i just purchased my 05 softail standard and layed down my 84 ironhead to rest (RIP). some simple questions already i'm trying to find the proper way to wash one's bike (with the regular crap you get at walmart), and also to ease my paranoia, i drove home 2 nights ago in wicked thunder storm and was soaked to the bone. I don't give a sh*t about me, but i'm worried sick about my new baby. Please tell me she'll live and what does one do if your bike is caught in a storm, i mean i'm sure everyone doesn't have a portable garage when they go to bikje rally's and such. well enough for now. ride safe.

 

Jake,

I moved this to the detailing section since its really a post about how to clean your bike instead of introducing yourself (which you've already done!)

As for your question, get your hose and any good car washing soap, and wash it like you would a car. Dry it when your done, polish the chrome (I personally like Blue Magic), and call it good. You get better at it the more you do it. Your level of **** retentiveness will determine the amount of time you spend on it.

I like my bike clean so I usually give it a once over every day with some detailing mist, and then I wash it once a week with hose/water/etc.

Hope this helps,

Mac

 

Hi Jake,

You should give this a try spay your bike down with it, hose it off and you're done. I use a leaf blower to blow the water off and help dry it. This stuff is amazing...

Ryan

 

Ryan,

I'm guessing they sell this stuff in local auto stores? I'm willing to give it a shot...

Mac

 

thanx for the info

 

I would think they do. The company is here in Cleveland, so everyone around me stocks a ton of it. It’s worth the hassle to find it. It makes cleaning your bike a lot easier...

Ryan

 

Ryan does this remove wax as well? Just wondering.

John TN

 

Hmmm, good question. I really have no idea, but I'd lean towards "yes". If it cleans the brake dust off of my spokes, I'm guessing it's stripping the wax as well. However, I really don't know. I use a spray wax/detailer when I wash my bike, so it's not a big deal for me...

Ryan

 

welcome! i use dish washing liquid to wash both my bikes, first dwl doesnt like oil or grease so it cleans it well, second dwl doesnt like wax, so after i wash it i usually wax it. works great. i use a sponge, start at the top of the bike and work my way down, i ripped off my bosses pot scrubbing and use it in the tight areas, i dont know what you call the pot scrubbing things but make sure it doesnt have the scotch brite things on the end. they may scrach paint. i always rinse the bike with hardly no water pressure wait about a half hour, and wipe the bike dry. it always looks great.

 

Mike you are a brave man