washing the bike

[wildchild]

Agree with AMJ except for two things. first the key, use the tape as said.

also to block the exhaust I like actual exhaust plugs. They're only a couple bucks from the bike shop, tapered, fit nice, seal the exhaust very well. don't try to start the bike with them still in though. LOL

[Frostz28]

Originally Posted by askmrjesus

1. Remove body work.
2. Stuff rags in the exhaust.
3. Cover airbox.
4. Insert key, or cover key hole with tape.
5. Remove counterspocket cover.
6. Start from the top with soapy water and work your way down. Try to avoid spraying water directly into electrical connections and grease fittings.
7. Rinse.
8. Engine time. 50/50 Simple Green and water. Let soak.
9. Have a beer.
10. Engine is still dirty. Repeat steps 8 and 9.
11. Employ your small arsenal of tooth brushes, parts cleaning brushes, rags, Q-tips and small plastic scrapers until engine is clean. Try not to spray water down the spark plug holes.
12. Rinse.
13. Clean chain.
14. Clean wheels.
15. Rinse.
16. Blow excess water off of bike with compressed air.
17. You don't have compressed air, so leave the body work off and go for a short ride. This means you have to skip step 9, and it sucks to be you.
18. This would be a good time to take apart all of your electrical connectors and apply some dielectric grease.
19. Lube chassis zirc fittings.
20. Lube chain.
21. Reassemble.
22. Repeat step 9.
23. Wax, or don't. I don't care, it's not my bike.

JC

wow, well I guess that oughta cover it! My bike thanks you. the plastics are shiny as new, I am now armed with a small army of toothbrushes, q tips, and various other small cleaning instruments, duct tape, and a six pack. (alright its half of a 12 so I got some in reserve) so its off to the driveway I go.