Washing Bikes
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 7,323
Likes: 11,760
From: Omaha,NE
All I've ever used on all my bikes (I've had many) is a pressure washer. Cars, too. There is nothing wrong with using a pressure washer on a bike. I prefer to do everything touchless. I never need to do paint correction this way.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,190
Likes: 805
From: Washington
worse than that...you should see what they do to her tail pipe...the whole service crew!!
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 1,284
Likes: 658
From: Eastpointe, MI
Yeah I agree with all the others on here just do the repairs I asked.
I brought it in clean, if it's been in there so long there's dust and dirt on it now the dust and dirt isn't the problem.
I brought it in clean, if it's been in there so long there's dust and dirt on it now the dust and dirt isn't the problem.
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 104
Likes: 64
From: Ugly suburbs of Hell, Michigan
when I wash my bike, I use a hose from my house (60 psi) and run it through a in line water filter and portable water softener to a high pressure nozzle.
then the usual stuff, harley sun wash, wizards bike wash, wheel cleaner if necessary. Rince and blow dry with leaf blower with rag over intake. Then Harley matte paint cleaner or formula F-11 on the fairings, fenders, tank, tour pack, and saddlebags.
Most of the time a simple quick clean with Harley Matte paint cleaner or Formula F-11 with a bunch of rags gets it prime in about 15 mins. I always use a motorcycle lift and a grants's compact detail seat which makes it easy.
then the usual stuff, harley sun wash, wizards bike wash, wheel cleaner if necessary. Rince and blow dry with leaf blower with rag over intake. Then Harley matte paint cleaner or formula F-11 on the fairings, fenders, tank, tour pack, and saddlebags.
Most of the time a simple quick clean with Harley Matte paint cleaner or Formula F-11 with a bunch of rags gets it prime in about 15 mins. I always use a motorcycle lift and a grants's compact detail seat which makes it easy.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 1,284
Likes: 658
From: Eastpointe, MI
I have a power pressure washer but I don't want my driveway all wet all the time.
Pulling into and out of that slippery concrete floor car wash is probably the most dangerous riding conditions I encounter.
Last edited by Robertbc3141; Sep 28, 2025 at 11:37 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,077
Likes: 3,293
From: Plover, WI
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 1,284
Likes: 658
From: Eastpointe, MI
Yeah I thought about that pulling onto that grate because the cars don't pull onto the grate the wheels go on either side. If it ever does collapse it's going to be with a motorcycle.
I think next time I'll pull beside it.
I think next time I'll pull beside it.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,518
Likes: 57,069
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
What grit paper ?