How dirty??
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
From: NE GA
How dirty??
How dirty do you let the scoot get between rides?? At the moment mine is covered with the exoskeletons of many sacrificed flying things because I have not washed it in about a month. I figure it's for riding, not for driveway bling. It's actually kinda fun to see folks react to a dirty bike when I go on an organized ride and everyone else's bike is glisteningly clean. It does look great when it's clean and gets a wax job every time it's washed, but I'd rather be riding so the washing ain't my first priority.
And no, a dirty bike is not a sign of a non-maintained bike. I religiously keep up with the maintenance on all my vehicles, and equipment.
And no, a dirty bike is not a sign of a non-maintained bike. I religiously keep up with the maintenance on all my vehicles, and equipment.
Last edited by DeadLevel; Sep 14, 2009 at 09:26 PM. Reason: sp
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 8,423
Likes: 2
From: Ellenwood, GA - The Ghetto Part
I do about the same as you. I will keep the bug guts cleaned off because they can pit paint.
But if it's a choice between 2 hours of washing/saxing or 2 hours of riding....I'm going to ride.
But if it's a choice between 2 hours of washing/saxing or 2 hours of riding....I'm going to ride.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: Sunny NH
+1 My bike is for riding. If the weather is nice enough to wash it, I am riding. It has been at least a month. I wipe it down with a California Duster occasionally but I think the last top to bottom was the end of July.
+1 on cleaning the bug guts off. There is acid in the bug remains that can mar the paint. But otherwise I ride. I never spend more than 30 minutes cleaning except for twice a year when I spend maybe 2 hours.
There are several very good sites on cleaning your scoot - read them, you will have a clean scoot with way less time / money spent.
...gene
There are several very good sites on cleaning your scoot - read them, you will have a clean scoot with way less time / money spent.
...gene
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 39,695
Likes: 2,118
From: Central, Ca.
Summer is bad here for bugs, when I come in I get a wet towell and clean the windshield, fairing and forks if they need it. Only takes a couple minutes I figure it's easier when the splat is fresh
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,878
Likes: 17
From: The Desert SouthWest
I try to wash mine once a month - twice if I can but usually ends up being once a month. I live on a dirt road two miles from the nearest paved road so it's always a bit dusty. When I get home I blow it off with the air compressor and cover it with a big bed sheet. We have few bugs here in the desert so not so much of a bug issue - just DUST is my biggest problem here. It's an abrasive dust from the decomposed granite here so can't just dust if off with one of those Calif Dusters like some say they use. You have to use LOTS of warm soapy water and a wash mit to avoid scratching the hell out of it.
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I generally find at least a half-hour every weekend to do a bit of cleaning. Not a full on wash and detail, but enough to keep it clean and shiny. I use Meguire's quik detail and a cal duster. Then, sometimes I'll polish a litttle chrome, other times I'll wax the tins or clean the wheels and tires. If I do something every week, it never gets to the point that it takes me all day to get it back in top shape. It also gives me the opportunity to look at it for potential maintenance issues.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,325
Likes: 12
From: SE Florida
Alright Arizona! A bedsheet is the cheapest cover, lets air circulate, light weight, washes easily, and for all these years I thought I was the only 'cheapo' to use one!!!! Smart lad, you are! (or rather, we are!)
