Clean or Dirty
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,151
Likes: 0
Mines usually pretty nasty during riding season.. But it is also my main mode of trasportation.. Rain or shine.. I clean it up when the roads ice up and I havta put it away.. I am really not a slob.. Actually pretty orginized.. but my plate is always really really full..full time plus Job, ministry, 5 kids, several with special needs, part time scooter repair shop.. and on and on and on..When the 3 nine year olds git a Lil older..The bike will be polished front ta back on a regular basis.. there already talkin bout who's gonna get it.. I don't have the heart ta tell em.. I may be old.. but Im gonna be riden it looong after there outa the house.. LOL
Blessings
PT
Blessings
PT
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 10,788
Likes: 2,222
From: Texas
When my Ultra gets really nasty I just try to remember that there IS a clean, beautiful bike under all that grime.
(I know that there is because I seen it when it was new.) That usually makes me feel OK!
(I know that there is because I seen it when it was new.) That usually makes me feel OK!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6,235
Likes: 65
From: Joliet, Illinois
Cowboy, if you like your stuff dirty - keep it dirty and don't worry about what others think.
As for me - I keep my bike clean. I clean it nearly every time I ride (which is every day). Part of the reason I bought a Harley with lots of chrome is because I *like* the way it looks. Maybe others do too, but I bought it because *I* like the way it looks. I *like* seeing the sky & clouds reflected in my headlight as I'm driving.
Aside from that, to me, something that's dirty appears to be something that is poorly maintained overall. It may not be true, but that's the message I get.
As for me - I keep my bike clean. I clean it nearly every time I ride (which is every day). Part of the reason I bought a Harley with lots of chrome is because I *like* the way it looks. Maybe others do too, but I bought it because *I* like the way it looks. I *like* seeing the sky & clouds reflected in my headlight as I'm driving.
Aside from that, to me, something that's dirty appears to be something that is poorly maintained overall. It may not be true, but that's the message I get.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 188
Likes: 3
From: Phoenix, AZ
I'm a clean freak. I wipe my bike down daily with Quick Detail. I pull the bags twice a week and clean the white walls and to wax the wheels and do a thorough cleaning on the weekends. Riding with dirty whitewalls is like wearing a a suit with dirty shoes. $22k is a big investment for me. Letting brake dust and dirt settle on your wheels and paint takes its toll over time. Besides when I pay frequent attention to me vehicles, I can spot problems early.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,067
Likes: 60
From: Chesterfield, VA
Everyday rider. Get caught in the rain a lot even though thats not my intention. Usually will let it go a couple of weeks maybe 3. Rode through Tropical Storm Hanna, cruddy water, then crust all over the thing. Had to wash it then or would have looked like Rat Bike.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 7,217
Likes: 3
From: Southern Ohio
That "clean bikes don't get ridden" BS is just that...BS...I ride every day, and it takes 10-15 minutes to wipe my bike down, a half hour bath once a week, and I get compliments on my bike every day...hell, even if I'm not going anywhere, I can put 100-150 miles on in a day just givin a pretty girl a ride...if you like your bike dirty, that's your business, you won't hear any flak from me, but don't let on like a guy can't rack miles on a clean bike...
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 574
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City
Hmmm. You mean the time that I spend cleaning the house for my wife could be used for cleaning my bike??
Seriously- I ride mine 7 days a week unless there is snow or ice. I try to give it a 30min. spa treatment once a week or so. I do notice that some of the non-stainless hardware is starting to stand make ugly appearances.
Seriously- I ride mine 7 days a week unless there is snow or ice. I try to give it a 30min. spa treatment once a week or so. I do notice that some of the non-stainless hardware is starting to stand make ugly appearances.