While most bike owners take pleasure in carefully detailing their bike, the owner of Harrell's Car Wash Systems has developed the first automated, touch-free motorcycle wash. The ideal sprouted when owner Mark Harrell spoke with American Chopper's Paul Teutul Sr. about the idea of an auto-wash for bikes.
Harrell has spent three years designing and perfecting the layout of his new motorcycle wash, and now that the initial Moto Express Wash is operational near Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Harrell plans to begin selling the technology to dealers early next spring. While some are concerned about the effects of the high-pressure soap and water on the bike, the company claims that it is safe for everything with two wheels, "from scooters to choppers".
The process begins by riding your bike into a wash bay entrance similar to most automotive wash bays, when you pull onto the loading area and put down your kick stand. Mounting blocks then clamp down on the kickstand and front tire, and the bike is secured as it moves through the tunnel. A robotic arm then moves across the front of the bike, then passing over the bike, and the pre-soak, wash, and rinse processes are completed as the wheels are slowly rotated and cleaned. The entire process is said to take less than five minutes and offer a hand-washed look.
Many bike owners are very careful about who touches their bike, so this new offering may not prove to be popular with owners, but that is yet to be seen. For some owners, this will be a welcomed addition to the quick care of their bike, but to others this innovation may seem more like blasphemy.