
I always use a leaf blower to help dry mine. Gets all that water out from under the seat, fenders, license plate bracket, and anywhere there is a tight fit and water can gather.