How clean should a bike be? - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

D_Klein · 04-25-2007, 05:22 PM

Some say a bike should be spotless, some prefer a filthy bike. I tend to wash mine every 2-3 weeks or as often as it's needed. I'll spend 2-3 hours just cleaning the exterior of the bike (thanks to the incredible water spots left by desert water), but I sometimes feel compelled to start taking things apart to get a more thorough cleaning.

I have the time and the inclination to make my machine sparkling-clean, but part of me wants it to be as grungy as my riding jacket.

robertc729 · 04-25-2007, 05:25 PM

Clean it hell, just ride it.

PhotoJoe · 04-25-2007, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D_Klein

SI'll spend 2-3 hours just cleaning the exterior of the bike

OK, I know I'm new, so can someone explain how you clean the "interior" of a bike?

J/K man. I wish I has decisions like this to make!

raycogxxx · 04-25-2007, 05:27 PM

Depends- you gonna ride it or take pictures of it. Just give it a good wash/wax every few weeks then just wipe it down before/after riding.

**Louis** · 04-25-2007, 05:29 PM

When it's too dirty I wash it. I ride rain or shine so it doesn't stay clean. It's meant to be ridden, it ain't a freakin show piece.

GregR1 · 04-25-2007, 05:39 PM

should be clean enough that you can spot leaks and cracks and other nasties fairly easily, and that if you need to reach your hand somewhere to check or adjust something, you don't get covered in 5 pounds of grime.

crud does add character, but not on a nice gixxer.

D_Klein · 04-25-2007, 06:03 PM

Grease and dirt buildup on an engine will actually cause it to run hotter, so it's a good idea to clean that stuff off at least every six months.

Believe me, there have been plenty of times I opted to ride rather than wash, but a big reason I bought my bike new is to keep it in a good condition for as long as possible. It's a lot easier to clean gunk off an engine if it's been done periodically throughout the years.

GregR1 · 04-25-2007, 06:13 PM

oh ya, a periodic cleaning is way better than a thorough cleaning once a decade. i wish i had done periodic cleans of my car.

actually, i'm heading off to a store tomorrow to get a big ol' 10 pound jug of industrial degreaser. the stuff's fairly cheap, so not much excuse not to give it a try.

D_Klein · 04-25-2007, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregR1

actually, i'm heading off to a store tomorrow to get a big ol' 10 pound jug of industrial degreaser. the stuff's fairly cheap, so not much excuse not to give it a try.

Do yourself a favor and test it on an inconspicuous area first.

GregR1 · 04-25-2007, 06:56 PM

good point! i've had good luck with kerosene on my [pedal] bikes, but it's pricey and kinda smelly, so i want to try the other stuff.

hmm, on the thread of cleaning, you every try using a pressure washer, or do you stick with a garden hose?

palanon · 04-25-2007, 07:16 PM

Stick to a hose and bucket. Pressure washers can be dangerous.

Compressed air is great for blowing off the bike though.

ChicsterMG · 04-25-2007, 07:36 PM

I'm with D Klein. I keep my bike clean. I ride it often and regardless of most weather conditions. I clean it regularly, mostly just becaue I like to. I do the same with my cages.

Not only do I like a clean machine, it helps keep it in good working order, the engine heat lower, and helps for a better re-sale value should I want to upgrade or trade for another ride.

I know Blackie, I still owe you a cleaning! Soon as it stops raining and I don't need a canoe to get to you, I will think about it. Don't forget though, the cost of mileage has gone up.

Iceman99 · 04-25-2007, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhotoJoe

OK, I know I'm new, so can someone explain how you clean the "interior" of a bike?

J/K man. I wish I has decisions like this to make!

I was thinking the same thing

SNAFU · 04-25-2007, 08:32 PM

I like to wash the bugs off as soon as I can. Those things are like little Aliens with their acidic guts eating through the paint.

**inspiron** · 04-26-2007, 05:14 AM

What is this "clean" you are talking about?

