How do you \"dry wash\" your bike?

[OB_CuriousMike]

I've heard some on the net bragging that they've never "used water" to wash their bikes.

How?

If you've got a fine layer of dust/dirt on your bike, do you just tag a soft rag, spray Plexus on it, then wipe it down?

Wouldn't you just be wiping the dirt along the paint as you wipe it off?
(As opposed to water gently rinsing the top layer of dirt off.)

???

 

[OB_Kirk]

Well, let me put it this way: Yes.

 

[OB_CuriousMike]

Yes to the first question, or yes to the second question?

 

[OB_JohnC]

I use WD40 w/ paper towels for any tough grease or chain wax. Fantastic on paper towels for the wheels(cleans brake dust real well). On the body, I use a California duster if needed, then use a good detailer with a cotton cloth. Takes the bugs, water spots, dust, and even mud real well. Never scratches.

I polish with Zaino Brothers Show car polish stuff, and their Z6 detailer. I use it on my Vette, so it's good enough for the Bus. I rarely wet wash my Vette, and it always looks detailed.

 

[Guest]

Quick cleanup - I use Meguires Quick Detailer. It has a little wax in it and most importantly has lubricants to prevent scratching. I also use a soft cloth, turn often and replace when it gets dirty. It will remove tar and grease but WD-40 is better for the worst. I only use this method between real washes. After a while it gets dirty in too many places for this to be a time saver any more. Tires and wheels are another matter too.

[This message has been edited by Todd (edited 29 June 2000).]

 

[OB_SlowHand]

No water, ever, unless it rains. Plexus actually leaves a thin protective film which makes bugs, dirt, etc come off easier without scratches.

I get small white terry shop towels by the bale from Costco.As soon as one shows any dirt, it becomes a chain cleaner.

More bikes are scratched by dirty rags than by anything else. I also use WD 40 and Meguiar's where appropriate.

My last bike was a '92, and it looked as good in '99 when I sold it as it did in the showroom, maybe better. No rust problems, no bearing problems, all original cables, still running the original chain,etc.

Use water if you want. Hell, drag it through a swimming pool if you want. I've been doing this for more than 50 years, and I learned a long time ago that my scoots worked better and lasted longer when I kept water as far away as possible.

Dirt bikes are another story. When they get really grungy, water is necessary, although care should be taken to keep it out of bearings.

 

[OB_Blue2Busa]

Windex works well too. Does that count as water? It will strip some wax though. I just tried ArmorAll spray on wax. That works really well for a wax not a cleaner. It don't seem to trun the black plastic white if you get it on it.

 

[Guest]

i never spray water when i purchased my busa i took delivery right out of the crate no prep, no rides, dont even get near it.i found out dealers use pressure washers then blow them off with air dealers are completely clueless if i'm at a dusty race track or bike just gets dusty i use a bucket and sponge no hose my friend sells to car detailers and sells a car wash soap that i use it is very slimy he explained its that way to always keep a layer between the water and parts so the dust wont scratch i also use a product of his called body shine this stuff is fantastic after i ride for the day you just mist it on and wipe it off leaves a shine and wont scratch a lot of people who show they vehcles at shows use this same product finally i use honda spray polish this works great on wheels this stuff also is unbeleiveable it works on everything those bugs that find there way on your forks and are hard to get off this stuff takes it right off

 

[OB_LeeMI]

I'm sure my Busa cringes but I use some Harley gloss detailer that I used on my Sportster. It works well. Good for faceshields too. My buddy wants some. He likes the way it works on his SuperChicken. Simple Green for the wheels followed by a mist of water works great.
Lee

[This message has been edited by LeeMI (edited 29 June 2000).]

 

[OB_jcchen]

Mike - Plexus is the same as the Honda Polish. I've used both and they work the same. Plexus is a tad cheaper. Also try Pledge Furniture polish - really. Someone told me once that it has carnuba wax in it. Works great as well.

