Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => The Bike - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: atilla457 on June 18, 2011, 03:10:16 PM
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Got my leftover 2009 abs in fastest color black, at the end of April. Put in about 1100 miles already.
- first day, I felt the blood in my face go to the back of my head :)
- it looks and behaves like a fighter jet.
- the mirrors remind me "goofy".
- it is heavy :) already dropped it once while pushing it (first day).
- what I don't like is it gives instant speed as an option (and makes me lazy. I'm actively working on this aspect.)
I added and in the process of adding, top case, radiator guard, fender extender, risers. I think the last thing will be a taller windshield.
Anways, how do you guys wash the bike? I used to just hose my previous bikes, but it feels like that's not a good thing for c14.Any areas/spots to be careful about?
thanks,
enjoy your c14.
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A lot of guys here use a water hose (it's probably fine), I have not done that yet (I do worry about the electronics getting wet), Mine is a black 09 and all I have done is use pledge polish and micro-fiber towels, it still looks basically new w/2,200 miles and is always clean. I did ride through a heavy shower last weekend with no ill effects. I rode my last bike for 3 years and never used a hose on it other than the wheels, it still looked new when I sold it.
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I wait for it to rain, and then go for ride. ;D
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Garden hose and a bucket of soapy water (Dawn dishwashing detergent). I use a microfiber covered sponge to wash and a microfiber cloth to dry. If you've seen some of the downpours I've ridden through, you'd stop worrying about washing the bike. It can handle it.
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Garden hose and a bucket of soapy water (Dawn dishwashing detergent). I use a microfiber covered sponge to wash and a microfiber cloth to dry. If you've seen some of the downpours I've ridden through, you'd stop worrying about washing the bike. It can handle it.
Agree. Bucket of soapy water (Meguiars Gold Class) and a soft washing mit. Very light water pressure with the hose, especially around the handlebars and dash area. Dry with a soft towel, once-over with the Blaster sidekick, then finish with the soft towel a second time.
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Repeated washings and rain riding for my C14, still runs like a charm.
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Just don't use a pressure washer or a car wash. You wouldn't want to force water in a bearing or pivot point.
1,100 miles! I've done that in a day! ::)
8)
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Repeated washings and rain riding for my C14, still runs like a charm.
Bingo. Two weekends ago it was storming and pouring. And I had a dirty bike. I went for a ride!
Clean bike!
Well look, the road grime and all that crap is on the headers and under the engine but I'm not afraid to wash it with a hose and soap. If I can't, I don't want it.
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I just use a wet microfiber towell to wipe it down...
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Yeah what he said....ZG.....I do the same.
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Ridden it through downpours that felt like hail, it was so heavy. Not a problem for the Connie, although I never see it as cleaner after that then when I started. Road dirt and just plain dirty rainwater is no substitute for fresh water out of the faucet and a scrub-down with a cleaner/wax combo solution sold at Auto Zone.
I wouldn't recommend Dawn or any other dishwashing soap, it leaves a film, in my experience.
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how do you guys wash the bike? I used to just hose my previous bikes, but it feels like that's not a good thing for c14.Any areas/spots to be careful about?
Well, this is how I wash my C14, and the ZRX before it (and similar to car washing):
(This all assumes the bike was already stripped with Dawn and Mother's Synwax applied)
(Motorcycles are generally waterproof)
It is best to wash when not in direct sun, yet that is not always possible.
I start and move the bike, and leave it running...
I hose the outside surfaces down with a sprayer set on full jet but use "shower" for the dash area. This is VERY important, you want the bike to be extremely wet and you want to soak any bug spots. The object is to remove as much crud as possible to prevent scratching when washing.
Then I fill a clean bucket about 4" with water.
Add an ounce of Blue Coral wash n' wax.
Use a microfiber yard-type mit.
Wash the bike, starting with the windshield. Careful circles with very light pressure, making sure not to scratch, dipping often into the bucket.
