tips on washing
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6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 14
Likes: 1
From: New Jersey
tips on washing
hey all! I'm newer to the threads. Picked up my new low rider s in vivid black a couple weeks ago. Looking for suggestions on washing and detailing. Do and don't. Products. Etc. Thanks!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 25,292
Likes: 2,427
From: Eastern NE
Do wash your bike, but don't treat it like a fragile princess. IMO - it's all about how clean "you" want the bike. Personally, I like to complete a post-ride wipe down w/ bug remover & detail spray. After bike cools, I lift on jack, get a beer (or two) and spin around om my wheeled garage stool while spraying (your preferred detailer) & wiping (micro fiber) until most of the grime's off. I only a do a deep cleaning 1-2 times a year (mid-summer & before winter hibernation).
Just keep in mind, bikes are meant to ride...not sit & look pretty f/ you.
Just keep in mind, bikes are meant to ride...not sit & look pretty f/ you.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,842
Likes: 16,580
From: Wisconsin, USA
Get two 5 gallon buckets. Buy two grit guards. Use one bucket for soap, one for rinse. Scrub the dirty microfiber frequently on the soapy grid. Then rinse in the rinse bucket, than get soap on microfiber. Black shows all the scratches.
I buy inexpensive microfibers and change them frequently. I wash them and reuse them. If it was a show bike, I wouldn't reuse them.
I buy inexpensive microfibers and change them frequently. I wash them and reuse them. If it was a show bike, I wouldn't reuse them.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 3,425
Likes: 1,418
From: pensacola fl
Quick Detailers are NOT meant to clean anything more than light dust. Some people use them to wash their bike/vehicles and this is why their paint looks like crap. I detail vehicles as a side gig for over 15yrs and I don't even use QDs.
Do yourself a favor and check out auto geek.net before you get any bad info. They have a bunch of how to information.
If you are going to do a traditional wash, use 2 buckets and quality products. Keep the house hold cleaning supplies where they belong.
I paid a lot of money for my bike and I always want to make sure its clean. Its a pride deal for me. I see these ratty *** cars and bikes and just shake my head. I don't agree with the "I rather ride then clean my bike" My bike is filthy because I ride it". I clean my truck, car and bike because I use them and want my stuff nice and well taken care of. Other people could care less. Its a personal decision.
Do yourself a favor and check out auto geek.net before you get any bad info. They have a bunch of how to information.
If you are going to do a traditional wash, use 2 buckets and quality products. Keep the house hold cleaning supplies where they belong.
I paid a lot of money for my bike and I always want to make sure its clean. Its a pride deal for me. I see these ratty *** cars and bikes and just shake my head. I don't agree with the "I rather ride then clean my bike" My bike is filthy because I ride it". I clean my truck, car and bike because I use them and want my stuff nice and well taken care of. Other people could care less. Its a personal decision.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 3,425
Likes: 1,418
From: pensacola fl
There is nothing wrong with them. Use one if you have it. Electric leaf blower works great also. Most swirls and marring is due to poor washing and drying techniques. The less you touch the paint the less chance you have to mar the paint.
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,430
Likes: 836
From: The High Plains, USA
Don't get caught up in the "boutique products are the only way to go" hype unless you want to go the ceramic coating route. They are great, but you can get great results with Meguiar's from the auto parts store, too. It's all in the technique. Having said that, I use Ammo NYC products on my personal vehicles which is about as boutique as it gets, so I may be a bit hypocritical there.
To minimize washing damage, lubrication is key (keep your jokes to yourself) and you want to touch the paint as little as possible between washings. Avoid using the quick detail products on anything other than clean paint. Dry it with a leaf blower.
To minimize washing damage, lubrication is key (keep your jokes to yourself) and you want to touch the paint as little as possible between washings. Avoid using the quick detail products on anything other than clean paint. Dry it with a leaf blower.
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