Washing your bike.

[Camo]

I use Maguires products..Gold class wash, Spray detailer for inbetween washes and I give it a coat of yellow wax every month or so.

I hose it down, soap it up making sure to get under the tail and around the wheels then hose it off. As someone already mentioned, a cheap leaf blower to blow all the excess out the hard to get to places then I use a chamois to get that spot free finish. I then wax it up and rub it down with a micro fibre cloth. Maguires glass cleaner for the mirrors and dash and an old rag with WD-40 to wipe the chain goo and brake dust from the wheels.

I enjoy cleaning my bikes and I generally wash after a really good ride..Well late in the afternoon after it's cooled down and I can justify a few beers!

[FaZerick8]

Originally Posted by Rgraphic

I've only been using original bike spirits (originally honda spray cleaner & polish) and a micro fiber cloth. Amazing stuff and cleans and protects everything (painted,chrome,plastic,rubber,etc). Bike still looks like the day I bought it and never had to use a hose. I'm just sure to give it a quick wipe down after each ride to prevent dirt build up that could scratch the finish when cleaning.

Like Rgraphic, I use Original Bike Spirits and a microfiber cloth. Bike looks like new after every ride.

[Zedderate]

I use quality products for washing my bike. However no matter how carefull I am with the sponge, I find the matt black finish scratches really easily from the fine road grime that doesnt come off with the first rinse. I reckon it wont be long before that finish starts to look dull and aged.
Any tips?

[Crazywb23]

Some soap, water and then the real bike spirits is the only way to go. I like the leaf blower idea though. gonna have to try that this weekend

[Speedo007]

Sometimes I just use Plexus to clean the bike when I want a quick wash without needing to get all the heavy artillery out. Just slightly remove dust with a microfiber cloth then I use a clean cloth apply Plexus to it and shine away. Works great. Once a year I put a good coat of wax on all the shiny black parts.

And I agree with previous posts about WD-40 to remove chain goo from rear wheel. Then I just remove the WD-40 with soapy water. Works great!

[Black Widow]

I never take a hose to my bike. Wet a microfiber cloth with warm water, wipe it ,then imediatly wipe again with a dry microfiber cloth. Wax it twice a month.

[packnrat]

were i live one should never wash a bike, car, truck, rv with the water here.

it is so hard the chunks will dent the body, and chip the paint.


.

[FZ8Escape]

I have the new 2012 FX8 with the matte paint, what do you guys suggest for washing that??
Thanks

[Vapordan]

Originally Posted by SpunkyTheTuna

Been using an electric leaf blower to dry bikes for years and years. Helps prevent spots and gets the water out of those hard to reach crevices and such. There are some guys selling basically the same cheapo devices rebranded with some kind of ridiculous RealBiker name for way too much money. Any cheap hardware store leaf blower works just fine.

I've never thought of that, but it is the ultimate tool come to think about it. Everybody's got one and the air will get inside the deepest crevice.

[Vapordan]

Originally Posted by Black Widow

I never take a hose to my bike. Wet a microfiber cloth with warm water, wipe it ,then imediatly wipe again with a dry microfiber cloth. Wax it twice a month.

You should though. The fine dirt on the microfiber will leave swirl marks eventually. Hose it, she's not going to catch a cold. While the water is running, use the microfiber to wipe lightly in the direction of the running water to remove the fine dust. But then again, that method is just for fanatics that get all ig about scuffs and swirl marks.