Pressure wash
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,504
Likes: 150
From: ct
I don't see a need to ever wash a bike with water,spray detailer and Micro fibre cloths will remove pretty much anything . Got a few greasy spots, use brake clean carefully with the extension on it and wipe off excess. I keep micros for dirtier spots and different ones for paint and chrome. No water to have to blow out of the tight spots or to make spots as soon as you get in the wind.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,938
Likes: 30
From: North Florida
I have been pressure washing my bikes since the sixties, have never had any paint come off or any ill efect from it, never ruined a bearing, never ruined any electrical parts. We worry to much. Get em dirty wash them, dry them in the wind, end of story.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 15,705
Likes: 22,718
From: Farmington ,MS
Using a pressure washer on a bike works as well as the intelligence of the person operating it...you have to be really careful if you are using some industrial high pressure rig...you would have do something really stupid to do much damage at a carwash...they don't have that much pressure.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,872
Likes: 83
From: Canton, Michigan
I know this has nothing to do with the question, but: In 22 years I've only had to use a car wash on my bike twice. Both times, a hose and bucket were not available.
I guess if it's all caked in grease and oil, and you're going to take it apart anyway, I don't see a problem. Away from your home base, just don't get too close and be careful how you direct the spray.
I guess if it's all caked in grease and oil, and you're going to take it apart anyway, I don't see a problem. Away from your home base, just don't get too close and be careful how you direct the spray.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 375
Likes: 2
From: New Jersey
Gotta agree with Harley and Mikesvt..........been powerwashin the bike since the day I got it. Just gotta use your head. I also use some diluted Simple Green and am good to go.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,504
Likes: 150
From: ct
Use water if you don't mind showing up at your daily destinations with water spots everywhere instead of sparkling clean, if that's the case then why bother washing it at all.
Dry clean it so you don't have to detail it after you bathed it in rust promoter unless you want to clean it twice.
Some bikes look better dirty,just ride it!!
Such a complicated topic,dirty or spotless.
Dry clean it so you don't have to detail it after you bathed it in rust promoter unless you want to clean it twice.
Some bikes look better dirty,just ride it!!
Such a complicated topic,dirty or spotless.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 721
Likes: 18
From: Galesville, WI
I don't see a need to ever wash a bike with water,spray detailer and Micro fibre cloths will remove pretty much anything . Got a few greasy spots, use brake clean carefully with the extension on it and wipe off excess. I keep micros for dirtier spots and different ones for paint and chrome. No water to have to blow out of the tight spots or to make spots as soon as you get in the wind.
And to be honest it doesn't bother me anymore. I usually just give the shield and front end a good wipe down before each run. And if it's mid-bug season, will wipe it down when I return as well. That's enough rambling!
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,484
Likes: 272
From: Canton, GA
Nothing wrong with a pressure washer. I tend to buy bikes that are horribly covered in gunk. Simply cover the important part with plastic bags like carb, and battery area. Spray away and don't point it at the vulnerable spots like base of push rod tubes, iggy cover, etc
Mike
Mike
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 15,705
Likes: 22,718
From: Farmington ,MS
If you don't ever use water to clean your bike, your have never really had your bike really get dirty...spend a week at a bike rally...ride on gravel roads ...dusty and muddy fields and detailer spray just won't cut it. You never touch really dirty paint when it is dry.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,590
Likes: 444
From: Ohio
If you don't ever use water to clean your bike, your have never really had your bike really get dirty...spend a week at a bike rally...ride on gravel roads ...dusty and muddy fields and detailer spray just won't cut it. You never touch really dirty paint when it is dry.