Picked up my 2014 Ultra Classic a couple of weeks ago and have managed to ride through some rain and pick up some road grime so I'm gonna give her a good bath this weekend. Since this is my first Harley I just want to make sure I don't do something I'm not supposed to do while washing and inadvertently do more harm than good. I figure these bikes get rained on from time to time so there can't be too much to be extremely concerned or over concerned about, but one never knows until they ask. Main thing is worrying about the electronics, gauges and speakers. I of course will not be hitting anything with high pressure spray, but just wondering if there is anything I really need to be aware of? Thanks in advance.

 

Maybe avoid the automatic wash other than that go for it.

 

Just hand wash and all will be OK. I try to not spray directly into the electronics - boom box, etc.

 

Let your bike cool off, until the rocker boxes are cool to the touch.

Avoid pressure washing. I have used them when on the road, but stand about 6' away, and don't aim at dash, wheel bearings or triple tree.

I went through all kinds of hard to use waxes, but settled on Original Bike Spirits. Great and easy.
https://www.google.com/search?q=orig...57437618491848

 

Stay away from that S100 ****.

I put on my Softail in '91 & I'm still trying to get that white residue off.

 

Hand wash and like said above don't spray on the instrument cluster then I use a good carnuba wax and in between washes use Meguires Detail Spray

 

I haven't "washed" any of my last 4 Harleys.

They get wet when it rains, but I use a spray cleaner and a detailer.

 

This. Except when the occasional bikini babe gets a tip to wash the bike at an event, I have never washed any of my Harley's. Bottle of Lemon Pledge and a microfiber towel, done.

 

Original Bike Spirits by the case.


Used this on bikes for years.

 

avoid spraying water into the intake as well....

most people including my self just use a spray and wipe method.... careful with some of the sprays waxes though, some can give you some nasty swirls.