Wipe down

[Metalman]

I wash my bikes only when they are very dirty, using liquid car soap and water. They dry them with a micro fiber cloth. Then I use Honda spray cleaner or Plexus, or Lemon Pledge and wipe it dry. I prefer the Plexus, Honda spray cleaner and polish, and Pledge in that order. I ride much more than I clean...and my bikes look it.

[dpetrick]

I use Kawasaki Wipedown or Kawiklean to keep mine clean.

[Ride4Life]

I never hosed down a bike in my life!!!!!

Pledge

nuff said

[mad5674]

Originally Posted by RichLockyer

Plexus works fine for everything.
For paint/chrome, I also like Mequires Quick Detail spray.

The only time my bike gets "hosed down" is if it's covered in mud, or if I've spilled oil down the back of the case.

Same here, I figure less water means less chance for rust in places you can't see or get to. I use Meguires spray on everything except the seats, saddlebags, and tires.

I know you can always use a dryer or go for a ride to completely dry it but I still wonder about the nooks and cranny's. To me it's just easier and looks better using the detail spray wax.

[johnathon amos]

I use Plexus.

[KennesawCruiser]

Originally Posted by 2thdr

Windex has ammonia and will strip wax off paint. I'm just waiting for the "Pledge Crew" to assult us Plexus and detail spray users...

Hey, man, waste your money if you want to! It's a free country (for now).

Seriously, I use a detailer on the tank (tried several brands, most are good) and Luster pad/lace for the chrome & wheels. Pledge is great on front/rear fender and covers (vn800a) and phenomenal on the windshield. I never would have believed it if someone on this forum hadn't turned me on to it ("Pledge?!? Seriously?") but it works!

[2thdr]

Originally Posted by KennesawCruiser

Hey, man, waste your money if you want to! It's a free country (for now).

Seriously, I use a detailer on the tank (tried several brands, most are good) and Luster pad/lace for the chrome & wheels. Pledge is great on front/rear fender and covers (vn800a) and phenomenal on the windshield. I never would have believed it if someone on this forum hadn't turned me on to it ("Pledge?!? Seriously?") but it works!

How long and how often have you used Pledge on the plexiglass? Yellowing is what I'm afraid of.

[GregsVulcan]

Originally Posted by agentfox1942

I use SB100 when I'm going to hose the bike down and Capt. Richard's Best spray on when I'm just "dry" wiping it. That stuff works wonders and doesn't require water or anything but a clean rag. Highly recommended.

+1 Highly recommended.

[ersterhernd]

Mother's Showtime.

Keep a bottle in the saddlebag with a microfibre towel.

Mothers® California Gold® Showtime® Instant Detailer

[rw979802]

Hi everyone new to the sight. Wish I'd have found it last yr. I have an 08 900 and have used kawasaki wipe down since I got it and it seems to work great. Paint or chrome, and brings out a real nice shine to both.

[MJScore]

Original Mineral Spirits(aka Honda Cleaner)and Pledge here. Water and soap every other month. Simple Green to loosen up the old dirt first. Then blow dry with my leaf blower and wipe down with micro towels. I know it's a lot of work but it sure looks nice when I'm done. The wife calls me nuts but when I do my bike, truck and her car she doesn't mind me spending the day on them.

[Bubba68CS]

Originally Posted by mad5674

Same here, I figure less water means less chance for rust in places you can't see or get to. I use Meguires spray on everything except the seats, saddlebags, and tires.

I know you can always use a dryer or go for a ride to completely dry it but I still wonder about the nooks and cranny's. To me it's just easier and looks better using the detail spray wax.

Guess you don't ride in the rain much, eh? Can't say I've ever given a second's thought to rust on the bike. Besides...most of my 900 and '14 are plastic anyway

Personally, if my bike can just be wiped down...it ain't dirty. Still...this winter, I'll be without a garage (just a cover )...so I may need to try one of these cleaners...guess I'll see if they'll handle a bike that's been ridden through the rain.

[Idaho]

All this chat about how to clean and which brand of cleaner to use etc... Do you guys get together and clip coupons and plan for your next shopping day as well?

Just kidding of course, I couldn't resist. Nothing wrong with taking pride in your investment.

I usually clean the bike at the beginning and at the end of the season. A bucket of soapy water and a garden hose works for me. I haven't used the bike in 2 months now and I really should clean it so I can park it for the next 6 months. Maybe on Sunday.

[RichLockyer]

Originally Posted by 2thdr

How long and how often have you used Pledge on the plexiglass? Yellowing is what I'm afraid of.

Plexus and Pledge are basically the same stuff, but Plexus is unscented.

Remember... Pledge doesn't cause that "waxy yellow buildup" that other furniture polishes cause

[Hacker]

BUGSLIDE™ It works on the whole bike for cleaning. I use a brush/soapy water only on the rims/spokes.

[thelastpatriot]

Originally Posted by Richard Kerr

My bike has only been "washed" 3 times. I wipe it down before or after a ride with Lemon Pledge and a couple soft rags. Work for every part of the bike, its cheap and you can get premoistened wipes. If its good enough for show cars, its good enough for me.

sounds logical to me

[mad5674]

Originally Posted by Bubba68CS

Guess you don't ride in the rain much, eh? Can't say I've ever given a second's thought to rust on the bike. Besides...most of my 900 and '14 are plastic anyway

Personally, if my bike can just be wiped down...it ain't dirty. Still...this winter, I'll be without a garage (just a cover )...so I may need to try one of these cleaners...guess I'll see if they'll handle a bike that's been ridden through the rain.

I'll ride in the rain when I have to or get caught in it but I don't go out of my way to get in it.

That said, I still think less water the better. I have shaft drive but if it was chain wouldn't you need to wipe down and lube? No matter how good a vehicle is rustproofed 'eventually' water will take it's toll. My truck came rustproofed through-out, undercarriage after 6 yrs. is starting to rust pretty good. JMO

[Bubba68CS]

Originally Posted by mad5674

I'll ride in the rain when I have to or get caught in it but I don't go out of my way to get in it.

That said, I still think less water the better. I have shaft drive but if it was chain wouldn't you need to wipe down and lube? No matter how good a vehicle is rustproofed 'eventually' water will take it's toll. My truck came rustproofed through-out, undercarriage after 6 yrs. is starting to rust pretty good. JMO

I have to clean the chain quite often when riding in the rain (or even damp pavement)...but thats done with a 'dirty' towel, wire brush, and some kerosene.

Anyway, I don't really concern myself with rust since the key components of my bike are either plastic or aluminum. Aluminum doesn't rust...just forms an oxide layer on the surface. Only thing I have to worry about really are electrical connectors...which tend to be weather tight connectors. Just my take.

[pappie]

I clean mine with a wet micrfiber cloth and a dry one to wipe with. If I really want it to shine I use MeQuires' qiuck detail. Pappie

[Metalman]

Riding in a heavy rain for a couple of hours at 60 mph will dampen the bike a lot more than hosing it. I have a friend who uses a power washer in his 1800 Gold Wing. No problems yet. If you want to see rust, ride the bike through slush and brine on the roads during a NH winter without washing it off when you get home.