Proper Washing and Drying
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,272
Likes: 83
From: Southern California
RE: Proper Washing and Drying
I use a Vac blower. My 6.5 hp Rigid has a detachable motor for use as a leaf blower, or whatever suits you. In this case it makes a handy HD dryer. Works especially well on black paint and those spots in the engine where water gets trapped. On an Ultra there are many places for the water to hide and the Vac blower does a great job of drying things up. The best part though is the ride afterwards.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 203
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Proper Washing and Drying
I use a handheld Oreck vac (using it backasswards). I got it along with their upright. It blows warm air since the little electric motor is working it's butt off. It dries the bike just fine. I'm an old auto tech, you should watch using compressed air. If the air is not filtered in any way, small metal particles from the air tank will be shot out and into your paint or chrome. That's why we never used air to blow dirt off our clothes in the shop (I've seen it done). You'll end up with shrapnel in your hide. Ride safe. Jr.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 520
Likes: 0
From: Oxnard CA
RE: Proper Washing and Drying
I take mine down to my local hand car wash joint. The guy has me roll it over to the wash off place and goes to work with his cart full of all the different products, he gets the spokes, tires, under the fenders, the engine and dries it off. It costs $10.00 + a good tip, then I ride home and do a little touch-up.[sm=icon_cheers.gif]
3rd Gear
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
RE: Proper Washing and Drying
I liked the article, there are some good points. I prefer to use "Rain-X" soap, the extra water from rinsing just rolls off and to dry it off my electric leaf blower, the blower drys the engine and tight places. Oh I still need to towel it some around the guages.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,456
Likes: 16
RE: Proper Washing and Drying
The Black Baron is around $200,
I bought the Sears 16 gallon wet/dry vac for $110 on sale,and after Im done blasting the water off the bikes with 265 mph air,I can vacum the cars and garage. I can dry both Hogs in 10 minutes.
I mean if ya wanna just spend money its OK but the shop vac has more uses and costs 1/2 the price.
I bought the Sears 16 gallon wet/dry vac for $110 on sale,and after Im done blasting the water off the bikes with 265 mph air,I can vacum the cars and garage. I can dry both Hogs in 10 minutes.
I mean if ya wanna just spend money its OK but the shop vac has more uses and costs 1/2 the price.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 407
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Proper Washing and Drying
Heres the deal with wet/dry vacs......filters become dusty and dirty...you blow that back on your bike.......hoses have dirt, dust and whatever stuck on the inside of them..that gets blown back.
Whatever is used to blow across the paint and chrome of a bike should be dedicated for that purpose. No matter if it a 200.00 filtered and heated air blower to a ten dollar shop vac.
Whatever is used to blow across the paint and chrome of a bike should be dedicated for that purpose. No matter if it a 200.00 filtered and heated air blower to a ten dollar shop vac.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,030
Likes: 177
From: Tipp City, Ohio
RE: Proper Washing and Drying
The last couple times I have used a bug sprayer with water and vinegar solution. I spray after the final rinse, and then use the leaf blower. No spotting at all and an awesome shine.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,506
Likes: 1
From: eastern shore, md.
RE: Proper Washing and Drying
ORIGINAL: SamStone
The last couple times I have used a bug sprayer with water and vinegar solution. I spray after the final rinse, and then use the leaf blower. No spotting at all and an awesome shine.
The last couple times I have used a bug sprayer with water and vinegar solution. I spray after the final rinse, and then use the leaf blower. No spotting at all and an awesome shine.
RE: Proper Washing and Drying
ORIGINAL: Terry1955
Go to WalMart and buy a Mr. Clean AutoDry. Wash bike with soft mit using Mr. Clean soap and spot free rinse. Let bike dry while having a beer. Now hit the road. Total time is about 20 minutes
.
For the really anxious rider you can buy a Cycle Dryer to speed the process up. You can skip the beer and just go riding. I prefer the beer though
.
Go to WalMart and buy a Mr. Clean AutoDry. Wash bike with soft mit using Mr. Clean soap and spot free rinse. Let bike dry while having a beer. Now hit the road. Total time is about 20 minutes
.For the really anxious rider you can buy a Cycle Dryer to speed the process up. You can skip the beer and just go riding. I prefer the beer though
.