Then raise the windshield and wash the back side and hard to reach areas.
Bike is nice and hot now. I turn it off.
Move to dash/controls/handles, then to tank and seat and other top areas.
Rinse with sprayer set to "shower".
Wash one side, then the other, then the wheels.
Rinse with sprayer set to "shower"- whole bike.
Dry with The Absorber artificial chamois.
The Blue Coral wash will not harm/remove the Synwax and adds a slight new layer of protection with each wash. With a properly polished/protected bike (and I use it on the headlights and windshield too), removing dirt, bugs, etc, is much easier and it will prevent damage from bird crap and leaves (although those should always be removed ASAP from painted surfaces).
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Garden hose and a bucket of soapy water (Dawn dishwashing detergent).
Caution: You should not use Dawn to clean any vehicle paint EXCEPT when preparing to wax or polish the bike. Dawn is very harsh and the ammonia will remove any protectant on the paint (which is desired when preparing to seal/polish, but NOT for normal washing).
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Microfiber towel and Plexus on the windscreen and front of fairing...spray it on let it soak for a couple of minutes and the bugs will wipe right off
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Strip wash with Dawn, use gas blower to dry. Then use Zaino Z5, let dry throughly. Wipe off with 100% cotton towel - then put on coat of Z2 on the complete bike windscreen, paint, everything put exhaust and leather seat! Seal with Zaino clear shield then shown car shine spray by Zaino.
Once you use Zaino products you'll be hooked!
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Washing? :nuts:
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i use a hose, except i dont get crazy with it around the dash area. 39,000 miles with no water related issues :)
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Caution: You should not use Dawn to clean any vehicle paint EXCEPT when preparing to wax or polish the bike. Dawn is very harsh and the ammonia will remove any protectant on the paint (which is desired when preparing to seal/polish, but NOT for normal washing).
I agree ..... I was always taught that using dish detergent to wash a bike is not good practice. Dish washing liquids are made to dissolve the grease and grime from your dishes. Your bike has various pivot and lubed joints that are accessibe to your washing. There is no good reason to have sudsy, grease cutting agents, oozing in to those spots.
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I agree ..... I was always taught that using dish detergent to wash a bike is not good practice. Dish washing liquids are made to dissolve the grease and grime from your dishes. Your bike has various pivot and lubed joints that are accessibe to your washing. There is no good reason to have sudsy, grease cutting agents, oozing in to those spots.
Dawn is the detergent of choice for wax and other protectant removal by auto detailers kinda like previous posters have mentioned.
Mike
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Washing? :nuts:
You crusty old fart!!!!!
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Dawn is the detergent of choice for wax and other protectant removal by auto detailers kinda like previous posters have mentioned.
Mike
OK, so that adds to my point. I guess if you want to strip the bike of wax and protectants, then use Dawn. The OP asked about simply washing the bike, not removing the wax.
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If I'm going to commit to washing my bike, then I'm going to spend the extra ten minutes to re-polish and wax. Fine particles can get trapped in the wax and abrade the finish if you don't remove it.
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I use a few methods. Most of the time I'm in a huge hurry and use this stuff called Best Overall Method. You can use it on everything and it's a waterless wash. I've been using it since 2003 and I love the stuff. I will even take a small spray bottle with me on trips to clean up the bike. I've gotten so many friends hooked on the stuff. They make some other products as well, but I stick with the wash. The guys at OCC even use it. I'm not sure that's a good plug, but for what it's worth. I just sent a bottle to my dad so he can clean his cars quicker. Do a search for the stuff, I can't recommed it enough. I also use it on my car. The site looks like a little bit of "as seen on TV," but he has a free offer for a small bottle and cloths. Give it a shot.
Sometimes for a really quick clean-up I'll use Plexus and a microfiber cloth, but it seems the price of Plexus is getting crazy so I may just start using the Pledge method.
