cleaning bikes
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,021
Likes: 12
From: Greene County, MS
I wash mine with soap and water and blow dry it with a gas leaf blower. I used to wipe it down after every ride with S100 but that got a little old. I had issues using the soap and water while I had a Power Commander 3 USB because no matter what I did it always got water in the connectors. I got rid of it and got the SE Super Tuner Pro and now I don't have an issue. So, soap and water for me!
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 664
Likes: 9
From: Nowhere
The only time I use the hose is when the bike is extremely dirty which is about 3-4 times a year. The rest of the time I use that stuff called original bike cleaner and lot's of rags.
If I do use the s100 or equivalent and the hose, I always make sure I start the bike and then ride it down the road to completely dry it out before parking.
I will feel droplets for at least a mile or two plus the engine heat will help dry it out.
If I do use the s100 or equivalent and the hose, I always make sure I start the bike and then ride it down the road to completely dry it out before parking.
I will feel droplets for at least a mile or two plus the engine heat will help dry it out.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: WA Australia
I dry washed mine for the first time today withFW1,will be doing it this way from now on(very impressed with the results) and not one drop of water.
WARNING don't get on brake discs or wipe brake discs with gas when finished, i found out the hard way
WARNING don't get on brake discs or wipe brake discs with gas when finished, i found out the hard way
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,217
Likes: 6
From: bfe
dang , dont you guys have kids ? my 10 year old daughter washes my bike and drys it with a terry cloth towel then polishes it with wax and micro fiber cloth . she makes about 30 bucks a weekend off my friends ( 10 bucks a bike )
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,553
Likes: 13
From: Sussex, South of England
I use a pretty powerful Stihl petrol blower and I love it.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 552
Likes: 0
From: South Orange County, California
I have never washed a bike with a hose and/or water, for that matter. I use a spray detailer on the paint and Stoner's glass cleaner on the mirrors, chrome and shield. A little Nev-R-Dull on the other metal bits every now and then. My bike always looks clean. Of course, it almost never rains here - at least when I'm riding - and there are very few bugs to splat.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Houston
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,118
Likes: 5
From: Coweta, Oklahoma
I use liquid car washing soap. I also have a bottle of fifty fifty mixed simple green to squirt on those hard to get to areas. It does wonders for the spokes and brake dust on the wheels. A wash mit and a very soft brush gets the job done really nice.