Power or hand job

[Adrian6171]

O.K guys just about to wash the bike but how (seems daft question) do you power wash your bike or hand wash ???

[ChristoT]

Your bike is like your dick - don't trust it to a machine. 

Hand jobs all the way!! 

[snapper]

don't trust it to a machine ? have you seen some of those machines ? 

[ChristoT]

don't trust it to a machine ? have you seen some of those machines ? 

 

http://newsroom.electrolux.com/uk/wp-content/common/photos_uk/sb4400-aeg-2.jpg

[Hedgetrimmer]

Just finished washing mine (bike!), used a degreaser around where the chain lube makes a mess, Muc Off bike cleaner everywhere else. Frequent hosings down with cold water, not letting the cleaners dry on. Just a garden hose with a spray fitting that can be concentrated to a firm jet, not as harsh as a steam or jet wash, and don't have to worry too much about where it goes. Be careful using the latter, especially around electrics - avoid. Steam cleaners will worsen areas of bubbled/flaking paint, so if you've got anything like that (engine casings?), avoid. Used a chammy to dry off worst, when it's properly dry will polish paint and black plastics with Mr. Sheene and a soft clean cloth.
Had to be careful not to get too much degreaser on the chain as I ran out of chain lube for the Wales run yesterday!

[Phil]

The rear wheel bearing failed on my XJR1300 failed 5 miles from Dover going on holiday. Luckily next morning a bike shop replaced it and I was just delayed by a couple of hours. They found a bit of rust in there, so it was the result of me jet washing the bike a couple of times I reckon. I thought I'd been careful to keep the jet off all the bearings. Nowadays its garden hose to wash it.

[red98]

yep...garden hose for me too..........@ CHRISTO....just love the way your sense of humour has developed ,all down to FOC-U 

[Chris]

Just garden hose on very low pressure and by hand. never use a pressure washer as it can damage parts.

Chris

[stevierst]

I mostly don't wash my machines, its only the well applied layer of crap on them that prevents them from getting dirty.

When I do wash them normal cleaning products won't touch it, it 'needs' a pressure washer to get the shit off. I keep it away from bearings and major electrics though.
A pressure washer can be useful at getting into the nooks and crannies, and superb at removing those horrid lumps of hardened chain lube/road grime. Just be careful with it and don't get too close with it.

[Adrian6171]

Well ended up hand washing it,will have to remember to buy a short length of hose pipe and just do it with that next time must be a lost quicker,just used good old fairy liquid and luke warm water,just hate when it drys and you still see patches of dust still on when the waters dryed. To much of a lazy git to be doing a 3-4 hr clean .

[Hedgetrimmer]

People always say don't use washing-up liquid cos it contains salts or something that can be damaging to paint or something. I never had a problem with it myself, but I don't use it anymore, I just use dedicated bike cleaners. Or something. And now I've been out on it again and have to wash all the bloody flies off again! 

[Adrian6171]

People always say don't use washing-up liquid cos it contains salts or something that can be damaging to paint or something. I never had a problem with it myself, but I don't use it anymore, I just use dedicated bike cleaners. Or something. And now I've been out on it again and have to wash all the bloody flies off again! 


Wish i'd known that a couple of hours ago,will now have to go out and buy some proper stuff and clean it again tomorrow 

[Chris]

A note for anyone who cares, don't ever use fairy liquid to wash a car or bike.

Fairy liquid contains salt and will ruin and leave swirly scratches in your paintwork and when it dries then those salt particles that are left attract moisture which in turn leads to rust etc. Car/bike specific shampoo/gel isn't expensive and lasts a long time, it will also do a much better job of cleaning your vehicle. You've been warned.

For the really caked on hardned dirt then just soaking it will loosen it, it just takes a few minutes longer, understandably not everyone is interested in this extra time but it'll help keep your bike looking nicer for longer if you take your time to wash it properly 

Chris

[red98]

oh yes.....washing up liquid is defo a no no......two reasons,first the salt and second it should only be used by girls 

[Chris]

oh yes.....washing up liquid is defo a no no......two reasons,first the salt and second it should only be used by girls 

  sexist much? haha 

[stevierst]

Another tip for baked on flies removal. Put an old towel/ sheet over your nose cone, soak it in water and leave for 10 minutes (keep it wet) remove the towel, and the flies should just wash off. Failing that, get the angle grinder out! :

[AdieR]

Mine gets a quick wash by hand (bucket and brush), warm water and car wash shampoo once a week roughly.

[Dead Eye]

When I get round to washing my bike, its usually some degreaser (left on for stubborn parts) then some use of WD40 / GT85

Haven't found a need for soap yet - I leave that for the car when it gets a clean

[Lawrence]

I don't wash mine, only cleaning it gets is a bit of spit on some tissue to clean the salty shit off the lights in the winter.  I have washed it before (15k ago, at least) and it was covered again the next day so I haven't bothered since.

[fazersharp]

forget your expensive de greasers, just use paraifin around grease areas. Get it from your local garage somtimes called keroseen.

[chaz]

hand job every time, wash and wax, then watering can, rinse, then I wash the bike the same way

[The Rocketeer]

Jetwashed all my bikes for years, never had a problem, I'll buy car wash shampoo if I can be bothered but have used washing up liquid, never caused any problems, I'm sure there's more salt on the road than in a squirt of Fairy, just remember, rinse rinse rinse.

[simonm]

hand job every time, wash and wax, then watering can, rinse, then I wash the bike the same way

Nicely put.