I wash my bike *occasionally*, as in maybe 2 - 3 times per season. I'll actually spend time washing and waxing and polishing as part of the "winterization" procedure, but that's my way of saying "good night" to my bike for the year.

SVZuki · 04-26-2007, 07:07 AM

My bike was detailed for me before I picked it up in March. I have ridden a few times in the rain and a few waterspots have shown up, along with a casualties on the headlight. I will probably wash and wax it this weekend as the chrome needs a little TLC.

Apertureguy · 04-26-2007, 07:22 AM

LOL...come on now, this isn't a real topic is it?

themeatmanlandry · 04-26-2007, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by inspiron

What is this "clean" you are talking about?

I wash my bike *occasionally*, as in maybe 2 - 3 times per season. I'll actually spend time washing and waxing and polishing as part of the "winterization" procedure, but that's my way of saying "good night" to my bike for the year.

+1 'cept for the part about winterizing, heh-heh.

If I'm spending time with the bike, I want to be on the road.

Bowtie18 · 04-26-2007, 08:26 AM

I'll clean mine when i tneeds it. I like to get the bugs off, and if I get caught in the rain, give it a cleaning. I only use the hose a couple of times a year. Usually just a wipe down with Quick Detail, and S100 after.

Also, the mirrors get a cleaning before almost any trip!

On the other side of that, I cleaned the wheels with the hose and Meguires car wash liquid just this weekend. They were pretty filthy! That was the first time this year I cleaned them!

Rockhead · 04-26-2007, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Apertureguy

LOL...come on now, this isn't a real topic is it?

04-25-2007, 05:22 PM	#1 (permalink)
D_Klein 100% Title Free Joined: Feb 2006 Bike: '05 GSX-R750 (Anniversary Edition) Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 1,544	How clean should a bike be? Some say a bike should be spotless, some prefer a filthy bike. I tend to wash mine every 2-3 weeks or as often as it's needed. I'll spend 2-3 hours just cleaning the exterior of the bike (thanks to the incredible water spots left by desert water), but I sometimes feel compelled to start taking things apart to get a more thorough cleaning. I have the time and the inclination to make my machine sparkling-clean, but part of me wants it to be as grungy as my riding jacket. __________________ "Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba...." ~Hunter S. Thompson

04-25-2007, 05:27 PM	#4 (permalink)
raycogxxx Sprocket Pilot Joined: Feb 2007 Bike: 2006 M50-Blue Location: Ft Worth, Texas Posts: 831	Depends- you gonna ride it or take pictures of it. Just give it a good wash/wax every few weeks then just wipe it down before/after riding. __________________ "So long as they don't get violent, I want to let everyone say what they wish, for I myself have always said exactly what pleased me." -- Albert Einstein 2006 M50 Blue, Jardine Slash Cuts w/custom baffles (courtesy of BlueM50Chick), Saddleman Profiler Seat, Memphis Shades Poptop shield, Tour Master saddle and fork bags, Küryakyn Dually ISO-Pegs, Stebel Airhorn.

04-25-2007, 05:29 PM	#5 (permalink)
Louis Administrator Joined: Sep 2003 Bike: SV650S '05 (Blue) Location: Gatineau, QC, Canada Posts: 10,652	When it's too dirty I wash it. I ride rain or shine so it doesn't stay clean. It's meant to be ridden, it ain't a freakin show piece. __________________ Louis

04-25-2007, 06:03 PM	#7 (permalink)
D_Klein 100% Title Free Joined: Feb 2006 Bike: '05 GSX-R750 (Anniversary Edition) Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 1,544	Grease and dirt buildup on an engine will actually cause it to run hotter, so it's a good idea to clean that stuff off at least every six months. Believe me, there have been plenty of times I opted to ride rather than wash, but a big reason I bought my bike new is to keep it in a good condition for as long as possible. It's a lot easier to clean gunk off an engine if it's been done periodically throughout the years. __________________ "Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba...." ~Hunter S. Thompson

