Cleaning under side covers
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Tourer
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 434
Likes: 2
From: Wisconsin
Cleaning under side covers
After 40,000 miles, the area under the side covers is really filthy. I'd like to clean that up, but don't want to have trouble with the electronics. Am I better off just leaving it alone or is it really not that bad to clean that area every few years?
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Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 65
Likes: 2
From: Washington
My new to me road king is the same way after 30k miles. I am in the middle of a ton of mods but plan on just cleaning that area with some Endust electronics cleaner I have then hitting all the connectors with dielectric grease. Should be good for another 30k.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,006
Likes: 1,240
From: On the Front Range, CO
I'm really surprised that the area under the covers goes overlooked so often. I wash that area every time I wash the bike, but then again my friends tell me I'm OCD/****.
Typically, I wash the side covers while on the bike, and then after they're dry, I remove them and wipe out the back side with a damp microfiber towel. From there, I use the same towel to wipe down the area under the covers. I have never sprayed water directly on there. Some items are water resistant like the siren or HFSM/TSM and the fuse block, but spraying water right on them can't be favorable.
I think as long as you don't dowse the area with water, you'll be fine. I sometimes use detailing spray as well.
Typically, I wash the side covers while on the bike, and then after they're dry, I remove them and wipe out the back side with a damp microfiber towel. From there, I use the same towel to wipe down the area under the covers. I have never sprayed water directly on there. Some items are water resistant like the siren or HFSM/TSM and the fuse block, but spraying water right on them can't be favorable.
I think as long as you don't dowse the area with water, you'll be fine. I sometimes use detailing spray as well.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
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From: Ohio
Every once in a while I take a clean dry paint brush and give the area under the covers a good cleaning. Then I blow it out using some dusting air. If you need extra cleaning put some 99% isopropyl alcohol on the brush.
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Tourer
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 434
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From: Wisconsin
Thanks for the suggestions. I wasn't (still ain't) kean on spraying with water, will likely wipe and brush off as much as possible. I can't imagine how much crap would be under those covers after going th Alaska.
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Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Vermont
I use a dry soft brush on the fuse area and some Meguiars quick detail spray and a micro fiber on the other under cover areas. I do the same under the seat. That area gets it every wash, but the under side cover area only about twice a year, and then a good cleaning before winter storage. I live on over 6 miles of nasty gravel road, so those areas need attention for sure!