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Washing your bike

Discussion in 'Pull up a chair and sit for a spell' started by RoadKingBlack2010, Aug 25, 2010.

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  1. RoadKingBlack2010

    RoadKingBlack2010 New Member

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    What does everyone use to wash there bike. I bought some Turtle wax soap and wax, does a pretty good job.
    RoadKingBlack2010, Aug 25, 2010
    #1
  3. Red Rider

    Red Rider Well-Known Member

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    Turtle wax has worked for me plenty of times, but if I am in a hurry I use the S-100 spray foam. Very happy with the quick results.
    Red Rider, Aug 25, 2010
    #2
  4. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

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    a nice ride in the rain works for me...............:D
    chucktx, Aug 25, 2010
    #3
  5. FLHTbiker

    FLHTbiker Moderator Staff Member

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    I use turtle wax car wash soap, works great. For quick clean up or polishing I also carry a can of Showcrome cleaner polish or a can of the Honda spray cleaner polish works well to.
    FLHTbiker, Aug 25, 2010
    #4
  6. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

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    i use the honda spray also............after a wash off in the rain!!:D
    chucktx, Aug 25, 2010
    #5
  7. FLHTbiker

    FLHTbiker Moderator Staff Member

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    Hmm, must not get washed to often then, never rains where your at, right. :D
    FLHTbiker, Aug 25, 2010
    #6
  8. alex the dog

    alex the dog Active Member

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    I get so many bugs plastered on the front, that all I can do is take it to the self-service car wash. Then I go home and use Meguire's Quick Detail spray. Wax with ZYMOL once a month.
    alex the dog, Aug 25, 2010
    #7
  9. JohnnyBiker

    JohnnyBiker Well-Known Member

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    This is going to sound weird, but I just use a plain and simple natural or organic dish soap. The hard chemicals are absent so I won't damage my paint. Fairly fresh paint job too.
    JohnnyBiker, Aug 25, 2010
    #8
  10. FLHTbiker

    FLHTbiker Moderator Staff Member

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    I would never use dish soap to even wash my truck let alone my bikes.
    FLHTbiker, Aug 25, 2010
    #9
  11. JohnnyBiker

    JohnnyBiker Well-Known Member

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    yyyyy?
    JohnnyBiker, Aug 25, 2010
    #10
  12. cowboy

    cowboy Moderator Staff Member

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    JB the dish soap will leave a film that you can't see ,thats why they make the special wash for cars for a quik job I use pig snot spray
    cowboy, Aug 25, 2010
    #11
  13. JohnnyBiker

    JohnnyBiker Well-Known Member

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    I have never seen a film left on my bike from the soap. Nobody has ever commented on it either????
    JohnnyBiker, Aug 25, 2010
    #12
  14. FLHTbiker

    FLHTbiker Moderator Staff Member

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    Thats because you can't see it until its to late
    FLHTbiker, Aug 25, 2010
    #13
  15. JustonB84

    JustonB84 New Member

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    HD sunwash is a good choice esp. On lexan and pipes, if u have adequate shade or better yet a garage/wash bay, Aqua Reef Coral Blue high foaming wash available @ wal-mart or any auto parts store is hard to beat. Then top it off w/ some lucas quick mist or Eagle One spray and wipe detailer and you'll have it shinin like a new nickel. BE SURE TO CHECK THE LABEL FOR LEXAN SAFE SURFACES ON WINDSHEILD !!! And I also recommend only washing exhaust and mufflers waxes and Polish will haze when they heat up.
    JustonB84, Aug 25, 2010
    #14
  16. kenfuzed

    kenfuzed Administrator Staff Member

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    I really like the S-100 stuff but rarely get around to buying it when I need it so I'll reach for any car soap like the turtle wax. I've used the Mr Clean car wash before which does a nice job. I have an RO/DI (reverse osmosis) water system and use that for the rinse which leaves the bike or truck spot free.
    kenfuzed, Aug 25, 2010
    #15
  17. lwedwards

    lwedwards Active Member

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    I just use hot water to clean and wax once a year. Just had it repainted so have to take it easy for a while.
    lwedwards, Aug 26, 2010
    #16
  18. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    You want to use an automotive type soap,
    not just water, or dish washing soap.

    Automotive soaps are designed to lift dirt
    and grime off the paint, it doesn't "remove" but lifts
    it so when you wash it won't scratch the clear coats

    Water alone will have you just moving
    dirt around on the paint and cause fine scratches
    you'll be polishing and waxing more,

    Dishwashing soap contains cleaners
    that strip away oils dirt and wax.
    Use it and it will take the wax right off your paint
    leaving it unprotected.. Not a good idea, organic or not..
    hotroadking, Aug 26, 2010
    #17
  19. RoadKingBlack2010

    RoadKingBlack2010 New Member

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    Be careful I have heard it can damage the rubber parts.
    RoadKingBlack2010, Aug 26, 2010
    #18
  20. Hot01

    Hot01 Active Member

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    I go to the car wash, and then I use the stuff that I got at Chuck's house. I haven't washed it since I wrapped the pipes. I'm not looking forward to the steam bath afterward.

    There's the trick with the dryer sheets that works for bugs, but I don't know if that does anything funky like dish soap.
    Hot01, Aug 26, 2010
    #19
  21. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    dryer sheets are fine, get the el-cheapo, wet them, wet the surface and it will
    remove the bugs very quickly no scratches.

    Best to always have a good coat of wax on it anyway..
    hotroadking, Aug 26, 2010
    #20
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