Washing sport bike?

[Intensifinity]

So I just bought my first sport bike last week and I've finally noticed the white fairings are a bit dirty. And I want to go on a ride on a clean bike with my dad, because it's my birthday and we are going to buy a new helmet. (And there may be some attractive women in town or on the way so I want to look especially good.) So I'm just wondering what method I should use to clean my bike since the chain is exposed and I've heard power washing ruins the paint/bearings even on a low setting. And advice for using soap or drying in any specific method would be nice too. Have a nice Sunday!

[Eye_m_no_angel]

"Bike Bright" works well, but so does plain ole car wash soap and water. You can use an electric leaf blower to dry the bike if you'd like.

Power washers are okay in some cases, but keep it away from electrics, chains, bearings. Also, it may be too much for painted plastic, but good quality paint on metal is okay, as well as chromed parts.

[iamjustifyd]

If you wash with soap and water follow up with Pledge..yes, the furniture cleaner.

[Intensifinity]

Never thought of using Pledge. Thanks guys!

[Badlands-4-2]

I use regular car wash soap and water. Look for a product called s-100 at a motorcycle shop. Great waterless cleaner/wax for quick clean ups.

[DevRev]

I don't use soap. I use a good rag and water. I then wax after. Comes out perfect every time. I will use some grease cleaner on the swing arm if theres any buildup of oil.

[shubonker]

I just hose it off and wipe it down...

[Lil' Red Rocket]

My Harley does not see water, ever. I clean it with spray bottles and rags.
It will make those electrical connections last that much longer.
My poor Hyosung only gets washed by mother nature when it rains.

Girls dont look at helmets, they look at the bike.

[sirgilbert357]

Originally Posted by Lil' Red Rocket

My Harley does not see water, ever. I clean it with spray bottles and rags.
It will make those electrical connections last that much longer.

Ditto. I use Meguiars Quick Detailer and a soft cloth. No water for my bike unless I'm caught in the rain.

[Dennis in NH]

I use car wash soap and water. After rinsing, I use my leaf blower to remove most of the water and a synthetic chamois to wipe it dry. I then take it for a little spin to clean off the brakes and let the rest dry.

In between good washings, I'll just use a rag dipped in water and wrung out.

Dennis

[rexmitchell]

I usually spot clean my bike but its not going to hurt it to take a hose and bucket with soap and water to it. Think about when you ride your bike in the rain, that doesn't hurt it does it? No, so soap and water is fine.

[sirgilbert357]

Originally Posted by rexmitchell

I usually spot clean my bike but its not going to hurt it to take a hose and bucket with soap and water to it. Think about when you ride your bike in the rain, that doesn't hurt it does it? No, so soap and water is fine.

Weeeell, over time, it could cause rust and corrosion that could have otherwise been easily avoided. There's just something I don't like about getting parts of my bike wet that don't need to get wet to get clean.

Rex, I realize that, for you personally, this isn't a big deal considering how often you buy a new bike...

[sirgilbert357]

Also, for those of you that use a sponge or even a microfiber mitt with a bucket of soap and water, keep in mind that the water you are using is collecting dirt from the mitt each time you dip it. So, the mitt is never really free of debris, and that is what you are rubbing on your paint. Dirt particles scratch clear coat and there's degreaser in the soap, which over time can diminish the luster of the clear coat, so if you use a soap like that, be sure to wax often to protect your paint.

[rexmitchell]

Originally Posted by sirgilbert357

Weeeell, over time, it could cause rust and corrosion that could have otherwise been easily avoided. There's just something I don't like about getting parts of my bike wet that don't need to get wet to get clean.

Rex, I realize that, for you personally, this isn't a big deal considering how often you buy a new bike...

I have owned my R1 for almost 2 years now Only thing that is really going to rust is your chain, if its dried and lubed properly it should be fine. Other than that, unless water is sitting, your golden.

[sirgilbert357]

2 years on the R1???? Thats a record, eh? You've gotta be about due to buy a different bike by now...

[rexmitchell]

Originally Posted by sirgilbert357

2 years on the R1???? Thats a record, eh? You've gotta be about due to buy a different bike by now...

Nope, I'm really happy with the bike, it offers everything I wanted in a sportbike!

[0949er]

when washing a sports bike off (after you soap all the fearings and such) do you "avoid" any specific areas? like getting like the tach and stuff wet, the seat, motor, etc etc.

[rexmitchell]

Originally Posted by 0949er

when washing a sports bike off (after you soap all the fearings and such) do you "avoid" any specific areas? like getting like the tach and stuff wet, the seat, motor, etc etc.

Seats fine, tach is ok, just don't hit it with a pressure washer, think about if your bike gets rained on, everything gets wet, the bike is fine.

[CharlesW]

My bikes are washed and waxed with the same products I use on my cars.
As far as damaging anything or rusting because of the water used bucket washing, my 1985 Nighthawk still looks new with no sign of rust. The only areas that show wear are some of the hoses and the rubber covers that have some weather checking/cracking. I think that's just 26 years of aging.

A few cautions.

Avoid spraying your hose directly on instruments, electrical connections, bearings, and air intake openings.

Be careful with degreasers in bearing areas. (Wheels, steering head, swing arm for instance.)

Pressure washers are something else entirely. I'm sure someone uses them with no problem, but I avoid them completely. They can drive soap and water into places you wouldn't think of. They can also lift paint if there is an area where it isn't adhering tightly.

