Keeping my ride clean
RE: Keeping my ride clean
No, you are not missing anything. I just want to be able to keep my bike clean like the previous owner did and he did not use water. That's all. I appreciate your input though.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,094
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Keeping my ride clean
Sorry if I sounded like a jerk. No dis intended. Just use water all the time, and never knew it caused any damage. I always thought using water to rinse off any dust or loose grime would be a benefit to rubbing it off with a rag or cleaner. Ride safe.
RE: Keeping my ride clean
No dis taken 
Maybe I'm a "little" overcautious since this is my 1st Harley. I just want to keep it looking brand new....don't we all. I may try water, depends on the situation. I know that if I do use water, I have to make sure that all the dirt is washed off first before I start so as not to scratch the paint. I've read that leaf blowers are great for drying those hard to reach areas. But, what about the leather? Is it ok to put soap and water on it? I bought the leather conditioner from my local HD dealership. That will stay in the leather even if soap/water hits it, right?
Maybe I'm a "little" overcautious since this is my 1st Harley. I just want to keep it looking brand new....don't we all. I may try water, depends on the situation. I know that if I do use water, I have to make sure that all the dirt is washed off first before I start so as not to scratch the paint. I've read that leaf blowers are great for drying those hard to reach areas. But, what about the leather? Is it ok to put soap and water on it? I bought the leather conditioner from my local HD dealership. That will stay in the leather even if soap/water hits it, right?
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 711
Likes: 0
From: Bothell, WA
RE: Keeping my ride clean
I'm with Qball, Ride it in the rain and wash it once a week. Water will not hurt the bike and is the best way to remove dirt without damaging paint/chrome. If you never wash the bike and continue to wipe, wipe, wipe, the finish will eventually scratch and dull from rubbing all that dirt into the finish.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,739
Likes: 153
From: Fayetteville, NC
RE: Keeping my ride clean
ORIGINAL: rick
I bet it was the honda spray cleaner and polish spray.It's good stuff.I use it before i ride everytime.
[IMG]local://upfiles/7312/7694CC8B27C747BDADDA1AF0A18D1ED5.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/7312/9F5D1CD0BC92417787B919E7E8DEE6F4.jpg[/IMG]
I bet it was the honda spray cleaner and polish spray.It's good stuff.I use it before i ride everytime.
[IMG]local://upfiles/7312/7694CC8B27C747BDADDA1AF0A18D1ED5.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/7312/9F5D1CD0BC92417787B919E7E8DEE6F4.jpg[/IMG]
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,098
Likes: 5
From: North Texas
RE: Keeping my ride clean
Novis # 1 can also be found at the Harley Shop.
Brian, you will find after any rode trip of 1- day or more, that its best when you get back to remove the saddle bags and just hose it down,
I always use Turtle Wax car wash on my cars, it works great on the bike too.
The best way to dry when finished is the leaf blower, people driving by may think you lost it, but what do they know about Harleys.
When finished with the blower, and **** as I am, its into the grage for about 30 min of wipe down with clean towels or chamois.
Ride On Ride Safe...........
Brian, you will find after any rode trip of 1- day or more, that its best when you get back to remove the saddle bags and just hose it down,
I always use Turtle Wax car wash on my cars, it works great on the bike too.
The best way to dry when finished is the leaf blower, people driving by may think you lost it, but what do they know about Harleys.
When finished with the blower, and **** as I am, its into the grage for about 30 min of wipe down with clean towels or chamois.
Ride On Ride Safe...........
RE: Keeping my ride clean
After reading all the replies/opinions to this post, there seems to be no reason NOT to use soap and water. As long as I get all the water out of the nooks/crannies, no rust will form (my opinion). So, I take off the saddle bags before washing with water, but what about the tank bib (guess that's what it's called). The piece between the speedo and the front of the seat. Mine is leather. Thinking water would be hard to get out from under there. Getting the seat wet with soap and water will not harm it? Forgive me if these questions are crazy, but this is my 1st Harley and I don't want to mess anything up.
I have a duster I can use that will lift dust particles off in between cleanings. I have Mequiars Detailing Spray for in between cleanings as well. Now, what waxes are recommended? Looking for something that will not paste up next to raised lettering, like "Heritage Classic" on the front fender.
I have a duster I can use that will lift dust particles off in between cleanings. I have Mequiars Detailing Spray for in between cleanings as well. Now, what waxes are recommended? Looking for something that will not paste up next to raised lettering, like "Heritage Classic" on the front fender.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,739
Likes: 153
From: Fayetteville, NC
RE: Keeping my ride clean
Brian, even after posting and saying what I said about products..........I have washed mine with soap and water. Not often; but I have. And I've used the experience of everyone here to help me. I did buy a leaf blower, I do put a trash or paper bag over my seat. The bag is not for the leather; but so that the battery beneath doesn't get saturated. I don't worry abou the bib on the tank too much. But I took the advice of everyone here and.....I take the nozzle off the hose and let it run lightly over the bike instead of blasting it. I haven't had any problems yet. Rinse, wash, rinse, leaf blower, ride to stop sign and back to blow off more water, into the garage with clean cloths for detailing. This is my first Harley also; so I know the feeling. I've only washed it twice and that was because I got caught in the rain. But keep some quick detailer or sprays handy. They will do great in between those washings.