Washing the bike
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Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 726
Likes: 3
From: Texas
Washing the bike
After a 700 mile ride this weekend, some through heavy rain, the street glide is filthy. Bug guts all over the fairing as well. What product would you recommend to wash the bike? This is my first touring bike so any other advice would be greatly appreciated.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 315
Likes: 3
From: New Smyrna Beach, Fl.
I heard and tried a wet fabric softener sheet will loosen up the bugs for easier removal, then wash as normal.
I just use the regular car wash stuff you buy at the auto parts store. Twice a year I give the scoot a Turtle wax paste waxing, and the rest of the time I use Turtle Wax spray after a washing. The bugs come off pretty easy.
I learned from the first wash not to use a pressure washer. Just normal garden hose pressure. I got all kinds of codes and lights until it dryed out.
I learned from the first wash not to use a pressure washer. Just normal garden hose pressure. I got all kinds of codes and lights until it dryed out.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,335
Likes: 328
From: Arizona
There are paint safe bug remover sprays available, then power wash carefully. My fav. is bug squash.
http://www.autogeek.net/poorboys-bug-squash.html
http://www.autogeek.net/poorboys-bug-squash.html
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,593
Likes: 35
From: South Carolina-First to secede and hopefully the next.
I've always washed my bikes like I wash the car, being a little more diligent around the electrical switches. Lots of soap and lots of water. Blow dry, hand dry, some WD40 for the switches. wipe down, polish, wax, admire, beer. Done.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 147
Likes: 1
From: Charleston, SC
I use Clean Cycle wash. Just spray it on and hose it off. Works great on the chrome as well and no spotting. No hand washing at all. Here's the link. http://www.cleancycle.com/index.html
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 635
Likes: 29
From: Bakersfield, CA
Prior to a normal wash, I spray bug splats with a homemade mix of 50% hydrogen peroxide & 50% water. Let the bug protein soak it up and soften, prior to washing. Some also suggest laying a warm wet bath towel over bug splat areas... that if softens them and makes them easier to wipe off during the wash.
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 122
Likes: 5
From: SATX
Hydrogen Peroxide will break down the proteins in bugs. I usually just soak a rag and wipe down the area. Then go back over it with my cleaner of choice. It does not bleach the paint I have used it several times, on black denim. The most sensitive of paints.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 44,893
Likes: 29,868
From: PNW
I take a big towel and soak it in soapy water. I drape it over the windshield and fairing and make sure it's tight against the surface. I do the same to the lowers and fender when necessary. I let it soak the bike for about ten minutes while I wash the non bug splattered parts of the bike. This way the water doesn't just run off or evaporate. It loosens up the bugs pretty well. I save the front parts fairing, lowers, fender) for last. I always use a fresh bucket of soapy water for this part. I also use a micro-fiber washing mitt which seems to grab the bugs w/o scratching the paint.
When I'm traveling I'll ask the hotel for an old towel and soak the bugs off the windshield using just water. It works well and it's nice to look through a crystal clear windshield when I head out in the morning.
When I'm traveling I'll ask the hotel for an old towel and soak the bugs off the windshield using just water. It works well and it's nice to look through a crystal clear windshield when I head out in the morning.