bike wash
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Novice
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 17
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bike wash
Hey guys I was just wondering if the I should remove the seat before washing and if it is fine to just spray down the entire bike with a hose? and is it better to use a leaf blower to dry or towel dry? i heard that towel drying denim starts to polish it after awhile so just looking for your inputs.
thanks
aaron
PS I have a 2009 HD dyna fatbob denim blk
thanks
aaron
PS I have a 2009 HD dyna fatbob denim blk
Last edited by aaronlem04; Apr 25, 2010 at 11:21 AM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,585
Likes: 673
From: Rolla
I would leave the seat on. Lots of electrical connectors under there that you don't want to get wet.
If you want to take the seat off, be sure and not get any water on those connectors.
As for drying, either way will work.
Excess rubbing, or rubbing very hard can start to leave a "polished" look to the denim finish.
If you want to take the seat off, be sure and not get any water on those connectors.
As for drying, either way will work.
Excess rubbing, or rubbing very hard can start to leave a "polished" look to the denim finish.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
From: Stockton, CA
I have done it both ways and never had a problem with either bike. I use a blower designed for motorcycles and make sure I remove every drop of water from under the seat area and the motor. Then I shine and polish her up!
Tourer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 496
Likes: 4
From: CT
Definetly leave the seat on...not that something would for sure happen but i would rather not risk it. You can always just take the eat off afterwords and wipe it down with some type of cleaner. But i wouldn't hose it down.
And then to dry the bike. I have used a leaf blower at one time. Never had a problem with it , but then switched back to a micro fiber towel to dry. Just personal preferance. But get a good quality American made microfiber.
And then to dry the bike. I have used a leaf blower at one time. Never had a problem with it , but then switched back to a micro fiber towel to dry. Just personal preferance. But get a good quality American made microfiber.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,373
Likes: 4
I leave mine on. I use my Air Force Blaster to get the water out of all the nooks and crannies. Don't care how well you think you get it dry with a Micro or towel you will still water where you can't stuff that thing in. Left over water = Corrosion = rust = possible metal fatigue or electrical problems in the future.
JMHO
JMHO
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Green Valley, Arizona
Yep - definitely leave the seat on the bike. I polish mine just for fun. 
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,324
Likes: 522
From: Dutchess County, NY
Most of the time I remove the seat. I take a plastic bag and put it over the electronics and tuck it into the frame. When I wash the bike I try to avoid the electronics but if a little water gets there the plastic bag keeps everythig dry.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,095
Likes: 348
From: Ione, CA
We get no more than 18 inches of rain a year in Sacramento, and most of California is dry from April til November. I've never had a drop of water hit any of my bikes, period. The one time I did get caught in the rain and it got damp and dirty up under the motor and fenders, I cleaned the bike with a bunch of clean damp shop rags and then waxed it. Water can really mess up a finish, chrome and aluminum.and if the seat gets water inside, you'll look like you peed your pants at the first gas stop.
YMMV and understand weather is different in other parts of our wonderful country...
YMMV and understand weather is different in other parts of our wonderful country...