DIY on washing my 250r? - Page 3

Brian250R · August 31st, 2010, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t0ast

Orange pumice soap - you know, the kind you use to get oil and grease off your hands. If its ok for your skin, its ok for your bike!

Quote:

Originally Posted by kkim

NO!!! the pumice will scratch the paint.

+1
Pumice

I wouldn't use hydrogen peroxide or many other "skin safe" products on my bike either.

WindMeUp · August 31st, 2010, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t0ast

Orange pumice soap - you know, the kind you use to get oil and grease off your hands. If its ok for your skin, its ok for your bike!

And you guys thought WD40 was wrong

CZroe · August 31st, 2010, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t0ast

Orange pumice soap - you know, the kind you use to get oil and grease off your hands. If its ok for your skin, its ok for your bike!

You're missing a "

" smiley to let people know that you're kidding. That stuff works by suspending an abrasive.

2fiddy · May 25th, 2011, 06:13 AM

Hey guys, this might sound kind of stupid but am I supposed to wash my bike any different from my car? Just wondering if there is something special I should stay away from washing or spraying?

If there is a DIY can someone link me to it?

I have a 2010 Ninja 250r.

Thanks!

whiteboy · May 25th, 2011, 06:19 AM

I'm a bit new to this myself but I think iv read that only use a bucket of water ad soaps and not to use anything that puts out presureized water. But I'd like some recommendations on soaps ad waxes

bdavison · May 25th, 2011, 06:29 AM

Dont use dishsoap...use a CAR/BIKE soap.
Dishsoap has phosphates in it that eat your tires, and the hoses on your bike.

No pressure washers either.

Just good old fashioned water, soap, and some elbow grease.

As far as wax...there are two options.
1. Lemon Pledge - leaves it super glossy shiny, but the first time it gets wet, it all washes away. Also has a tendancy to attract bees from its lemon scent.
2. Meguire's Cleaner Wax - it also leaves a super shiny clean finish, but it gets out most of the particles like a clay bar will. And it stays on even in the wet.

Ive always been partial to the Meguire's line, cant go wrong with this stuff.

Also...NO...under any circumstances EVER use Armor-all any where near your bike.

Alex · May 25th, 2011, 06:30 AM

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showt...hlight=washing
http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showt...hlight=washing
http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showt...hlight=washing
http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showt...hlight=washing
http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showt...hlight=washing
http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showt...hlight=washing

muzkur · May 25th, 2011, 09:02 AM

I use 2 buckets.
1 bucket with water and car soap.
another bucket just with water.

With a wash towel, I use the first bucket to wash the bike and the second bucket to clean the wash towel.

nah.uhh · May 25th, 2011, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capt_bugaloo

I use Pledge spray-on furniture 'polish' and a soft rag. Works great.

+1 using pledge spprayed on a microfiber cloth, I've never had to scrub to get any grime off
Edit: talk bout an old thread

Posted via Mobile Device

2fiddy · May 25th, 2011, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by muzkur

I use 2 buckets.
1 bucket with water and car soap.
another bucket just with water.

With a wash towel, I use the first bucket to wash the bike and the second bucket to clean the wash towel.

I was wondering this as well. Just have a bucket instead of using the hose to wash the soap off.

muzkur · May 25th, 2011, 10:50 AM

Yes. With the bucket dont waste water.

Ambar · May 25th, 2011, 10:53 AM

Jeff (Havok) told me I could just drive it through a car wash.

Azhyen · May 25th, 2011, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ambar

Jeff (Havok) told me I could just drive it through a car wash.

make sure to wear your rain gear, otherwise it's embarrassing coming out soaked...

2fiddy · May 25th, 2011, 10:57 AM

So there really isnt anything on these bikes that cant get wet.

muzkur · May 25th, 2011, 10:58 AM

@Azhyen, Haha. Nice one!

Here have some places specialized in bike wash.
The cons: Almost all of these use chemical products who could damage the painting.

Have one place a friend of mine always wash him bike. He says it's a nice place to wash. Price is something around 10 dollars.

kkim · May 25th, 2011, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2fiddy

So there really isnt anything on these bikes that cant get wet.

avoid getting a lot of water into the end of the muffler.... other than that, wash your bike as you would a car.

2fiddy · May 25th, 2011, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kkim

avoid getting a lot of water into the end of the muffler.... other than that, wash your bike as you would your car.

Yeah, I'd really be only using a bucket of water so I wouldn't be spraying anything so nothing should get in there.

Green Streak · May 25th, 2011, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kkim

avoid getting a lot of water into the end of the muffler.... other than that, wash your bike as you would your car.

Your supposed to manually wash your car? I thought that was what the rain was for.

I hate washing my car. I usually have someone else do it. But I have to do the bike myself. I don't like anyone touching my bike.

kkim · May 25th, 2011, 01:10 PM

fixed my reply.

gfloyd2002 · May 25th, 2011, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kkim

avoid getting a lot of water into the end of the muffler.... other than that, wash your bike as you would a car.