[stantony1]

In the shade if possible.
Wet down the bike with garden hose.
Wet it down again.
Wet it down again.
When the bike is nice and soaked. Any dirt/bugs/gunk will be soaked and will come off easier.
Car soap and water.
Don't let the bike dry with soap on it. Clean and rinse, clean and rinse.
Use a clean sponge, large and small to get to nooks and crannies.
Rinse with hose spray (don't use a pressure washer)
Leaf blower to dry
Car Wax with dampened applicator
Mist (NOT SOAK) some water on microfiber cloth and use it to polish shine.
Throw everything into the washer and wash. Gets rid of the dirt on the sponges, wax applicator, and towels. Put out in sun to dry and then put away in a clean plastic bag for the next time.

[sirgilbert357]

Originally Posted by rexmitchell

Nope, I'm really happy with the bike, it offers everything I wanted in a sportbike!

I feel the BMW S1000RR would do the same for me, but I just don't trust myself with that kind of powah. I also want something more comfortable for longer rides...maybe the new Ninja 1000 (not the supersport ZX-10) would fit the bill...less aggressive seating position and not quite as powerful.

[Shadehawk]

+1 on being careful about the electronics. I washed my Sabre at a local manual car wash and then my blinkers started acting funny. Turned out I had gotten some water in the relay and was causing it to freak out. Plus, if you have some rigged wiring connections (electrical tape etc) you could break those loose

[jin]

Originally Posted by Lil' Red Rocket

Girls dont look at helmets, they look at the bike.

I beg to differ! Guys tend to say to me "Cool bike bro". Girls on the other hand will see my jacket and helmet and go nuts over that.

[jhawk]

Tires: DO NOT use any of the automotive detailing tire dressings, wheel & tire cleaners, Armorall, etc. = any product that make the tires pretty, black and shiny...

some of them will have warnings: "not for motorcycle use" but some will not

[nhs]

Originally Posted by rexmitchell

Nope, I'm really happy with the bike, it offers everything I wanted in a sportbike!

Feel the same exact way about my '09 R1. For the first time, I'm not pining for something else. I consider the Duc 1198 and MV F4 to be amongst the most beautiful sportbikes out there, but wouldn't want either of those in place of the R1.

As to bike washing - I bought some terrific bike cleaner from Cycle Gear. Forget the brand, but do remember it was pink in color and came in a spray bottle advertised as "streak free drying". I literally spray it on the bike, hose down the bike and wipe clean with chamois. Takes all of 5 minutes, not including the wheels - where I simply use WD-40 (and ensure I don't get it on the tires). The best wheel cleaner around, IMO.

[monstermack]

After the soap and water treatment to keep the bike looking nice you can use Plexxus. Its a bit pricey lately, but it works very well.
Also great to use for those of us that have Jeeps with the soft top and plastic windows.

[SteveM]

A good car wash soap will be fine. I also use Simple green to help remove grease and grime and I also have used the S-100 cleaner as well as Spectro XL-1 motorcycle wash which is a bit less expensive.

[primalmu]

Originally Posted by rexmitchell

Nope, I'm really happy with the bike, it offers everything I wanted in a sportbike!

Tsk Tsk! I remember when you were considering dropping the R1 for, I think, a Ducati... Good thing we talked you out of that one!

[kirkcdl]

I use a cheaper,generic version of Plexus...

Spray on,lightly but completely cover the bike,wait 5 minutes,wipe to a haze with an old hand towel,wait 5 more minutes and buff to a shine with a fresh towel...Leaves the bike looking new,no water needed...

[Rykstr]

Take care of your chain. It should never have rust on it. I use PJ-1 chain wax, or whatever is equal to it. I use mild soap and water, and the chain, I use Mineral spirits. Some use WD-40, thats ok too. Its a bike, and made to get wet, but avoid the pressure cleaners. If its that dirty, you got bigger problems.

[Intensifinity]

Speaking of chain, I've been told every 1,000 lube it up. Any recommendations on what I should use to get it greased?

[tj107us]

Originally Posted by Intensifinity

So I just bought my first sport bike last week and I've finally noticed the white fairings are a bit dirty. And I want to go on a ride on a clean bike with my dad, because it's my birthday and we are going to buy a new helmet. (And there may be some attractive women in town or on the way so I want to look especially good.) So I'm just wondering what method I should use to clean my bike since the chain is exposed and I've heard power washing ruins the paint/bearings even on a low setting. And advice for using soap or drying in any specific method would be nice too. Have a nice Sunday!

I use Meguiar's Ultimate Wash & Wax, I dont know how much plastic is on your bike but on my HD 1200c Sportster I pre-wash it real good before i actually wash it. The wash and wax is the best i have found. It give a deep shine.

[jin]

Originally Posted by Intensifinity

Speaking of chain, I've been told every 1,000 lube it up. Any recommendations on what I should use to get it greased?

I clean and lube mine every 600 miles at a minimum because that's what it says in my manual. If the chain looks excessively dirty or if I rode my bike in the rain then I will also clean and lube the chain immediately after.

[murphyshuman]

wow, you guys worry about getting things wet? What do you do if it's raining? I wash my bike religiously once a year or so, washing cuts riding time.

[Intensifinity]

Good point murphy, but I like having people compliment me on how great the bike looks and not how many bugs they can see on my windshield haha. Also brings in more girls.