Today was the first water wash. I use S100 for spots I can't get to really well like the swingarm, the suspension linkage, and the brake calipers. I'll also use it a little on the wheels. Then some spray on the engine because I love the smell. For soap I used Zaino's car wash. I love Zaino's. Your car will never look like as good as when you use their products. Recently, I've stopped using it because it's very labor intensive if you want it to look incredible and the prices of the stuff. For Zaino's to really look its best you'll need multiple coats. I would do five. Also the wax isn't as lasting as other brands. This is fine because the products are mainly geared toward show vehicles so they don't see as much as the elements as a daily driver. If you want to see how good it can looks I'll post a picture of a black vehicle I owned right after I went through the whole process.
I just bought some products called Optimum. They make a bunch of stuff. I just waxed my bike with it and it seems to do a very good job. So far I like it because it's just spray on and wipe off. I have some of their other products I bought in a kit. If it works well I may end up a customer. I haven't used any of it enough to form an opinion yet.
Every single one of my vehicles look brand new. I'm pretty anal about the whole thing. Most of my bikes have been high mileage and I can ALWAYS count on somebody, somewhere asking me if my bike is new.
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I wash with an automobile car soap, whatever is on sale. Water hose w/ no nozzle. Don't spray around electronics or bearings.
I rigged up an old hot tub air blower w/ craftsman hoses and nozzle to blow dry the bike. Then wipe dry w/ microfibre towels.
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Washing? :nuts:
Some of us take pride in our Concourses and want them to look even more awesome ;)
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(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/avatars/eek.gif)
WASH it!?
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If I'm going to commit to washing my bike, then I'm going to spend the extra ten minutes to re-polish and wax. Fine particles can get trapped in the wax and abrade the finish if you don't remove it.
10 mins to wax the bike? I must be doing something wrong then because if I wax the bike it takes me at least an hour more.
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10 mins to wax the bike? I must be doing something wrong then because if I wax the bike it takes me at least an hour more.
OMG, you are just slow ;)
It doesn't take me an hour+, but it doesn't take 10 min either. I would guess about 30 min. Of course, I am not using "wax" but Mother's Synwax (liquid synthetic)... it goes on very easily and is also easy to buff after it dries. It WOULD be 10 min, considering how little surface area there is on a bike, but the fairings are complex, especially the vent areas, and that is a slow-down.
With proper application, proper washing in the year afterward (see prev postings), and storage of the bike out of the sun/elements it should provide a year or more of excellent protection.
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OMG, you are just slow ;)
That's what my wife says. Slow isn't always a bad thing though. :P
It doesn't take me an hour+, but it doesn't take 10 min either. I would guess about 30 min. Of course, I am not using "wax" but Mother's Synwax (liquid synthetic)... it goes on very easily and is also easy to buff after it dries. It WOULD be 10 min, considering how little surface area there is on a bike, but the fairings are complex, especially the vent areas, and that is a slow-down.
With all the nooks and crannies Connie has, plus having to fetch my own beer from the house, it takes me a good while. Do you have a hugger? That's almost a 10 min job alone. lol
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i use Turtle Wax car wash and Dawn before a wax job.
never even thought about getting it wet as not good for it. just use the hose with the tip set to shower.
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Strip wash with Dawn, use gas blower to dry. Then use Zaino Z5, let dry throughly. Wipe off with 100% cotton towel - then put on coat of Z2 on the complete bike windscreen, paint, everything put exhaust and leather seat! Seal with Zaino clear shield then shown car shine spray by Zaino.
Once you use Zaino products you'll be hooked!
Zaino is good stuff, I switched over to Adams products and their customer service is second to none...
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i use Turtle Wax car wash and Dawn before a wax job.
never even thought about getting it wet as not good for it. just use the hose with the tip set to shower.
How do you wash it with Dawn and Turtle wax car wash without getting the bike wet? :o
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I start and move the bike, and leave it running...
Bike is nice and hot now. I turn it off.
Why do you leave it running? :o
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See, already it's getting complicated.
