Motorcycle wash?

[Metalor]

I tried it out on cleaning my rear wheel rim and the swingarm, and it was less effective than anything heretofore used (including Sunlight liquid). So I left it on a bit longer, and it left white streaks on the swingarm surface. While it's only mildly caustic (pH is around 9.2, acording to the MSDS), the alloy didn't seem to like it.

Hey, what'd you use to get the white streaks off? My swingarm has this shit all over it now and I'm a bit concerned that I may not be able to get it off....

[YellowDog]

Hey Paul,

I know of a new Buell that was written off because the owner had cleaned it using Simple Green.

Does it affect other makes also?

[slofox]

Right then. If anybody ever does figure it all out, you can come and wash my bike for me and I will watch...( so as to learn how you unnerstand...). Good chance for you to practice your skills. AND I won't charge you a penny!!

[YellowDog]

Right then. If anybody ever does figure it all out, you can come and wash my bike for me and I will watch...( so as to learn how you unnerstand...). Good chance for you to practice your skills. AND I won't charge you a penny!!

So you like to watch !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

But seriously, I used to worry about the cleaning the chain issue. I understand that Kerosene is the stuff to use however always shyed away from the mess of using it.

I got myself one of those small compressors off Trademe and now just blast air through the chain onto news paper. It is really quite quick and it certainly looks clean.

BTW: I didn't buy the compressor just for the chain. It is great for cleaning those hard to get places (on the bike) and are loads of other uses. The pneumatic spanner is my favourite

[Flip]

So you like to watch !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

But seriously, I used to worry about the cleaning the chain issue. I understand that Kerosene is the stuff to use however always shyed away from the mess of using it.

I got myself one of those small compressors off Trademe and now just blast air through the chain onto news paper. It is really quite quick and it certainly looks clean.

BTW: I didn't buy the compressor just for the chain. It is great for cleaning those hard to get places (on the bike) and are loads of other uses. The pneumatic spanner is my favourite

Don't blow grime and water (past the o ring seals) and into the chain its not good for them.

[YellowDog]

Don't blow grime and water (past the o ring seals) and into the chain its not good for them.

I though I was blowing it off (if you pardon the phrase).

Is using compressed air a bad idea?

[vifferman]

Hey, what'd you use to get the white streaks off? My swingarm has this shit all over it now and I'm a bit concerned that I may not be able to get it off....

Hmmmm....
Hhmmmmmmm.....
I don't remember.
I might have crashed it into the side of an Audi, or that might've been for another reason.

Whatever; I wouldn't recommend it.

[hospitalfood]

ok this thread is still going..........

what i do ( and i clean my bikes all the fucking time, almost more than i ride them, and i dont enjoy it ) :-

i wash the bike with soapy water to start with, if at home dishwashing liquid and warm water, if at washworld the soapy foam.
then i rinse it off, at home with the hose, at washworld with the waterblaster.

washworld is better, less labour and more pressure. dont blast water where it should not go.

then i dry it and get it in the garage.

then i get clean rags and wipe the remaining shit off it, really get in there, wheels the lot, everywhere. till it is spotless.

then i wax the bodywork with turtle wax. it is fine on my screens as well.

then i spray just about everything apart from the bodywork with silicon spray, or spray it on a rag and wipe it on. don't get it on the tyres or brakes.
2 coats is better than one, protects everything, makes it look new, means that the next layer of dirt and shit will wipe off easy.

i dont have chains but suggest wiping the shity oil off it with a clean rag and elbow grease ( no fluids ) then re oil with chain oil. you could use chain oil on the cleaning rag.

hope that helps.

[slofox]

If I had spare time enough to wash my bike, than I would use that time to...RIDE..it instead...

[YellowDog]

ok this thread is still going..........

what i do ( and i clean my bikes all the fucking time, almost more than i ride them, and i dont enjoy it ) :-

i wash the bike with soapy water to start with, if at home dishwashing liquid and warm water, if at washworld the soapy foam.
then i rinse it off, at home with the hose, at washworld with the waterblaster.

washworld is better, less labour and more pressure. dont blast water where it should not go.

then i dry it and get it in the garage.

then i get clean rags and wipe the remaining shit off it, really get in there, wheels the lot, everywhere. till it is spotless.

then i wax the bodywork with turtle wax. it is fine on my screens as well.

then i spray just about everything apart from the bodywork with silicon spray, or spray it on a rag and wipe it on. don't get it on the tyres or brakes.
2 coats is better than one, protects everything, makes it look new, means that the next layer of dirt and shit will wipe off easy.

i dont have chains but suggest wiping the shity oil off it with a clean rag and elbow grease ( no fluids ) then re oil with chain oil. you could use chain oil on the cleaning rag.

hope that helps.

Get the manufacturers guide on washing your bike.

My guide says NEVER, NEVER, NEVER use any kitchen products on any part of your bike. Dish washing liquid is a B I G no no.

[Mully]

My guide says NEVER, NEVER, NEVER use any kitchen products on any part of your bike. Dish washing liquid is a B I G no no.

I concur. Most household cleaners - inculding dishwashing liquid - will damage the paint finish.

Had to stop my sister from using shampoo to clean her car at one point.

Far better to get an actual "car" washing preparation.

[Moki]

Never use a waterblaster as this will force water into bearings and electrical connections. Autsol is and always will be the best. For the past 25 years, I've always just hosed the bike off first and then hand wash - yes bare hand -with mild washup liquid or car wash gel. Using your hand will be able to "feel" when the bike is clean and you'll be able to f.eel grit so you won't scratch. There's nothing wrong with using mild washup liquid -it's ok for cleaning grime and "organic" matter off the bike without damaging the paint - just give it a good rinse afterwards.

[Snails pace]

I don't think it is the water blaster that is the issue, but the guy on the end of it. I know of 3 bike shops that water blast the bikes. Was impressed with one as it had a massive blow drier to use afterwards. Have always water blasted my bikes for many a year, but never the electrics or bearing area. Too date no problems. I always give the engine a spray of CRC after a waterblast, smokes a bit next time I ride but keeps it squeeky clean.