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Best Bike Wash Solution

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Old Jun 12, 2011 | 07:14 AM
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Default Best Bike Wash Solution

I've a clearcoat paint on my bike.
Whats the best solution to mix with water and clean the bike.

I was leaning towards purchasing an Armor-All to clean the bike but the bike dealer tells me that they arent meant for MC's.
He asked me to get a S-100 to total cycle cleaner to clean the bike.

What I hear is that it might leave residue if not washed with high pressure water.

Any suggestion or should I stick with good ol soap + water
 
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Old Jun 12, 2011 | 07:29 AM
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My uncle used to swear to just water and wipe it dry, said paints don't need anything. His vehicles looked great for years.
I use concentrated car wash that doesn't leave spots and use a hose and sponge, blow it off with the air compressor, treat the leather and ride it.
 
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Old Jun 12, 2011 | 07:29 AM
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Soap, water, cotton rags & towels, Armor All Wheel protectant, air, Black Magic wax (if needed).
 
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Old Jun 12, 2011 | 07:45 AM
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i have used pig snot http://www.pigsnot.com/
spray on, hose off, wipe down---sometimes use all purpose pledge for that extra shine ;-)
 
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Old Jun 12, 2011 | 07:46 AM
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Trying to write something that doesn't come off sounding like a d!ck.

Soap + water = clean bike.

Leaf blower = dry bike.

Go ride.
 
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Old Jun 12, 2011 | 07:59 AM
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I always use Meguiars or 3m products on painted surfaces.
 
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Old Jun 12, 2011 | 08:23 AM
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Right on!
Originally Posted by SC-Longhair
Trying to write something that doesn't come off sounding like a d!ck.

Soap + water = clean bike.

Leaf blower = dry bike.

Go ride.
 
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Old Jun 12, 2011 | 08:32 AM
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I have nothing more to say on the subject!
 
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Old Jun 12, 2011 | 09:10 AM
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What you use to dry the bike is FAR more important than what you use to wash it. Every Pep Boys has dozens of soaps designed to clean motorcycles. Just pick one as they all do the same thing. Drying the bike with the wrong stuff is what scratches and dulls paint. You will never see a body man or show car builder just grab any old towel and dry a custom paint job. They use chamois and cotton terry towels. Real fanatics even keep special terry towels separate that never go threw heat cycled dryers, as just over drying terry towels burns the texture of the towels. Most "normal" people aren't that freakin' insane about their finish. Get a good wash mitt, bucket, any commercial car wash soap and your all set with the washing. Get some chamois and dark terry towels and use them to dry your bike. Waxing never hurts but again, take the wax off with dedicated terry towels. Man, I sound like a dork typing this, but if you want the finish to look the best it can.............. well, it takes effort.
 
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Old Jun 12, 2011 | 09:23 AM
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I like S100 and Meguiars Mist and Wipe for the paint.
 
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