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See, already it's getting complicated.
My point, exactly... ;D
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See, already it's getting complicated.
Cool bike, cold beer, what's complicated about that?
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Cool bike, cold beer, what's complicated about that?
+1... :thumbs: :chugbeer:
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I'm lazy, so I only do a full wash/wax in the spring before pulling it out of storage for the season. For that I use Meguiars Car Wash concentrate followed up by a coat of whatever wax I happen to have on hand. During the riding season I just spray it down real good with Meguiars Quick Detailer and wipe it down with microfiber towels to remove the bugs and dust. Takes all of 5-10 minutes.
In the fall I'll give it a good washing and detailing (no wax) before putting it up for the winter. Basically clean the wheels, suspension linkage, bottom of the engine, etc. to get any gunk off so it's nice and clean when I do my spring maintenance routine.
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Why do you leave it running? :o
I want the bike to be somewhat hot because it will dry faster. I also want it to try and recover the battery some from the start. With the bike already "on", I can raise and lower the windshield for washing. And, finally, I check all the lights and such as part of the procedure to make sure everything is working. I also get to listen to it from all angles to notice anything unusual that can't be heard with helmet on and/or when sitting on it.
Once I am done with the windshield and first rinse, I turn it off for further washing then dray, polish, buff. But if I am doing a quick wash, I will often just leave it running the whole time (of course, the whole quick wash, rinse, and dry, in that case, is only like 10 min)
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I want the bike to be somewhat hot because it will dry faster.
You should have bought an 08/09 Max, haven't you heard about the major heat issue... ::)
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I want the bike to be somewhat hot because it will dry faster. I also want it to try and recover the battery some from the start. With the bike already "on", I can raise and lower the windshield for washing. And, finally, I check all the lights and such as part of the procedure to make sure everything is working. I also get to listen to it from all angles to notice anything unusual that can't be heard with helmet on and/or when sitting on it.
Once I am done with the windshield and first rinse, I turn it off for further washing then dray, polish, buff. But if I am doing a quick wash, I will often just leave it running the whole time (of course, the whole quick wash, rinse, and dry, in that case, is only like 10 min)
I just use my electric leaf blower to dry her off and get all the water out of the places it shouldn't be.
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I use warm soapy water to get the major stuff off like bugs and tar then I use this stuff with micro-fiber cloth to shine it up: http://polyscts.com/ (http://polyscts.com/)
On road trips I keep a spray bottle of it in a side case and give the bike a "sponge bath" from time to time. It's pricey but one bottle goes a long way. I have had my bottle for about a year now and it is still more then half full.
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My bottles don't last that long...
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A hose with no attachment and microfiber cloths is all I ever used. Just rinse most areas and blast the bugs off the headlights and bags. 23,000 miles and with the exception of boot marks on the right bag and a couple scratches on the tank from my kids climbing on it in the garage, it still looks almost brand new.
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My bottles don't last that long...
Are we talking about Vodka or Gin martini's Jim?? ;D
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Take your pick...I rather like Conrad's idea with the beer but leave off the washing and it would be perfect.
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Take your pick...I rather like Conrad's idea with the beer but leave off the washing and it would be perfect.
That cuts down on the complexity immensely.
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I have never washed any of my bikes with water! Water is bad for the electrics on any bike...if you have soap mixed in with the water it is even worse almost impossible to remove it especially under the seat.
Honda makes a great polish cleaner..nice soft rags to prevent scratching the plastic...
I wipe down after each ride..helps to make it easier to keep it clean.....
Just my thoughts cause electronics can cause lots of problems with this bike when they get corroded and are difficult to find.
Ninja
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I have never washed any of my bikes with water! Water is bad for the electrics on any bike...
I guess that's bad for me because I ride in the rain all the time.
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Take your pick...I rather like Conrad's idea with the beer but leave off the washing and it would be perfect.
Vodka martini here please, me no like the taste of Gin... :pukeface:
That cuts down on the complexity immensely.
