Here I am, stuck in Amarillo Texas waiting for the snow storm to pass. As I was planning this Route 66 trip, I was more concerned about salty roads for my 4/22 departure from Minnesota. But here I am, looking at salty roads on the way home instead .....

I don't think I should go to a high pressure car wash. I doubt I'll find any 'garden hose' options.
I'm probably 3-4 days from being back home.

Thoughts?

 

I've used the self service car washes with no issues. Just don't have the nozzle a foot from the bike. Stand back some.

 

Not sure how this really works, but a Dealer employee i know says he rides all year, and has a spray bottle, with vinegar, , which he sprays the bike with, it supposedly neuturalize's the salt, then washes accordingly,

 

Everyone freaks out over pressure washers on a bike but, it's all about where you point it and how far away you are, also nozzle selection (when home).

Ya, don't point it one inch away from the seals of the wheel bearings, ya, don't take off the air cleaner and wash the inside of the throttle body...see what I'm saying? Just use your head and you'll be good to go!

Pressure washers are a great way to wash a bike...with common sense. Next thing ya know, we'll have a legal disclaimer attached!

 

Sounds like an awesome trip! When I ride early season salty roads, I get back and put the bike on the jiffy stand and grab a bottle of windex and a microfiber and get after it. When I pull into a town I'm staying I'll go to a store, buy a bottle and ask the hotel for a few cleaning rags and work on it in the parking lot. The self serve car wash is a great idea too but I'm always fearful that I'll do more harm that good. I've never tried the vinegar but it cleans everything else, I'm sure it does a banner job on undercarriage too. I wish vinegar didn't smell like vinegar though.

Best bet is to not overthink it. Enjoy the ride and clean it when you get home. The bike's not gonna fall apart from rust in 4 days! If you wanna wipe it down along the way, do it! Safe travels back to Minny

 

We spent the month of Jan this year in Seal Beach, CA. Riding along the coast, 100 - 200 miles a day. After each ride, the bike was covered in salty slime. I worried a little, but took no steps apart from daily spray bottle and towel wipe down.

Now 3 months later there is no rust anywhere.

 

Once you get it clean and before riding on salty roads one product S100 makes that is out standing is S100 Corrosion Protectant. Been using it for years here in Wisconsin.
Spray it on and leave as is or buff it out, it will protect the bike wheel clean right up after a nasty ride.

 

Most car wash bays I've been too have a spot free rinse setting....which is very low pressure. Just rinse it off at the end of the day. Don't forget under the seat. That salt gets into every nook and cranny.

I washed mine at least 4 times, via the method above this February.

 

Turns out the roads from Amarillo to tucumcari showed little salt that I could see. Hosed it down at hotel. ( thanks, blue swallow!)

Might rinse again on trip home


Thanks for input

 

Good idea IMHO. I'm sure its different in different locations but road salt can be more than just salt. What they use up here is as good at dissolving cars as improving roads. You can't walk your dogs through it, it burns their paws.

Anyhow, no need to be alarmed about it but a rinse or two or three before you get home can't hurt and then I'd wash thoroughly once I got home if I were you. I'd avoid the high tech chemical miracle cleaners until after thorough washing and rinsing with water and soap.