Cleaning Fanatic
I clean my bike constantly. Not only am I cleaning it, I'm also taking stock of everything on the scooter. A loose bolt, a dry rotted hose, a leaking brake line, there's alot of things on a scooter that can go wrong that will leave you stranded or even get you killed.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,236
Likes: 1
From: Gainesville, VA
Your OCD shouldn't associated with the type of bike you ride. You either like/need to clean or you don't.
I'll wash mine when necessary but if it's going to rain tomorrow, I won't wash today it cuz I'll be riding it in the rain. The guys at work always give me crap about having a dirty bike but it'll be the one in the parking lot next to the dirty beemer when it's raining. I don't ignore service or inspection but it ain't no Garage Queen. It's my first choice for a mode of transportation. It'll ride dirty just fine.
I'll wash mine when necessary but if it's going to rain tomorrow, I won't wash today it cuz I'll be riding it in the rain. The guys at work always give me crap about having a dirty bike but it'll be the one in the parking lot next to the dirty beemer when it's raining. I don't ignore service or inspection but it ain't no Garage Queen. It's my first choice for a mode of transportation. It'll ride dirty just fine.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 10,216
Likes: 224
From: Glendale AZ
Why are Harley owners such cleaning fanatics, I also am one, my bike is as clean as the day I rode it out of the showroom floor, all my friends are the same way.
Went out west last summer, ran into several groups of Beemer riders, heck you could grow corn of of their bikes there was so much dirt on them.
Recently went riding, ran into more Beemer riders same thing, filthy!
Why are we so **** about cleanliness?
My wife says I'm obsessed with having my bike spotless, as a good husband, I just don't respond back!
I'm just throwing this out there for others to comment!
Went out west last summer, ran into several groups of Beemer riders, heck you could grow corn of of their bikes there was so much dirt on them.
Recently went riding, ran into more Beemer riders same thing, filthy!
Why are we so **** about cleanliness?
My wife says I'm obsessed with having my bike spotless, as a good husband, I just don't respond back!
I'm just throwing this out there for others to comment!
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,783
Likes: 10
From: Oh
Most everyone sells their bike eventually. It is very easy to see how a bike has been taken care of, i.e.;rounded off bolt heads, oil leaks, dirty, rusted bolts, parts missing, etc. No, your bike is not an investment like your home but, it does have value. Also pride has a lot to do with how you maintain anything you own. I am proud of how hard I have worked for what I have and when I do sell something, I get top dollar because of how it was taken care of. By the way, I ride 15K /yr but, my bikes and cars always look new. Call it a hobby.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,706
Likes: 14
From: Near Frankenmuth, MI
I hate bug guts smeared all over my ride.
I usually spot clean before each ride! My bike is a lot faster when it's clean ... lol.
Truly, Harley owners are a "proud breed" for the most part. Having a clean ride shows you care for your ride.
Besides we all know our Harley's are for show, and admiration. It pleases me over and over to hear from others what a nice ride I have. Many are surprised to find out it's an '86.
Truly, Harley owners are a "proud breed" for the most part. Having a clean ride shows you care for your ride.
Besides we all know our Harley's are for show, and admiration. It pleases me over and over to hear from others what a nice ride I have. Many are surprised to find out it's an '86.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 507
Likes: 5
From: Florida
It goes with pride of ownership and as another rider pointed, good time to take stock of all the accoutrements (preventive maintenance).
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 8,039
Likes: 1,305
From: Jayhawk Country
I'm a clean freak too, but not with just my Road King. My Tahoe and My wife's SLK are spotless too as is the house. I think it's pride and protecting your investment. If I rode a Beemer it would be spotless too.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 17,136
Likes: 6,161
From: SE Michigan
I'm a clean freak as well. Everyone says "dont clean, ride", well there are a lot of times where I *can't* ride, thats when I clean.
Examples are - Bad weather (rain is fine on a trip, even fun, but I'm not going to go on a local bar hop in the rain), commitments that keep me home (kids), etc etc.
I do like a shiny bike, and I'm completely **** about it, but given the choice of ride vs. clean, ride wins every time.
Examples are - Bad weather (rain is fine on a trip, even fun, but I'm not going to go on a local bar hop in the rain), commitments that keep me home (kids), etc etc.
I do like a shiny bike, and I'm completely **** about it, but given the choice of ride vs. clean, ride wins every time.