Ultra owners: Question about washing the bike
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area, CA
You'll be fine getting it a little wet, just don't soak the thing.
I personally don't ever clean the bike with water. I use products designed to remove grease, oil and waxes (when it's time), then reseal/glaze and re-wax the bike. From that point forward I use either Plexus and re-apply a quick coat of wax to the bat-wing, OR use a spray detailer that is designed NOT to remove the wax and simply wipe-on, wipe-off. If you do it frequently enough, the bike never gets dirty enough to need a full water/wash. I realize, especially on long trips, this isn't always possible though.
I personally don't ever clean the bike with water. I use products designed to remove grease, oil and waxes (when it's time), then reseal/glaze and re-wax the bike. From that point forward I use either Plexus and re-apply a quick coat of wax to the bat-wing, OR use a spray detailer that is designed NOT to remove the wax and simply wipe-on, wipe-off. If you do it frequently enough, the bike never gets dirty enough to need a full water/wash. I realize, especially on long trips, this isn't always possible though.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,803
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From: El Paso, Texas
+!.........................Just Ride!
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 513
Likes: 3
From: Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
I clean my bike a couple times a week but usually only 1 time with water. IMO water doesn't hurt it at all. I blow dry then finish up with a microfibre cloth and haven't had any trouble yet spraying everything down with a hose although I wouldn't hold the hose on the gauges or stereo. I like to use S100 cleaner and wax in between washings. Works well for me.
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 74
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From: Bay Area, CA
^^^ exactly.
Water doesn't hurt at all. I simply haven't had the need to use it, so I don't. I use one line of products from a company that I like -- but pretty much everything out there is good these days.
Whatever you do, just make sure you're using clean towels (100% cotton, or microfiber) to wash, as well as wax/dry, your bike. I take extremely good care of mine, but even taking the best of precautions I still get some spider webbing/surface imperfections on my vivid black.
Water doesn't hurt at all. I simply haven't had the need to use it, so I don't. I use one line of products from a company that I like -- but pretty much everything out there is good these days.
Whatever you do, just make sure you're using clean towels (100% cotton, or microfiber) to wash, as well as wax/dry, your bike. I take extremely good care of mine, but even taking the best of precautions I still get some spider webbing/surface imperfections on my vivid black.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,878
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From: The Desert SouthWest
My Electra Glide was just fine from getting wet - just don't blast the hose directly at the instruments is all I'd suggest. Splash and spray won't hurt a thing. These bikes are designed to be in the weather remember.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 830
Likes: 34
From: Missouri
Wow! I think I've hose washed my bike 3 times, maybe 4 in the three years I've owned it. Winter riding is the worst. But even then, at most I'll use a bucket of sudsy water and one or two buckets of fresh water to rinse in the garage. I usually don't hose wash unless the black on the engine is getting bad. Then I'll pretty much just wash the engine, blow it dry and wipe her down. I'll spray S100 Engine brightener on it and it's usually good for 6 months or more. A quick wipe down, before or after a ride. Wax twice a year. The rest of the time is better spent riding.
Thread Starter
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Advanced
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 84
Likes: 1
From: Idaho
So, someone clue me in about this waterless bike cleaning business. If it's faster and easier, I'm all for it. No doubt I'd rather spend my time riding than cleaning.
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