Washing a Bagger
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,034
Likes: 127
Harleys do have problems with moisture in bearings and anything that is electrical. Most any manufactured device will have problems when you forcibly introduce moisture where it is not meant to be. I think that until Harley starts making sump pumps I will continue to wash the old fashioned way, with a bucket. Granted I won't be using the "official" Harley wash bucket, nor the Harley soap, Harley water or Harley drying rag, so I risk possible death and or warranty issues. As careful as I am, I still have to replace bearings and switches occassionally. And yes, even the radio has been replaced.
If I was buying an American made bike I might expect the components to be of a higher quality and to last longer. But, alas, I bought a Harley Davidson that was outsourced for most of it's parts to China. Oh, they are assembled in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Kansas City, but the parts for the most part come from China and Japan where they are produced much cheaper. I am not foolish enough to think that Harley is the only manufacturer to pull the wool over our eyes though. I am old enought to remember when Walmart emblazened the motto "We Buy American" on the sides of all it's trucks too. Is there a point to this tome? Nope. Somehow just venting it makes me feel better though. Excuse me while I take a break now and ride down to Walmart on my Chinese motorcycle for a six pack of beer made in Milwaukee...or could it really be from Hang Seng?
If I was buying an American made bike I might expect the components to be of a higher quality and to last longer. But, alas, I bought a Harley Davidson that was outsourced for most of it's parts to China. Oh, they are assembled in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Kansas City, but the parts for the most part come from China and Japan where they are produced much cheaper. I am not foolish enough to think that Harley is the only manufacturer to pull the wool over our eyes though. I am old enought to remember when Walmart emblazened the motto "We Buy American" on the sides of all it's trucks too. Is there a point to this tome? Nope. Somehow just venting it makes me feel better though. Excuse me while I take a break now and ride down to Walmart on my Chinese motorcycle for a six pack of beer made in Milwaukee...or could it really be from Hang Seng?
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
From: North Central Ohio
I abuse my scoot, I ride almost every day as long as I can reach my destination dry and not frostbit. Most of my washing is done at the carwash, presoak, powerwash where needed and wash the rest without squeezing the triger, spotfree rinse. Towel dry the windshield tank seat and grips wind dry the rest on the way home. Then wipe down entire bike with micro fiber towels (great deal @ Sams Club). Been doing this for years and no problems. This takes all of thirty to fortyfive minutes which means more riding time! Don't know where you guys live that you can keep your scoots clean with out washing but it aint Ohio or you have alot of time to spend polishing. I'd rather be riding.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,083
Likes: 338
From: Upstate, SC
There are times, such as a lot of road spray, when I use a high pressure car wash. However, when spraying the back of the fairing or around the side covers, I keep the spray nozzle way back to reduce pressure.
Never, never set your hard bags on the floor and hit them with water pressure without holding them down or they will tip and go skidding across the concrete scratching their paint as they bobble around. I knew that but it happened to me anyway last night.
Never, never set your hard bags on the floor and hit them with water pressure without holding them down or they will tip and go skidding across the concrete scratching their paint as they bobble around. I knew that but it happened to me anyway last night.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 7,090
Likes: 3,882
From: Murfreesboro , TN
As others have said, you should be fine washing it normally. I've had my bike outside in the pouring rain, washed it and gotten the inner fairing wet, and never had a problem with the (aftermarket) deck or speakers.
As far as washing, just a regular hose/nozzle works fine. I don't try to soak down the fairing, but it always gets wet. Never had a problem (although I am looking for a new deck, but then it's been 5 years on the Sony deck I have installed.....)
As far as washing, just a regular hose/nozzle works fine. I don't try to soak down the fairing, but it always gets wet. Never had a problem (although I am looking for a new deck, but then it's been 5 years on the Sony deck I have installed.....)
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 690
Likes: 0
From: NYC
What you want to do is a 2 step "pre-wrap" before you wash.
1st step- Apply bubble wrap around entire bike.
2nd step- Tape up all seams
Now you're ready to wash the bike. No drying necessary with this method.
Hope this helps!
BTW- These motorcycles are made to be ridden in RAIN. Just use common sense. Couldn't resist!
1st step- Apply bubble wrap around entire bike.
2nd step- Tape up all seams
Now you're ready to wash the bike. No drying necessary with this method.
Hope this helps!
BTW- These motorcycles are made to be ridden in RAIN. Just use common sense. Couldn't resist!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,561
Likes: 280
From: North Cental Iowa
I abuse my scoot, I ride almost every day as long as I can reach my destination dry and not frostbit. Most of my washing is done at the carwash, presoak, powerwash where needed and wash the rest without squeezing the triger, spotfree rinse. Towel dry the windshield tank seat and grips wind dry the rest on the way home. Then wipe down entire bike with micro fiber towels (great deal @ Sams Club). Been doing this for years and no problems. This takes all of thirty to fortyfive minutes which means more riding time! Don't know where you guys live that you can keep your scoots clean with out washing but it aint Ohio or you have alot of time to spend polishing. I'd rather be riding.
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Matt Dugstad
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Jul 23, 2017 11:43 AM