Indeed! :thumbs: :hail:
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I just use my electric leaf blower to dry her off and get all the water out of the places it shouldn't be.
That's exactly what I do to dry her off.
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I use warm soapy water to get the major stuff off like bugs and tar then I use this stuff with micro-fiber cloth to shine it up: http://polyscts.com/ (http://polyscts.com/)
On road trips I keep a spray bottle of it in a side case and give the bike a "sponge bath" from time to time. It's pricey but one bottle goes a long way. I have had my bottle for about a year now and it is still more then half full.
It seems they are finishing already clean vehicles or does it work on dirty ones? Also no racism intended,I spent most of my life managing restaurants and 3 mexicans in ten minutes equals an hour for me :chugbeer:
Mike
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I have never washed any of my bikes with water! Water is bad for the electrics on any bike...if you have soap mixed in with the water it is even worse almost impossible to remove it especially under the seat.
Honda makes a great polish cleaner..nice soft rags to prevent scratching the plastic...
I wipe down after each ride..helps to make it easier to keep it clean.....
Just my thoughts cause electronics can cause lots of problems with this bike when they get corroded and are difficult to find.
Ninja
This made me laugh. I ride all weather. The Bike gets wet. If a stock motorcycle can't handle water and weather, then it will not be a bike that I will ride for long...
The C14 performs wonderfully as an all weather vehicle. I have been through downpours and even snows with no ill effects to it. I wash it at regular intervals with nothing more than a hose, a bucket of car wash soapy water and a microfiber mitt. Dry it off with the Stihl Leaf Blower. 28K miles and running strong!
Aaron
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Thanks for all the comments.
I just washed the bike after a 1800mile trip to Oregon. Haven't started it yet but i'm not worried about it. It looks good.
On a side note, this bike is the worst I had for maintenance. I bought a kn filter (thanks to a thread about amazon deal) and had to strip the left side of the bike. It took me 3 hours, including stripping right side looking for the filter and trying to figure out where that extra screw went after putting everything together. It rides great though ;)
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Thanks for all the comments.
I just washed the bike after a 1800mile trip to Oregon. Haven't started it yet but i'm not worried about it. It looks good.
On a side note, this bike is the worst I had for maintenance. I bought a kn filter (thanks to a thread about amazon deal) and had to strip the left side of the bike. It took me 3 hours, including stripping right side looking for the filter and trying to figure out where that extra screw went after putting everything together. It rides great though ;)
Take them off a couple of times for various farkles/maintenance and you'll be able to do it in minutes with your eyes closed. Depending on what you do you may be taking them off more often than you want and there seems to be little you can do from the middle to front of the bike without stripping it down to some extent. To what extent just depends on what you need to do.
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On a side note, this bike is the worst I had for maintenance. I bought a kn filter (thanks to a thread about amazon deal) and had to strip the left side of the bike. It took me 3 hours, including stripping right side looking for the filter and trying to figure out where that extra screw went after putting everything together. It rides great though ;)
Very much a change of topic but.... REALLY!!! I mean, you have to take out multiple bolts to get to the battery???!! When I took off all the side top/mid/bottom fairings, I thought it would never end. I was terrified! And they just HAD to put that damn quick rivet at the TOP of the dashboard so you have to take the WHOLE WINDSHIELD OFF just to remove that ONE rivet so you can take off the upper side fairing! OMG!
And yes.... I ended up with not one, but TWO of those smaller fairing bolt/screws left over. I went through it all again... I STILL cannot figure out where they go- there is nothing missing! So I am holding them for the next disassembly.
Anyway, now that I have done it once, I am positive it will be much easier next time.
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Thanks for all the comments.
I just washed the bike after a 1800mile trip to Oregon. Haven't started it yet but i'm not worried about it. It looks good.