I use a muffler plug. There is a packing material in mufflers that can get wet and lose effectiveness. You can buy replacement stuffing, but it is a pain in the butt to change it out. Plugs only cost a couple of bucks and have graudated tips to fit different sizes - just make sure you get a 4 stroke model instead of a 2 stroke model.

Other than that, Meguires and elbow grease.

. If you want to see how to really detail a bike, check out a photo, ANY photo, of kkim's bike. Even in the engine area, especially in the engine area, not a spec of dirt. Though it helps he leaves the thing parked most of the time . . .

Havok · May 25th, 2011, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Azhyen

make sure to wear your rain gear, otherwise it's embarrassing coming out soaked...

Lol i did tell her that because it would be funny as hell to watch. Though i am sure both her and the bike would both be mad at me at the end of it lol.

Just take a handful of quarters, a small amount of car/bike soap soft towels and head to your nearest coin operated car wash. Use the car wash spray washer but make sure you set it to the spot free rinse option. the water comes out at the speed of rain, get the bike and towel wet put soap on the towl and have at it, just a couple of times around the plastics then use the spot free rinse again to wash the soap off. Takes about 15 mins or so. then take it home lube your chain and throw your favorite wax on it, i like the nxt wax myself.

Liquidtoon · May 25th, 2011, 03:14 PM

I use a bucket of soapy water and a car sponge, hose down the bike avoiding filling the exhaust and gauges with water then soap it up and rinse. Dry with a regular towel then wax it. But it is all in the details..

I use Maguires and mothers products mostly. Maguires general soap with wax in it works well.
Mothers chrome cleaner does great on the metal parts, rims exhaust ect.
Mothers back to black is amazing for the mirrors, triple tree, side plastics, ect just dont get it on the seat/ grips it makes the rubber sticky when hot.
Finally I wax it first with a coat of Maguires #26 then Maguires #7, they are the liquid waxes, just rub it over the entire plastics and wipe off. I have tried a ton of waxes from several companies I have never seen a better shine or a easier one to go on and off.

LoneRonin · May 26th, 2011, 06:40 AM

Simoniz Wash and Wax Cold water formula. Good stuff and a 1.5 liter bottle is about 8 bucks when on sale. Lasted me over a year....All you need is to add a cap full or so to your bucket of water.

Vegedurden · May 26th, 2011, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Azhyen

make sure to wear your rain gear, otherwise it's embarrassing coming out soaked...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ai9-h...el_video_title

vkuchhal · May 26th, 2011, 07:47 AM

I use the Formula one shampoo and wax for washing and cleaning and 3M microfibre cloth as it does not scratch and absorbs all the dirt..

sherwiner · February 21st, 2012, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailariel

very good advice. One thing no one mentioned was the exhaust. When i wash the bike, i usually put a cork in the exhaust.

what about when the bike sits in a sudden rain - does it get down the exhaust pipes?

CynicalC · February 21st, 2012, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aloh

I just use a hose and the regular automotive detailing products i use on my own car. I usually just use a light auto shampoo and pat dry with a waffle weave microfiber towel. I only use the hose on areas like the seat, plastics, wheels, etc, and use a wet towel on the controls/gauges/sensitive areas. I plan to wax it every month or so depending on how much I ride

For "in between" cleanings I use a quick detailer spray on the paint.

Detailing is a little hobby of mine. The results always make it well worth the time spent!

Here's a pic i took after a fresh detail:

Is that bent rebar sticking right up out of your driveway?

kcaja1 · February 21st, 2012, 03:29 PM

Go to Hooters

SlowBoyRacing · February 21st, 2012, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sherwiner

what about when the bike sits in a sudden rain - does it get down the exhaust pipes?

I think a hose and running water will get significantly more water down the pipe at a given time frame.

sherwiner · February 21st, 2012, 08:57 PM

that blue bike of yours is absolutely gorgeous! will bet the bent rebar is how you lock it so it doesn't disappear eh?

kamikaze · February 22nd, 2012, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CynicalC

Is that bent rebar sticking right up out of your driveway?

looks like it. could be an anchor for something

oreX · February 22nd, 2012, 09:50 AM

Link to original page on YouTube.

CaliRider · March 7th, 2012, 06:50 PM

Hi everyone, this is my first post ever on a forum. I just recently purchased a 2009 ninja 250 and LOVE IT!!!

I want shine my baby up when it gets a little dusty, but it seems that my shining is scratching it...

I have a 100% microfiber towel and a quick shine but seems to still scratch the paint and wind screen. Can anyone give my some advice on what i'm doing wrong?

thanks

gitoy · March 7th, 2012, 07:57 PM

you have to dampen your microfiber...when the surface is clean then you can use wax to shine it...

do what i do...do not clean or wax your bike...just cuts into riding time...that is why my bike looks used...

...

Gorilla25 · March 7th, 2012, 08:17 PM

lemon scented pledge...

Alex · March 7th, 2012, 08:47 PM

/merged with mongo "how to wash my bike" thread

Dano · March 9th, 2012, 10:23 AM

I spray down the bike with S100 bike wash then hose off and dry it. I also stuff a rag in the exhaust to keep water out of it.

