CVO - Hate Cleaning
Tourer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 368
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, Texas
I put mine up on the lift and wash and wax it twice a year. But since it's black, I usually give it a quick wipe down with a local product "Texas Two Step" that the dealer sells. It removes the dust and bugs and makes it shine.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,006
Likes: 1,240
From: On the Front Range, CO
Each of mine get a full detail during each wash. Sometimes it's more than once a month, others not so much. I really try to get all the little nooks and crannies, all the chrome gets polished, and paint is waxed every couple washes.
I ride as much as I can, but some times after work, I'll get out there and just go to town, to make them clean.
I will say this, the more you stay on top of it, the less time it takes. If I went 14 months between my deep level washes, I would hate it too.
As an aside....I look at washing the bike as time spent reviewing all the parts and components. Doing a deep clean lets me visually inspect each part of the bike, and make note of issues that require further attention.
I ride as much as I can, but some times after work, I'll get out there and just go to town, to make them clean.
I will say this, the more you stay on top of it, the less time it takes. If I went 14 months between my deep level washes, I would hate it too.
As an aside....I look at washing the bike as time spent reviewing all the parts and components. Doing a deep clean lets me visually inspect each part of the bike, and make note of issues that require further attention.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 941
From: Illinois
I put 6K on my 12 RGC CVO. I just cleaned it for the first time last week. I am into riding not cleaning so about once a year works for me.
When the mechanic did a recall late last fall, he commented that I should clean the bike. I did tell him that I bought it to ride not clean. He just looked at me and didn't say a word.
When the mechanic did a recall late last fall, he commented that I should clean the bike. I did tell him that I bought it to ride not clean. He just looked at me and didn't say a word.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 17,750
Likes: 3,347
From: maine
I've always considered it a labor of love, but we up here in the N East get plenty of days to spend in the shop cleaning with all the rain we get. However, with that said, a good wipe down once in awhile waiting for winter to roll around works for me. My CVO RK is easy compared to my FLSTN, now there's a bike with some chrome.
Stage II
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Tracy,Ca
I just use Bug Slide to clean everything...best stuff I ever found, only time I use water is after riding in the rain and when I clean under the engine and tranny.
I never ride without the slide...I spend 10 to 15 minutes tops wiping down the bike after my ride
I never ride without the slide...I spend 10 to 15 minutes tops wiping down the bike after my ride
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,512
Likes: 293
From: Too close, Pa
I usually do a thorough cleaning every two weeks, put it up on the lift with tunes on the radio knock back a couple cold beers an in a couple quiet relaxing hours it's clean again.
In between a quick wipe after each ride or before the next. The *** end collects dust like a magnet and drives me crazy if I don't keep it clean. The worst damn part is back wheel even with the saddle bags removed its still a bitch. Thinking I might pull the rear wheel next time just to give it a good clean.
It's something to do on a rainy night and like others already pointed put it is a great way to inspect the entire bike.
In between a quick wipe after each ride or before the next. The *** end collects dust like a magnet and drives me crazy if I don't keep it clean. The worst damn part is back wheel even with the saddle bags removed its still a bitch. Thinking I might pull the rear wheel next time just to give it a good clean.
It's something to do on a rainy night and like others already pointed put it is a great way to inspect the entire bike.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,308
Likes: 9
to me, a good looking bike is one with about 3 weeks worth of road grime on it sitting in a motel parking lot. take a wash cloth and knock enough bugs off the windshield to see where you are going.
heading out from south texas later this month to ride the dragon's tail and then to springfield for the mile. from there to pick the old lady up at the airport in denver and spend a week or ten days touring colorado and utah. then wander back down to texas. needless to say, the only water that bike will see will be if it rains. after i get home the bike will sit in the garage filthy dirty for a couple of weeks...drag it out and spray S100 on it and rinse it off--time to hit the road again.
heading out from south texas later this month to ride the dragon's tail and then to springfield for the mile. from there to pick the old lady up at the airport in denver and spend a week or ten days touring colorado and utah. then wander back down to texas. needless to say, the only water that bike will see will be if it rains. after i get home the bike will sit in the garage filthy dirty for a couple of weeks...drag it out and spray S100 on it and rinse it off--time to hit the road again.