04-25-2007, 07:36 PM	#12 (permalink)
ChicsterMG Refrigerator Magnet Test Engineer Joined: May 2005 Bike: Boulevard C50 Location: Afghanistan Posts: 3,475	I'm with D Klein. I keep my bike clean. I ride it often and regardless of most weather conditions. I clean it regularly, mostly just becaue I like to. I do the same with my cages. Not only do I like a clean machine, it helps keep it in good working order, the engine heat lower, and helps for a better re-sale value should I want to upgrade or trade for another ride. I know Blackie, I still owe you a cleaning! Soon as it stops raining and I don't need a canoe to get to you, I will think about it. Don't forget though, the cost of mileage has gone up. __________________ Sometimes you need to ask yourself, "WWGD?"...Just be awesome, that's all! GUT-CUT 2007: 177 LBS. 160 LBS.

04-25-2007, 05:25 PM	#2 (permalink)
robertc729 M-J.Com Master Poster Joined: Mar 2006 Bike: 05 Boulevard C50 LE, 06 S40 (wife's bike) Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 3,944	Clean it hell, just ride it.

04-25-2007, 05:39 PM	#6 (permalink)
GregR1 ... Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 2,308	should be clean enough that you can spot leaks and cracks and other nasties fairly easily, and that if you need to reach your hand somewhere to check or adjust something, you don't get covered in 5 pounds of grime. crud does add character, but not on a nice gixxer.

04-25-2007, 06:13 PM	#8 (permalink)
GregR1 ... Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 2,308	oh ya, a periodic cleaning is way better than a thorough cleaning once a decade. i wish i had done periodic cleans of my car. actually, i'm heading off to a store tomorrow to get a big ol' 10 pound jug of industrial degreaser. the stuff's fairly cheap, so not much excuse not to give it a try.

04-25-2007, 06:56 PM	#10 (permalink)
GregR1 ... Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 2,308	good point! i've had good luck with kerosene on my [pedal] bikes, but it's pricey and kinda smelly, so i want to try the other stuff. hmm, on the thread of cleaning, you every try using a pressure washer, or do you stick with a garden hose?

04-25-2007, 07:16 PM	#11 (permalink)
palanon No Significant Other Joined: Apr 2006 Bike: 2003 Bandit 1200S Location: Newmarket, NH Posts: 2,308	Stick to a hose and bucket. Pressure washers can be dangerous. Compressed air is great for blowing off the bike though.

04-25-2007, 08:32 PM	#14 (permalink)
SNAFU Leaned over, knee down Joined: Mar 2006 Bike: '06 M50 Black Location: Winnipeg, Canada Posts: 4,773	I like to wash the bugs off as soon as I can. Those things are like little Aliens with their acidic guts eating through the paint. __________________

04-26-2007, 05:14 AM	#15 (permalink)
inspiron Muscle Biker Joined: Jul 2004 Bike: Blue Suzuki GSX 1400 (2003) Location: Canton Basel-Land, Switzerland (47.4493, 7.76536) Posts: 11,743	What is this "clean" you are talking about? I wash my bike occasionally, as in maybe 2 - 3 times per season. I'll actually spend time washing and waxing and polishing as part of the "winterization" procedure, but that's my way of saying "good night" to my bike for the year. __________________ There is nothing worse than aggressive stupidity. - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe blog: gsx1400

04-26-2007, 07:22 AM	#17 (permalink)
Apertureguy Bridal Boutique Manager Joined: Jun 2006 Bike: 2006 Blue M50 Location: New York Posts: 3,050	LOL...come on now, this isn't a real topic is it?

04-26-2007, 08:26 AM	#19 (permalink)
Bowtie18 Third gear and cruising Joined: Oct 2004 Bike: 2006 Yamaha Road Star Midnight Location: Smyrna, DE Posts: 509	I'll clean mine when i tneeds it. I like to get the bugs off, and if I get caught in the rain, give it a cleaning. I only use the hose a couple of times a year. Usually just a wipe down with Quick Detail, and S100 after. Also, the mirrors get a cleaning before almost any trip! On the other side of that, I cleaned the wheels with the hose and Meguires car wash liquid just this weekend. They were pretty filthy! That was the first time this year I cleaned them!

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