On a side note, this bike is the worst I had for maintenance. I bought a kn filter (thanks to a thread about amazon deal) and had to strip the left side of the bike. It took me 3 hours, including stripping right side looking for the filter and trying to figure out where that extra screw went after putting everything together. It rides great though ;)
1800 miles in Oregon is as much water testing as you can get, only thing dryer would be to just ride it across the Pacific ocean... ;)
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C'mon, tell us how you really feel and don't hold back this time.... ;D
Yeah, that push rivet is kind of pesky. I have found what I think is the easiest way to remove it though, I use the smallest Allen wrench from the set (long handled Bondhus type) and it is really pretty easy to coax them out. Putting them back in is relatively easy and if they fall, they fall on the floor.... unless they fall in the slots where the windshield support arms come through the fairing. :o
As far as the extra fairing screws, that is one of the undocumented features of KiPass- it makes more fasteners than you lose, always keeping you in spares.
With some practice and an electric screwdriver to remove the fasteners, the side fairings can be removed in less than 5 minutes each.
Brian
Very much a change of topic but.... REALLY!!! I mean, you have to take out multiple bolts to get to the battery???!! When I took off all the side top/mid/bottom fairings, I thought it would never end. I was terrified! And they just HAD to put that damn quick rivet at the TOP of the dashboard so you have to take the WHOLE WINDSHIELD OFF just to remove that ONE rivet so you can take off the upper side fairing! OMG!
And yes.... I ended up with not one, but TWO of those smaller fairing bolt/screws left over. I went through it all again... I STILL cannot figure out where they go- there is nothing missing! So I am holding them for the next disassembly.
Anyway, now that I have done it once, I am positive it will be much easier next time.
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I don't know about Oregon but 900 miles of riding in the rain through Wyoming, Montana and Idaho will wash ALL the bug carcasses off the bike that South Dakota and part of Wyoming can put on the bike.... and that's a LOT of bugs. Gives new meaning to 'wash, rinse, repeat'.
Brian
1800 miles in Oregon is as much water testing as you can get, only thing dryer would be to just ride it across the Pacific ocean... ;)
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.... unless they fall in the slots where the windshield support arms come through the fairing. :o
Sounds like I'm not the only one to do that. ;) I really hate that feeling when you drop something and don't hear it hit the floor because you know more dis-assembly is in your immediate future. >:(
I agree with TRBN (since we've shared some of the same downpours)...what good is any vehicle that breaks if it gets wet? ???
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I have never washed any of my bikes with water! Water is bad for the electrics on any bike...if you have soap mixed in with the water it is even worse almost impossible to remove it especially under the seat.
Ninja
Funny thing about those seats, they come right off and it's easier to get things dried off that way.
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dont use a pressure washer and dont put the bike away wet if you can help it.
It WILL still be wet if you dont go for at least a 20 min. ride after the wash.
Motorcycle mechanics tell me that bikes that get frequent washings have more electrical problems.( corroded connections)
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Very much a change of topic but.... REALLY!!! I mean, you have to take out multiple bolts to get to the battery???!! When I took off all the side top/mid/bottom fairings, I thought it would never end. I was terrified! And they just HAD to put that damn quick rivet at the TOP of the dashboard so you have to take the WHOLE WINDSHIELD OFF just to remove that ONE rivet so you can take off the upper side fairing! OMG!
And yes.... I ended up with not one, but TWO of those smaller fairing bolt/screws left over. I went through it all again... I STILL cannot figure out where they go- there is nothing missing! So I am holding them for the next disassembly.
Anyway, now that I have done it once, I am positive it will be much easier next time.
After taking the windshield off several times like you mentioned, I found a much easier way. I have kind of like a right-angle dental pick in my toolbox which makes it super easy to pop the center of that rivet down, then just fish the rivet out with the same tool real quick. It only takes a second and can be done with the windshield on. It's a little easier with the windshield all the way up because it creates a little more clearance.
