Crap behind side covers

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Mar 14, 2016 | 06:16 PM

#21

IdahoHacker

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Joined: Jul 2014

Posts: 11,468

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From: Idaho

Anything that's not in watertight compartment has been engineered to get wet without any problems at all. I've ridden 10 hours in a steady rain, and I guarantee that there was nothing under those covers that wasn't completely drenched.

There are two things you should not do: Use a high pressure spray, or use any cleaner that isn't known to be perfectly safe on a motorcycle.

Plain water, a simple soap solution, or any motorcycle specific cleaner such as S100 should be just fine. I've used them all under the side covers with no problems at all. Some gentle scrubbing around with a soft cloth or a long bristle brush like a paint brush, a gentle rinse, and let it dry.

On the other hand, although there's a 99%+ chance they won't be a problem at all, I really wouldn't recommend something like 409, Fantastic, Simple Green, or purple or orange or any other degreaser spray. If it doesn't say on the label that it's safe for bikes or electronic components and connections, why take the risk.

Mar 15, 2016 | 04:44 AM

#22

grbrown

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Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 45,429

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From: Bedford UK

Have we got these things clean yet?!

Mar 15, 2016 | 07:57 AM

#23

BlueBeast

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Joined: Oct 2015

Posts: 391

Likes: 52

From: Pittsburgh, Pa.

Quote:

Originally Posted by penmaker

Would something like Simple Green be ok?

Ahhh, I would have to say NO! When I used to drive a dump bucket I watched some dummy spray it on a polished aluminum bed of a new truck to clean it and lets just say it didn't shine too much after that, but it was clean ... good thing he only did the gate instead of the whole bed. The boss let him keep his job after he spent most of his day polishing it back up, lol. I blow the majority of it out with a blow gun and wipe the rest out with a damp rag ... it's only dust and it doesn't take long for it to look crappy again so don't kill yourself cleaning it. You would never know all that crap was hiding behind those covers if you didn't pull them off. If you think that looks nasty, wait til you yank your seat off if you haven't yet, lol.

Mar 15, 2016 | 08:02 AM

#24

Kerr8005

Cruiser

Joined: Oct 2015

Posts: 243

Likes: 51

From: Topeka, Kansas

I thought about hitting mine with a little brake cleaner. Since nobody has suggested that, maybe I shouldn't.
Under the seat / battery compartment is extremely nasty on my bike.

Mar 15, 2016 | 08:26 AM

#25

BlueBeast

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Joined: Oct 2015

Posts: 391

Likes: 52

From: Pittsburgh, Pa.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kerr8005

I thought about hitting mine with a little brake cleaner. Since nobody has suggested that, maybe I shouldn't.
Under the seat / battery compartment is extremely nasty on my bike.

Good thinking because that is a BAD idea. Some brake cleaners will ruin/soften rubber (such as all the abs hoses under right cover) and even melt certain plastics. I ruined a good (what I thought was good) plastic measuring cup with all the oz. graduations on it from having the bright idea of using brake clean to clean it out, had to buy a new one.

Mar 15, 2016 | 08:35 AM

#26

Wilee

Advanced

Joined: Apr 2015

Posts: 56

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From: Ontario

I remove my seat, saddle bags and side covers every time I wash my bike. Just spray it with the garden hose under the seat and side covers. Gets rid of most of the crap. All electrical connectors are waterproof except for battery connections and water won't hurt them.

Mar 15, 2016 | 08:40 AM

#27

Uncle Larry

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2011

Posts: 157,459

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From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2013_FLHTK

Soap (Dawn) and hot water keep that area clean on my bike. Wash under the covers twice a year.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1flhtk4me

Thats probably the cheapest effective cleaner.

Quote:

Originally Posted by son of the hounds

Same here I use a cheap "2" Chip" paint brush and then rinse. Always starts right up and leave the covers off until it is dry again.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geoff

Same thing I was going to say. Wetting the electrics behind the covers with a hose and soap is not a good idea.

You're all big boys and are going to do what you like ... but I can tell you ( from years of experience painting ) that common dish soaps are extremely tough on finishes as they remove ALL OF THE WAX and protectants that you have previously applied. Food for thought.

Mar 15, 2016 | 09:14 AM

#28

TheGrandPoohBah

Extreme HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2011

Posts: 14,731

Likes: 2,536

From: Mountain Top, Alabama

If you must wet things in there, be sure to treat the fuse tips to prevent corrosion.
This thread reminds me of a Guy I used to know that shared His idea of how well a swab worked to get tire treatment inside the grooves of the tire tread.