How do YOU keep your Bagger clean?
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6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 11
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How do YOU keep your Bagger clean?
Sorry for the lame question.... I just can't seem to keep my 08 Ultra looking clean.
Just would like to hear what others do. I have a power washer, and a small leaf blower. I usually take a swipe at the bugs with some Rain-ex bug remover, rinse, then hit the chrome , rims and forks, with S-100. Power wash right after, then dry with the blower. I then use Purple Slice to shine and buff with. But the hard to get to places never seem to come clean enough to my liking. My rear rim looks like its been through a tar dip. After over an hour of work it is cleaner, but still not near show room condition.
I know, have it detailed... When you are too broke to do that, what's YOUR method?
Just would like to hear what others do. I have a power washer, and a small leaf blower. I usually take a swipe at the bugs with some Rain-ex bug remover, rinse, then hit the chrome , rims and forks, with S-100. Power wash right after, then dry with the blower. I then use Purple Slice to shine and buff with. But the hard to get to places never seem to come clean enough to my liking. My rear rim looks like its been through a tar dip. After over an hour of work it is cleaner, but still not near show room condition.
I know, have it detailed... When you are too broke to do that, what's YOUR method?
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,002
Likes: 1,240
From: On the Front Range, CO
My method would be to keep that power washer away from the bike. There are all sorts of places that it will put water where you don't want it, like wheel bearings for example.
Really though, it's just time. It takes time to wash a bike and get it back to new looking again. I take off my bags, I take of the side panels and wipe the insides down. Every little part gets wiped down with detailer and a microfiber cloth.
Wax as needed. I've been known to spend about 6-8 hours washing my Street Glide. The actual washing is quick in comparison, but then it's on to polishing chrome and detailing. It's a labor of love...
Really though, it's just time. It takes time to wash a bike and get it back to new looking again. I take off my bags, I take of the side panels and wipe the insides down. Every little part gets wiped down with detailer and a microfiber cloth.
Wax as needed. I've been known to spend about 6-8 hours washing my Street Glide. The actual washing is quick in comparison, but then it's on to polishing chrome and detailing. It's a labor of love...
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,968
Likes: 34
From: Lockport Township, IL
I sit in the garage with a glass of Captain Morgan and Diet coke in my left hand and a cigar in my right hand. My Greyhound lays at my feet on one of his many beds. We watch the wife as she washes, dries, and waxes all three of the bikes. I am kinda lucky, my wife hates dirty bikes. Sometimes when she's done with the bikes, she cleans up the cars too. That gives me time for another Captain and coke and another cigar.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,020
Likes: 69
From: Twin Cities, MN
I sit in the garage with a glass of Captain Morgan and Diet coke in my left hand and a cigar in my right hand. My Greyhound lays at my feet on one of his many beds. We watch the wife as she washes, dries, and waxes all three of the bikes. I am kinda lucky, my wife hates dirty bikes. Sometimes when she's done with the bikes, she cleans up the cars too. That gives me time for another Captain and coke and another cigar.
You my Sir, are living a blessed life! Make sure you reward your wife and let her play your skin flute when she is done!
Road Captain
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 692
Likes: 0
From: kentucky
Keep it wiped down. Doesnt take long if you dont let it get out of hand. I have a bud that wont even make a stab at wiping his down or anything. Every once in a while he will run a rag over it then bitch like a girl that had her credit card taken away because it looks dull and all that. Get it all dolled up then maintain it.
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 332
Likes: 0
From: Rockys
Once a year, if the bike needs it or not, hit it with the power washer (not at the wheel bearings) and then ride it to dry.
Done in 3 minutes.
All those bugs, they are my "trophies".
Done in 3 minutes.
All those bugs, they are my "trophies".
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 745
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento
its tough keeping it clean. i live next to a dirt field & when im done by the next day it has a fine layer of dust on it so most of the time i just clean it before i go for a ride or if i got bugs on it i will get the bugs off & then wait to clean the rest before i ride.
I HATE THAT DAMN FIELD!!!
I HATE THAT DAMN FIELD!!!
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 346
Likes: 0
From: North Jersey
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