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After taking the windshield off several times like you mentioned, I found a much easier way. I have kind of like a right-angle dental pick in my toolbox which makes it super easy to pop the center of that rivet down, then just fish the rivet out with the same tool real quick. It only takes a second and can be done with the windshield on. It's a little easier with the windshield all the way up because it creates a little more clearance.
I made a tool like that with a piece of coat hanger wire.
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dont use a pressure washer and dont put the bike away wet if you can help it.
It WILL still be wet if you dont go for at least a 20 min. ride after the wash.
Motorcycle mechanics tell me that bikes that get frequent washings have more electrical problems.( corroded connections)
I knew it!
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After taking the windshield off several times like you mentioned, I found a much easier way. I have kind of like a right-angle dental pick in my toolbox which makes it super easy to pop the center of that rivet down, then just fish the rivet out with the same tool real quick. It only takes a second and can be done with the windshield on. It's a little easier with the windshield all the way up because it creates a little more clearance.
Excellent idea. I will do that next time. I was cursing at the idiot designer that placed that ONE rivet there!
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After taking the windshield off several times like you mentioned, I found a much easier way. I have kind of like a right-angle dental pick in my toolbox which makes it super easy to pop the center of that rivet down, then just fish the rivet out with the same tool real quick. It only takes a second and can be done with the windshield on. It's a little easier with the windshield all the way up because it creates a little more clearance.
I just use one of the smaller hex wrenches. The 3mm seems to be about perfect to push the center of the rivet down...
Aaron
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dont use a pressure washer and dont put the bike away wet if you can help it.
It WILL still be wet if you dont go for at least a 20 min. ride after the wash.
Motorcycle mechanics tell me that bikes that get frequent washings have more electrical problems.( corroded connections)
+1 overwashing a bike is worse than underwashing it. I only do the full monty with hose and bucket maybe once a year, although maybe every month or two I'll go over the outside with a sponge and bucket in the garage. Come to think of it, I have not used a hose yet on my bike. The last time I did a proper washing, I donned a rain suit and went riding in the rain. Perfect wash job.
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wiping it down/washing it off with a wet towel then drying is all mine has ever got. And people ask how it stays so clean on trips. Well the hotels hate the condition I leave their towels
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/kneedragvl3.gif)
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wiping it down/washing it off with a wet towel then drying is all mine has ever got. And people ask how it stays so clean on trips. Well the hotels hate the condition I leave their towels
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/kneedragvl3.gif)
Don't you get scratches/swirls from just water and hotel towels??
Mike
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wiping it down/washing it off with a wet towel then drying is all mine has ever got. And people ask how it stays so clean on trips. Well the hotels hate the condition I leave their towels
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/kneedragvl3.gif)
That's why I bring my own......and no it's not for washing/wiping the bike. I use it for windscreen to get the bugs off.
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Don't you get scratches/swirls from just water and hotel towels??
Mike
not yet. or I'm not paying attention. I've run my beast 41,000 miles in 16 months, maybe it has swirls.
also I use plexus on the wind screen. absolutely no scratches or swirls on it 8)
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Spray bottle plain old water soak her down one section at a time micro fibre towel in bucket of warm water takes everything off no scratches. Once a riding season major clean hose pressure only and not on electrics, clean everywhere including underside and also wash rad off low pressure...Clean wheels etc. When wife is done I take her to the local Macs for supper. LOL OUCH!!
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I used to be real anal about keeping my bike clean. I ride year 'round (well mostly, I don't ride when it's this damned hot!), and it ALWAYS seems like as soon as I clean it up, it rains! I wash with whatever is handy. I've used car wash pressure washers MANY MANY times, but I probably use my garden hose the most.