 

[OB_Havabusa]

Mike-
The California duster (walmart $20)
will take off the dust. They make a dash duster that is small and perfect for bikes.
HONDA makes good spray polish, along with the meguiers and now amorall makes a quick detailer. Most places that sell these items, also sell SOFT polishing cloths.

 

[Guest]

Pledge spray furniture polish or Eagle brand "Wet" detailer spray is what the early Busa guys agreed on. It's worked for my '00 so far.

Windex has ammonia in it. A sticker on the screen (that we all threw away in the 1st 5 minutes of ownership) recomments against use of ammonia based cleaners.

 

[OB_Mr Bear]

GoBig uses coffee as an all-purpose cleaner. Works well on a napkin for wiping the tank; however, when used in the same fashion on his 6-year-old daughter's face, he ends up with a slightly angry little girl on his hands...but her face is clean!

 

[Guest]

I'm with Havabusa, Honda makes this stuff, think it's called "Honda Polish" in an spray can. Spray it on, wipe it off with a clean dry cloth, great results, works on any surface.

I never put water on my bike.

I was doing the Windex/paper towel thing until my shop recommended the Honda Polish and it is 100% better. It leaves a nice glassy shine, eats bugs up pretty good and supposedly keeps the bike from collecting dust. I've heard that Windex will scratch your paint? I looked at my tank ('98 Black ZX11) and there are microscopic swirling scratches but I can't say they are from the Windex.

I think you'll like the Honda stuff, pretty pricey $11 at Honda, I found it for $6 at a performance shop.

Bob

 

[OB_SUPERTUNER]

As far as getting the dust off...you do as you see fit, but once it is gone, try using a product from Maxima called "Spray & Shine". It is an aerosol based carnauba that works real well. This spray on detailer works well on paint, chrome and plastic. Not a reall good "grundge" remover but for the bodywork it is awesome. We use it when we are through servicing bikes in the shop. Good Stuff! Peace...Freddie

 

[OB_CuriousMike]

Thanks all for the suggestions...
For now, I'll do the dusting then Plexus applications until I'm outta the Plexus... then I'll look for the Honda cleaner.

Over.

 

[OB_greg0420]

Amsoil mirorcal wash and polish

 

[AQUADIOSMED]

dry cleaning:

I used to detail cars to support myself while in high school college, I was abandoned and had to pay all the bills1

Most important are "lint" free rags, generally old, soft towels.

use an old spray bottle filled with water;

for the tough spots use a quality auto cleaner soap & water followed by the above;

I lightly spray the towel with the water, gently wipe down painted surfaces;

rims and other harder to clean stuff:

a dry shop cloth works as 1st application;

followed by w-d 40 on a clean cloth to eliminate any hard to get off grease etc.

2nd step:

clean lint free towel with no ragged ends,
(I actually use sissors to trim), this will eliminate all those littl threads that like to stick in those litttle spaces;

this time, use a light water spray together with a light spray of "pledge" or "behold" on the towel;

lightly wipe down the painted surface, followed by a dry, lint free towel and lightly buff;

you can do the same on the clean rims, etc. if you want;

the whole procedure, if done after or just before each ride takes about 10 minutes;

once you like the finished product, you can then go with the "wax on wax off" procedure!

Ciao





[This message has been edited by AQUADIOSMED (edited 01 July 2000).]

 

[OB_Martinm2]

hehe, I thought you were supposed to SPIT on a rag to clean your kids.. That what I got back in the days, it was just the reason I needed to keep clean......

As far as the bus is concerned, I ride it too damn much (if there is such a thing) and that includes rain and muddy wet roads. Mr. suds where are you? I use a good ole 5 gallon bucket with turtle wax car wash. After I rinse away the grim, it's Mothers time for the aluminum bits, some chain wax, and caranuba for the paint.

 

[OB_falcon fool]

Bob Judge:

Man your shop is rippin you off!!!! I pay 3 buck a can for the Honda Polish. I have been useing it for about 7 years now. Sometimes I buy it by the case but mostly a can or two at a time. I am telling you 3 bucks!