washing and cleaning up a harley?

ok, as most of yall know, I just inherited my first bike.

It is a harley sportster 883. I feel like I need to clean it up a bit. It isnt in bad shape by any stretch but it has been at least several months since I know it was washed or cleaned up.

MY question is, what are yall using to wash yalls bikes? I have some pretty nice car wash solution that I use on my truck and wife's car. Can I use this stuff on the bike? even the chrome parts like exhaust etc?

anything I should look out for when washing?

thanks very much for your help.

 

I have had good luck with the S100 stuff and turtle wax chrome polish. Dont wash with any pressure, u will force water where it doesn't belong. a nozzleless hose with a sponge is all you need.

 

S100 works good. It is kind of expensive. I use simple green and dilute it 50/50 with water. Put in a pump up sprayer. I use car wash soap with a microfiber mit on the body parts.I have been using a pressure washer on mine for years. I have a Street Glide, I just make sure not to hit the controls on the handlebars or the dash. I then use an electric leaf blower to blow off all of the water. Then hit everything with quick detailer spray.

 

cool thanks guys.. i was just planning on using my nice soft car wash sponge with the turle wax car wash solution on it.

 

Bike Bright is what I use to wash my 95 Softail Custom, spray on cool metal let foam and hose off. I then break out my dedicated leaf blower and dry the bike with a blast of air form the blower then towel off the troublesome areas. I then use Klasse all-in-one Paint Cleaner & Polish followed by the Klasse High Gloss Sealant Glaze. Check out the Klasse stuff, you won't be disappointed.

Here's the manufacturers write up on Bike Bright:
Bike Bright has a triple action formula that washes, cleans and degreases from headlight to taillight! Specially formulated for motorcycles and motorbikes, Bike Brite has been recommended and approved by leading motorcycle manufacturers. Biodegradable, non-acid, pH controlled and containing corrosion inhibitors. Special brighteners help keep rust and grease from forming. Just spray it on and hose it off. Safe for all surfaces.

 

so, where can I get the bike bright stuff? as well as the klasse stuff? just like an autozone type place?

thanks alot.

 

Your electronic controls / gauges will be factory sealed ( to an extent ) so a little water on those is not a problem - just don't drown them and make sure to dry the bike completely before you attempt to start it or ride it.......and stay away from the exhaust outlet(s) when rinsing to avoid dumping water into the pipes, the engine will normally purge/boil it all back out on a good long ride but I usually avoid that area all together and go over it with some good cleaner and detailer.
Dont push water into the battery tray / compartment either - just good common sense on that, right?
Also, beware of the intake or airbox - make sure you never use water under pressure around any of these areas, and you'll never be in trouble........enjoy the bike!!

 

I only use a pressure washer on the wheels. Then before it dries I spray 50/50 diluted Armorall in the engine and cables/wires, and tires. I spend lots of time detail drying , then decide whether it needs a coat of Liquid Glass (08 Visions have notoriously soft clear coats).In the end it looks like this..

 

Threads like this reinforce my decision to go with a Beemer GS. No chrome to polish, just ride in a rain shower to rinse off the mud and keep going!

Dual Sport bikes are for those who would rather ride than polish!

 

Agreed... my '97 Fat Boy has only been washed on purpose twice. Once when I got married because she had to look good for the pictures, and the second time when my wife offered to . Other than that, it only gets a quick wipe down with a bottle of diluted simple green when I am doing any soft of maintenance.

 

yeah i dont plan on detailing the thing. I just dont want the paint or chrome to get pitted bc of dirt buildup.. (if that is possible that is)