What do U use while cleaning the bike?
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Definitely not a power washer, they force water in to too many parts where it doesn’t want to get out. Some thing like WD40 or GT85 on the greasy bits (with a toothbrush), then if I am feeling rich I will use a standard bike cleaner (like Muck Off) and a low pressure hose to get most of the dirt off, then a bucket with hot water and some washing liquid (the type you use to clean dishes) and a sponge, then rinse with the hose and wipe dry with a cloth.
Usually I apply some ACF50 to metal parts after all that.
Cleaning brake calipers and special parts I remove and clean with specific cleaner or solvent.
To clean the chain I use a cloth and some paraffin.
Usually I apply some ACF50 to metal parts after all that.
Cleaning brake calipers and special parts I remove and clean with specific cleaner or solvent.
To clean the chain I use a cloth and some paraffin.
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11,552 Posts
My issue is primarily insect splatter.
A bucket, some water, and a clean microfiber cloth. That is it.
A bucket, some water, and a clean microfiber cloth. That is it.
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For greasy-like situations, kerosene or WD-40 (depending on proximity to my reach). Apply and wipe off excess. After that, Bob's yer uncle.
Not to aggressive for the paint work? I doubt if I can buy that here in Belgium 🤔
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11,552 Posts
Considered using alcohol?
I use soap (looks and smells like strawberry syrup) that is intended for use with a high pressure cleaner and creates a foam layer on your car. Like this:
![Automotive parking light Vehicle Car Tire Wheel]()
Instead of using a hp cleaner, I put it in a plant sprayer which also gives this foam effect (well, sort of) on the bike. After a couple of minutes I rinse it off with a garden hose, sometimes the sponge is needed to get rid of the bugs. Works for me.
Instead of using a hp cleaner, I put it in a plant sprayer which also gives this foam effect (well, sort of) on the bike. After a couple of minutes I rinse it off with a garden hose, sometimes the sponge is needed to get rid of the bugs. Works for me.
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I use S100 cleaner, but I am road only (at least so far). As others have noted, I would not use a high pressure washer.
That's for after the cleaning
😂🍻🍻I use S100 cleaner, but I am road only (at least so far). As others have noted, I would not use a high pressure washer.
That's for after the cleaning
A bucket with hot water and some Chemical Guys Matte soap and applied with a microfibre cloth. Wash off with a garden hose. Dry off paint work with another microfibre then use MucOff Matt finish detailer on the paintwork.
Use XCP Clear on bare metal parts every few washes but made the mistake of letting it on the header pipes and it turned them brown the next time the engine was on, going to clean them up but not had a chance yet.
Use XCP Clear on bare metal parts every few washes but made the mistake of letting it on the header pipes and it turned them brown the next time the engine was on, going to clean them up but not had a chance yet.
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127 Posts
Not aggressive at all.. except for on oil or grime. Just spray on, hose off in a couple mins. They sell it at auto parts stores and Amazon has it too. No smell either so if you use it on your engine, you don't smell it for weeks.
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562 Posts
A bucket, water, car wash detergent, maybe degreaser for chain and sprocket (done first) and a sponge + microfiber cloth.
Possibly drop the skid plate.
Always in the shade, blow off with compressor.
Sometimes ill come back later or the next day for detailing.
Possibly drop the skid plate.
Always in the shade, blow off with compressor.
Sometimes ill come back later or the next day for detailing.
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11,552 Posts
I use S100 cleaner, but I am road only (at least so far). As others have noted, I would not use a high pressure washer.
That's for after the cleaning
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722 Posts
I use a pressure washer but I set the nozzle in a fan pattern and reduce the speed of the engine on the washer to prevent over-pressure. I find I use much less water using the pressure washer than a regular garden hose. I would never use compressed air to blow off water as this forces water and misc. debris into cracks and crevices and seals. I do however use a leaf blower as it is not as direct as compressed air to blow off excess water and much less forceful. Oil Eater is great stuff as long as it is diluted. Dawn dish soap is also pretty mild and takes off oil and grease well. Wipe off the drive chain with either WD40 or Kerosene soaked on a rag - don't spray water and soap on it as you can wash the grease out of it.
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562 Posts
I use compressed air in the same fashion as you do your pressure washer.
I have both electric and petrol washers at my disposal but there only for the MXers and odd jobs
I use mainly treated rain water. With the ph levels of 5.9.
Careful using dishwash liquids, they tend to strip finishes off everything. Not designed for the job. A long time ago I learnt the hard way.
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When the bike is all schmick, something Ive found great on painted surfaces is Hydro silex Moto. Its a ceramic coating. Simple spray on and wipe off with microfiber towel.
Designed to be layered on over a couple of days. Maybe 4 or 5 layers.
It says on any surface but I just use it for the tank & fairing.
Real good stuff.
![Liquid Bottle Solution Cosmetics Fluid]()
Designed to be layered on over a couple of days. Maybe 4 or 5 layers.
It says on any surface but I just use it for the tank & fairing.
Real good stuff.
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