2 of the best tools for washing your bike.

[KnotSo]

These dogs are plenty water friendly.

5.5 hours in heavy rain at 80-85mph and no issues. Hell, Ray even needed a new tire and his dog ran the rain just fine. Washed the bike the next day with a hose and more water. I do cover the running lights and controls with thoses elastic mechancics gloves and raise the fork seal caps to air dry.

And no, I have done nothing to my wiring.

Quit snivilan, get out and ride it!

 

[Gas Man]

Cuz... but lets see the after to see how well you cleaned that dog.

 

[Cuz]

Cleans up Ok

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[/IMG]

Now that I think back I had one problem so far in the rain. One of my front turn signal lights stuck on in the rain. About an hour later it went off. Never checked it out and has never happened again.
I do wash with water about 3 times a year.

Laters all
Cuz

 

[Whistler]

Great Buy On Microfiber Towels

Sam's Club has a great buy on microfiber towels. 25 for $10. They come is various colors and appear to be very good quality also. I simply used a damp one to wipe off the dust and a dry one to remove the water film left.

 

[Slag]

Ok fellas I am the new guy here, I have been reading the posts, and I need a little clarifying. Some say dont use water to wash the DOG, but what waterless product would you use, does S100 make one? Two if you have to use water to wash the dog, make sure you cover the handlebars and the lights, and I am assuming S100 is a good product to use for washing it, and to polish/clean the metal? I am just trying to make sure I have the facts straight since I just am not sure. thanks

 

[BadBrad]

Ok fellas I am the new guy here, I have been reading the posts, and I need a little clarifying. Some say dont use water to wash the DOG, but what waterless product would you use, does S100 make one? Two if you have to use water to wash the dog, make sure you cover the handlebars and the lights, and I am assuming S100 is a good product to use for washing it, and to polish/clean the metal? I am just trying to make sure I have the facts straight since I just am not sure. thanks

Slag,
I would always say better not to spray down your dog. Not that water will kill it, but too many members have had issues with electronics after washing. So why chance it? You posted this in the right place, Show and Shine. There must be a thousand threads on different types of cleaners and everyone has their own personal preference. Read some of the threads and try these for yourself. I do recall one thread where someone used a chrome cleaner that had a bad affect on the aluminum....or vice versa. I would pay special attention to those type cleaners where they are specifically for chrome or aluminum, but not for both. There are a lot of cleaners that you can use for everything. Have fun reading and give us your opinion when you find something that works best for you. I think that using the micro towel is fairly generic among the forum. Good luck!

 

[PurpleDog]

I remember getting a kick out of this thread back then; I'll say this, my dog gets sprayed down top to bottom with that S100 and hosed off. I don't cover anything with plastic or sit there jetting water in my hand controls. I've had the water cause an interesting light show one time, but it dried out and was fine.
The way I look at it, it's a bike; bikes get wet - or not ridden.

 

[BBChopper]

I got to pipe in, Gas is right about if ya have to be careful. I have no choice; I live 6 miles inland and ride along the coast. My east facing windows on the house still get salt residue all year long so you know the bike gets covered. Also get caught in the rain all the time. I don’t wash the controls or the headlight. I wipe her down and let her sun dry with a compressor blowjob. No problems yet. I have over 9K almost 6K are mine in 14 months. :2thumbs: :2thumbs:

14,000 mile and still taking baths!!!!:2thumbs:

 

[98sporty]

I wash mine all the time. I use s100 and it works great. When i wash it, I only use a light spray of the water just to get the soap off and try to stay away from the electronics under the seat and controls.I thoroughly dry it after. I use compressed air to blow the water out of all of the allen bolt heads so it wont rust inside of them. Never had any issues at all.

 

[Slag]

Sounds good and thanks for the input. I ordered a S100 detail kit and DP waterless wash spray , and I already have the micrfiber towels, etc from my previous bike. I will let you guys know.

 

[kmalysa]

Chris, how do you get the dust, and grime off without scratching the finish?

I was a professional auto detailer for many years and cared for many of the high dollar cars you see traded at the Barrett Jackson Action in Scottsdale.

Well it is true that water and sudsy soap are the best way to lift dirt without scratching, using a water hose to some cars and Bikes brings on big problems. Mainly becuse of electonics on Bikes, and trailer queen show cars, that hold water in areas that do not drain or evaporate.

Soooo... With my dog I have a bucket of soapy water and a bucket of clean water and a soaking chamis. I carefully wipe the tins, and frame with the soapy water, then wipe the chamis (wrinsing in clean water bucket and wringing to damp), followed by micro-fiber and polish.
This minimizes damage to the clear coat from dragging sand and grit over the paint as a California Duster will.

A California Duster or Micro Fiber is fairly safe to use, when bike has not been riden or ridin onlay a few miles.
My 2c worth.
Ken

 

[Slag]

Here is something for all who worry about getting water on the Dog, I just went to pick up a chemical sprayer, which allowed me to wash with the S100 total cycle cleaner, since I am in an apt and dont have access to a hose. It worked well for me, so give it a try..

 

[K9Anniv]

...Total Cycle Cleaner S100 - Local Harley Dealership $15....I sprayed this stuff on everything and let it sit for about 5 seconds then blasted it with the jet stream on my garden hose. Holy crap batman!..

Make sure you stick to the "5-second" rule...that stuff is toxic! A few years ago I used it on my Harley, then got interrupted with a phone call and 'forgot' to spray it off right away.
After about 5-6 minutes on my engine, it left some serious streaks and etches in the aluminum...some of which never came out!

And be careful spraying that stuff around rubber boot covered electrical fittings.
It'll seep up underneath, corrode those parts AND take the surrounding black wrinkle finish off a Harley engine as a result.

Just a word to the wise...learned from my bad experience! :zzdisappointed:

 

[secinv]

After getting rained on for 2 days in Daytona and 1,100 miles in 4 days, my bike was filthy. I figured I would be cleaning it for days. I went out and bought 2 items to help. Here they are.

Wheel Cleaner from AutoZone - $4

Total Cycle Cleaner S100 - Local Harley Dealership $15

I sprayed this stuff on everything and let it sit for about 5 seconds then blasted it with the jet stream on my garden hose. Holy crap batman! This stuff really works. My aluminum was actually shinning again. All of the grime and road rash was gone. I then used the wheel brush on every inch of my bike (except for the tins). This thing was great. I could bend it any way I needed it and it was small enough to get in the tightest spots but big enough to do the wheels with. I used it on the engine, the trans, in between the engine and trans, frame, bars, forks, starter, pulley, brake calipers, wheels and underneath everywhere. For $4 bucks, I trashed it once I was done but am going to buy a few next time I’m at Autozone. After all of that, I used some Mothers car wash soap and a sponge to go over everything again. Then the leaf blower came out for a quick dry. Then the air compressor for those hard to reach areas. Then a quick 20 min rip to make sure she ran ok.

I have been using the same since receiving my Indian Chief in 2009. It works great.....

 

[Macdwn]

My dog only see's water when I get caught in the rain and when I get home to wash it off before I put in the garage. Stripper juice, showtime, and wizards is all that touches it.