Rookie mistake...or?
- Thread starter BIGSMOOTHH
- Start date
Wow...doesn't anyone ride in the rain? I ride almost everyday, and I seem to catch a down-pour about once a week. A complete mess - something S-100 just wont take care of by itself.
Washing plastics in the bathtub is just too much work for me. I picked up one of those Mr. Clean car wash units that attach to the garden hose. I dont bother with the soap refils, I just use some Mcguires (sp?) to fill up the soap resivor. I rinse the bike down, soap it up, wash with a sponge, and rinse with filtered water. I wait for it to dry, and than use some S-100 to finish up the cleaning job. I do use a plug for the exhaust as a percaution, and I think it's common sense not to use the old pressure washer to clean out the air intakes.
While the bike s drying I tend to lube the cables, check the tires for any potential problems, and run the bike for a minute on high-idle after I remove the exhaust plug. And I tend to clean the chain up with some diesel fuel before I apply a light coat of s-100 to my wheels.
I would avoid using pressure washers, and washing and waxing in direct sunlight. Also, if you ride in the rain a lot like I tend to get stuck in - check out your rotors on occasion. If I let the bike sit a day or so without riding it, a little rust builds up on the rotor surface - I use a little brake cleaner and some fine steel-wool to clean up the surface - check your brake pads while your down there.
<!--EDIT|Mork
Reason for Edit: "spelling once again"|1152599801 -->
Washing plastics in the bathtub is just too much work for me. I picked up one of those Mr. Clean car wash units that attach to the garden hose. I dont bother with the soap refils, I just use some Mcguires (sp?) to fill up the soap resivor. I rinse the bike down, soap it up, wash with a sponge, and rinse with filtered water. I wait for it to dry, and than use some S-100 to finish up the cleaning job. I do use a plug for the exhaust as a percaution, and I think it's common sense not to use the old pressure washer to clean out the air intakes.
While the bike s drying I tend to lube the cables, check the tires for any potential problems, and run the bike for a minute on high-idle after I remove the exhaust plug. And I tend to clean the chain up with some diesel fuel before I apply a light coat of s-100 to my wheels.
I would avoid using pressure washers, and washing and waxing in direct sunlight. Also, if you ride in the rain a lot like I tend to get stuck in - check out your rotors on occasion. If I let the bike sit a day or so without riding it, a little rust builds up on the rotor surface - I use a little brake cleaner and some fine steel-wool to clean up the surface - check your brake pads while your down there.
<!--EDIT|Mork
Reason for Edit: "spelling once again"|1152599801 -->
WOOOOOOOOOOSSSSSHHHH!!!!! Over my head!!!!
But I remember the days when I rode my Kanana in the rain (on rare winter days/nights) in Los Angeles... mainly down the 101 from Thousand Oaks to Woodland Hills... crazy long ride in the rain, but I did it when needed.
Right now, I intend to keep my bike rain free.... and I am actually scared to wash it now. I've heard so many stories about what not to do....
I think I'll just baby it and use a wet rag for sure and maybe do a slow rinse with the hose.... because at this point, I'd hate to fvck up my bike because it's only got 460 or so miles on it! It's not really dirty nowl.... just has some bugs! AL is full of bugs. The other day while passing this car on a 2 laner I had this big 4ss bug SPLATTER all over my visor!!! Sorta freaked me out! And tonight after riding I was flicking several bugs off of my t-shirt.... I hate bugs... I hate AL!!!
California here I come.... again.....
Don't forget to put some water in the gas tank as well...full wash. I start with the hose in the exhaust pipe for about 5 minutes. Then I run it in the ram air tubes for about 2 mins each.
About the time the tow truck comes Im finished.
yellaboy151
Registered
Instead of using a water hose I just dip mine in the Bayou behind my house. The turtles like the loud pipes.
ahh hence the "turtle wax" line of products!
Well well now. The problem was that my PCIII lost its map. It purrs like a freakin lion now. Thanks for all the help.
And just for posterity's sake....I never put water in my Busa's exhaust or intake. I did it a few times with my old Interceptor with it running. Dont know why. Just did it.
Thanks again for the help.
And just for posterity's sake....I never put water in my Busa's exhaust or intake. I did it a few times with my old Interceptor with it running. Dont know why. Just did it.
Thanks again for the help.
How would you feel if someone read this and actually did put water in the gas tank? I know.... you'd laugh. So would I!!! haha!Don't forget to put some water in the gas tank as well...full wash. I start with the hose in the exhaust pipe for about 5 minutes. Then I run it in the ram air tubes for about 2 mins each.
About the time the tow truck comes Im finished.
Good news, glad it all worked out for you...
I give a full wash 'bout every-other-week. Wipe in between. When I wash I gently wet her down, then sponge wash, then rinse. Use a leaf blower to dry. The blower gets all the water out of the tiny places you can't reach. My girl loves a nice cool bath--seems to run better when she's all polished up!
I only wash mine with a power washer. And I ride in the rain. No problems.
We have a small koy pond in the backyard, only about 3 feet deep. I installed a filtration system to keep it sparkly clean, and a ramp... similar to the ones you find at your local marina. Each week, sometimes twice, I start by spraying her down with a DEWALT 3750 PSI Gas Pressure Washer to get all the grime off. Then I roll my baby Busa down the ramp, lather her up with Dove dish washing liquid (its 1 quarter moisteririzing cream) and a Brillo pad. I let her soak there about 30-mins. Then I use a Northern Industrial 700lb Hoist I have mounted on the front of my sons 10-speed to pull her out and dry her off with a 36in., 7100 CFM, 1/2 HP FlowPro Drum Fan that I found at a yard sale. Drying takes about 3 seconds per side. Once that's done she starts right up every time... never ever had a problem. You just have to remeber not to start your bike while it's under water... I read that somewhere.
Other than that, I've never found an easier - more efficent - way to get her clean.
<!--EDIT|BigGeorge
Reason for Edit: None given...|1153060737 -->
Other than that, I've never found an easier - more efficent - way to get her clean.
<!--EDIT|BigGeorge
Reason for Edit: None given...|1153060737 -->