The electronics are sealed. You aren't going to hurt anything (factory) on the bike as long as you aren't applying the pressure DIRECTLY on the dash. I tend to stay about two feet back from the bike if I have to use a pressure hose. I just 'fog' the spray on it and that works fine. I always carry a towel with me.
wiping it down/washing it off with a wet towel then drying is all mine has ever got. And people ask how it stays so clean on trips. Well the hotels hate the condition I leave their towels
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/kneedragvl3.gif)
Hey all, if you are at a hotel and WANT a towel to use on your bike, ASK! They almost ALWAYS have plenty of stained towels that they are more than willing to give you. I had a very frank discussion with a hotel owner who was hesitant to give us a room, because "you guys always tear up my rooms, and ruin my towels" That is an EXACT quote. After assuring him that I wouldn't tear his rooms up, or ruin his towels, I got the room. Later, he offered a a box full of towels with spots of some sort that wouldn't wash out. They were almost always a wine food stain, or dirt or something. He let me dig through the box for towels I wanted. He even told me to keep them!
Any way, if you have time and so desire, wash away. The Connie can handle it! However, as previously mentioned 1,000,000,000 times, DON'T use dish soap on your vehicle!!
I'm not stirring chit, but it's too easy to ask and get good clean towels to use.
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I just had another thought....what do you guys use to clean the lower fairing? I wash it pretty good, I use WD-40 to get the tar and TOUGH stuff off, but what do you use to protect it? I didn't think that regular wax would be a good thing. I haven't used ANYTHING on it except the WD-40 for the front. That WD-40 is also one heckuva wheel cleaner too! I DON'T use knock-offs there, I use only the real deal. Works like a charm.
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Clean the lower fairing?
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I just had another thought....what do you guys use to clean the lower fairing? I wash it pretty good, I use WD-40 to get the tar and TOUGH stuff off, but what do you use to protect it? I didn't think that regular wax would be a good thing. I haven't used ANYTHING on it except the WD-40 for the front. That WD-40 is also one heckuva wheel cleaner too! I DON'T use knock-offs there, I use only the real deal. Works like a charm.
I use wax on the lower fairing, why do you think that it's not a good thing?
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Wax?
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Is this a Harley board?
Jesus, if your bike is clean you obviously don't ride it. :o
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Is this a Harley board?
Jesus, if your bike is clean you obviously don't ride it. :o
Why do you say that? It's not like I can ride EVERY free moment that I have. I gotta have some beer drinking time and I never ride when I've been drinking, not even one. I can drink me some brews and wash the bike if I want to can't I? >:(
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Wax?
Yes Shrek, and not the stuff that comes outta your ears.
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Is this a Harley board?
Jesus, if your bike is clean you obviously don't ride it. :o
+1
and six pages of "cleaning a bike" (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/avatars/iconmerci.gif)
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Yes Shrek, and not the stuff that comes outta your ears.
:rotflmao:
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I just had another thought....what do you guys use to clean the lower fairing? I wash it pretty good, I use WD-40 to get the tar and TOUGH stuff off, but what do you use to protect it? I didn't think that regular wax would be a good thing. I haven't used ANYTHING on it except the WD-40 for the front. That WD-40 is also one heckuva wheel cleaner too! I DON'T use knock-offs there, I use only the real deal. Works like a charm.
I would CLEAN it like any other plastic. To protect it (and prevent stuff sticking to it) I tried to use synthetic wax on it and that was a BIG mistake (one that took a lot of time to reverse) :) Now I just wipe it with that 303 Aerospace stuff...
I would never leave WD-40 on plastic- it has solvents that will likely destroy the plastic over time.
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I drug my bottom fairing across a curb in New Mexico going from the gas station across grass to starbucks parking lot. Man the crud that was on that thing!
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I use wax on the lower fairing, why do you think that it's not a good thing?
I didn't think it's a good thing because it is flat. Not any other reason other than it's flat. Removing wax from a flat (non-gloss) surface is TOUGH!
@Steve, I wash mine when time allows. I generally am riding it. Now it's too DAMNED HOT! When I get on my bike to go for a quick shot up to the grocery, and I wind up smelling like two-a-days, it's too hot! Ironically, I have never parked my bike because it's too cold!
There have been a couple of times that you couldn't tell the color of it.