New to new bike! What do you do?

[Tink]

Polish & wash (I was told by a few guys, that is what they do when they get a new bike).

POINT: How many of you actually spend time polishing / washing etc your bike!

I just can't get my head around how often some do it...

I guess there are good points, like protecting the paint... and?

[slofox]

If I ever have enough spare time to wash and polish the bike, I'll RIDE it instead...

[Tink]

If I ever have enough spare time to wash and polish the bike, I'll RIDE it instead...

POINT EXACTLY, I would prefer to ride it... than polish it!

[Pussy]

POINT EXACTLY, I would prefer to ride it... than polish it!

That's fair enough....
But you ought to polish your BIKE regularly....

[The Everlasting]

I give it a polish once a week,keeps it looking shiny!

Just the other day a dude in a cage said "is that a new bike"?

[Cloggy]

I enjoy cleaning my bike, I find it relaxing and rewarding. Once you're done, you stand back and admire the shine and cleanliness.
It also draws your attention to bits which need attention or maintenance.

[slofox]

I give it a polish once a week,keeps it looking shiny!

Just the other day a dude in a cage said "is that a new bike"?

Second last time my bike was in the shop for service they said to me..."Your bike was pretty DIRTY!!! "

So last time it was going in I actually DID clean it...

[george formby]

Polish & wash (I was told by a few guys, that is what they do when they get a new bike).

POINT: How many of you actually spend time polishing / washing etc your bike!

I just can't get my head around how often some do it...

I guess there are good points, like protecting the paint... and?

It's when you clean it that you notice all the little things that need attention like loose fairing screws, exhaust mounts, WOF tag has fallen off etc & do basic maintenance like lubricating levers, footrest pivots etc. It's also when I check fluids, tires, brakes etc properly.
I clean mine when the ash tray is full.

[mrchips]

I enjoy cleaning my bike, I find it relaxing and rewarding. Once you're done, you stand back and admire the shine and cleanliness.
It also draws your attention to bits which need attention or maintenance.

+ 1

I like to be able to run my over the mechanical bits withouth having to scrape off inches of crud + I just can't stand a dirty bike.

[nosebleed]

Polish & wash (I was told by a few guys, that is what they do when they get a new bike).

POINT: How many of you actually spend time polishing / washing etc your bike!

I just can't get my head around how often some do it...

I guess there are good points, like protecting the paint... and?

There are no "rules". Just do what ever is right for you.
Many photo's on the AF1 forum look like the bikes are kept in bank vaults and only brought out to have their photo taken.
Whereas there is one kiwi member whose bike looks like a support vehicle for Ewan and Charly.

If you wanna wash n wax it, do so. If not, don't.

[slofox]

...WOF tag has fallen off...

Or your reg sticker...ops:

[george formby]

Or your reg sticker...ops:

I use lock nuts now. Gotta love thumpy thumpy engines, keep life interesting & my exhaust rattling. Their is always something coming undone somewhere, particularly now I'm riding on lumpy roads too. At least the bike is getting proper filthy & deserves a spa treatment.

[Smallfishnz]

Keeping it clean and tidy also helps with re-sale value, I also read somewhere that if you don't keep your headlight lens clean it can reduce light output by 30% and as others have said it is a good chance to see if anything is about to fall off

[Rhys]

wash it then take it for a ride to dry it

[John_H]

I wash it every two or three weeks. A lot of people on here will say in a very condescending way that they Ride their bike while others wash it which is ridiculous. I ride my bike any opportunity I get, I just happen to love keeping it clean and looking after it as it's my pride and joy - You can do both!