Cleaning Fanatic
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 178
Likes: 5
From: Topeka, KS
I think they change when yo spend 25,000 dollars for something.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,692
Likes: 22
From: Denham Springs, La
I have a long gravel driveway. If my bike leaves my garage clean, it'll either be dusty or muddy by the time I get to the road. I try to keep it clean but I gave up on spotless a long time ago. It's got pecks and dings on the upper fairing, lower fairings and even the chrome forks. It'll NEVER look as good as it did when I rode it off the showroom floor and I don't expect it to.
If it's a little dirty after riding to/from work all week then 3 or 4 hundred miles on the weekend it's OK with me. Maybe I'll get around to cleaning it next weekend or when I get laid off.
If I came to realize that I liked cleaning my bike as much as I liked riding it, then I'd go have my head examined, but that's just me. I understand others would rather have a spotless bike (garage queen) and that's OK. Some would rather ride a lot AND have a spotless bike-also OK.
It's your bike and your time. Do as you please, and as far as bikes and investments-if you invest in your IRA like you invest in your bike then you're never going to be able to retire.
If it's a little dirty after riding to/from work all week then 3 or 4 hundred miles on the weekend it's OK with me. Maybe I'll get around to cleaning it next weekend or when I get laid off.
If I came to realize that I liked cleaning my bike as much as I liked riding it, then I'd go have my head examined, but that's just me. I understand others would rather have a spotless bike (garage queen) and that's OK. Some would rather ride a lot AND have a spotless bike-also OK.
It's your bike and your time. Do as you please, and as far as bikes and investments-if you invest in your IRA like you invest in your bike then you're never going to be able to retire.
I remember the 70's too. Breaking/repairing chain alongside the road. Getting "pegged" to a wide spot to make necessary repairs. And everytime you saw a rider stopped alongside of the road you stopped to help. Bikes today are a lot more dependable than they were back then.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
From: maple valley WA
This thread made me laugh, I run the hell out of all my toys and all of them shine better then showroom. I just feel like im giving it away if im not taking care of it. Im real religious; I wash my ride on sunday morning.... every sunday morning rain snow whatever. My cars, the wives rig, my truck, my boats, my bikes, the rv, everything gets looked over some washed and some more.
I also like to have a cocktail or 3 in the evening and what better to do then rub a little carnuba on the truck and watch it shine? I keep the scoot knee deep in wax so it only takes about 5 min to wipe all the bugs off and have it looking like new. Beats the heck out of watching tv.
I also like to have a cocktail or 3 in the evening and what better to do then rub a little carnuba on the truck and watch it shine? I keep the scoot knee deep in wax so it only takes about 5 min to wipe all the bugs off and have it looking like new. Beats the heck out of watching tv.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Cape Cod Area
Its not about a choicer of 'riding or cleaning'...you can do both easily
Cleaning is not about hours on hours, its about using the right products and tools and it takes minutes!
S100 spray, light power washing (very light), Air dry with wet/dry vac....30 minutes tops.
Couple of times a year, use the quick wax, no buffing or rubbing....
Like I said, easier than folks think...
Cleaning is not about hours on hours, its about using the right products and tools and it takes minutes!
S100 spray, light power washing (very light), Air dry with wet/dry vac....30 minutes tops.
Couple of times a year, use the quick wax, no buffing or rubbing....
Like I said, easier than folks think...
Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 762
Likes: 14
From: Bellevue, NE
I figure that since I spent the extra cash on the two-tone paint, not to mention the extra chrome, I want to be able to see it! That said, a good wash every 1 - 2 weeks is enough for me.
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Actually that is a pretty good answer, IMO. I have always loved the look of Harley chrome and it looks so damn good clean and shiny that I like to keep it that way. My dealer just sponsored a free cleaning clinic. I went because I figure I can always learn a new trick or two....
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,462
Likes: 121
From: Northern Illinois
How many out there have this book in their library? And have actually read it? I have a couple of times over the years.
Lot of good tips. Hey, this thread has made me want to read it again, just in case I forgot something!
And I am in the spotless camp, but not afraid to rack up miles. I have been that way with bikes since my first Honda 750 in 1973.
Lot of good tips. Hey, this thread has made me want to read it again, just in case I forgot something!
And I am in the spotless camp, but not afraid to rack up miles. I have been that way with bikes since my first Honda 750 in 1973.