May 25th, 2011, 06:13 AM	#84
2fiddy ninjette.org member Name: Rob Location: Connecticut Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Red Ninja 250r Posts: 69	DIY on washing my 250r? Hey guys, this might sound kind of stupid but am I supposed to wash my bike any different from my car? Just wondering if there is something special I should stay away from washing or spraying? If there is a DIY can someone link me to it? I have a 2010 Ninja 250r. Thanks!

May 25th, 2011, 06:19 AM	#85
whiteboy ninjette.org member Name: justin Location: Odessa Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 blue ninja 250r Posts: 223	I'm a bit new to this myself but I think iv read that only use a bucket of water ad soaps and not to use anything that puts out presureized water. But I'd like some recommendations on soaps ad waxes __________________________________________________ If you’re going to lead, then lead. If you’re going to follow, get the hell out of my way!

May 25th, 2011, 06:30 AM	#87
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showt...hlight=washing http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showt...hlight=washing http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showt...hlight=washing http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showt...hlight=washing http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showt...hlight=washing http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showt...hlight=washing __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

May 25th, 2011, 09:02 AM	#88
muzkur ninjette.org member Name: Fred Location: Brazil Join Date: Jan 2011 Motorcycle(s): 10' Ninja 250R Posts: 164	I use 2 buckets. 1 bucket with water and car soap. another bucket just with water. With a wash towel, I use the first bucket to wash the bike and the second bucket to clean the wash towel. __________________________________________________

May 25th, 2011, 10:50 AM	#91
muzkur ninjette.org member Name: Fred Location: Brazil Join Date: Jan 2011 Motorcycle(s): 10' Ninja 250R Posts: 164	Yes. With the bucket dont waste water. __________________________________________________

May 25th, 2011, 06:29 AM	#86
bdavison Wartown, USA Name: Bryan Location: Warner Robins, GA Join Date: Nov 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R SE, 2007 Ninja 650R, and assorted other bikes Posts: A lot.	Dont use dishsoap...use a CAR/BIKE soap. Dishsoap has phosphates in it that eat your tires, and the hoses on your bike. No pressure washers either. Just good old fashioned water, soap, and some elbow grease. As far as wax...there are two options. 1. Lemon Pledge - leaves it super glossy shiny, but the first time it gets wet, it all washes away. Also has a tendancy to attract bees from its lemon scent. 2. Meguire's Cleaner Wax - it also leaves a super shiny clean finish, but it gets out most of the particles like a clay bar will. And it stays on even in the wet. Ive always been partial to the Meguire's line, cant go wrong with this stuff. Also...NO...under any circumstances EVER use Armor-all any where near your bike.

May 25th, 2011, 10:53 AM	#92
Ambar ninjette.org member Name: Sharon Location: Torrance CA Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): green ninja 250 Posts: 69	Jeff (Havok) told me I could just drive it through a car wash.

May 25th, 2011, 10:57 AM	#94
2fiddy ninjette.org member Name: Rob Location: Connecticut Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Red Ninja 250r Posts: 69	So there really isnt anything on these bikes that cant get wet.

May 25th, 2011, 10:58 AM	#95
muzkur ninjette.org member Name: Fred Location: Brazil Join Date: Jan 2011 Motorcycle(s): 10' Ninja 250R Posts: 164	@Azhyen, Haha. Nice one! Here have some places specialized in bike wash. The cons: Almost all of these use chemical products who could damage the painting. Have one place a friend of mine always wash him bike. He says it's a nice place to wash. Price is something around 10 dollars. __________________________________________________

May 25th, 2011, 01:10 PM	#99
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	fixed my reply.

May 25th, 2011, 03:14 PM	#102
Liquidtoon ninjette.org member Name: Josh Location: Sacramento, Ca Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): 09 Ninja 250r Posts: 215	I use a bucket of soapy water and a car sponge, hose down the bike avoiding filling the exhaust and gauges with water then soap it up and rinse. Dry with a regular towel then wax it. But it is all in the details.. I use Maguires and mothers products mostly. Maguires general soap with wax in it works well. Mothers chrome cleaner does great on the metal parts, rims exhaust ect. Mothers back to black is amazing for the mirrors, triple tree, side plastics, ect just dont get it on the seat/ grips it makes the rubber sticky when hot. Finally I wax it first with a coat of Maguires #26 then Maguires #7, they are the liquid waxes, just rub it over the entire plastics and wipe off. I have tried a ton of waxes from several companies I have never seen a better shine or a easier one to go on and off.

May 26th, 2011, 06:40 AM	#103
LoneRonin ninjette.org sage Name: Jason Location: Mississauga Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 09 Ninja 250r Posts: 634	Simoniz Wash and Wax Cold water formula. Good stuff and a 1.5 liter bottle is about 8 bucks when on sale. Lasted me over a year....All you need is to add a cap full or so to your bucket of water.

May 26th, 2011, 07:47 AM	#105
vkuchhal ninjette.org member Name: vibhor Location: india Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): ninja 250r -2010 Posts: 60	I use the Formula one shampoo and wax for washing and cleaning and 3M microfibre cloth as it does not scratch and absorbs all the dirt..

February 21st, 2012, 03:29 PM	#108
kcaja1 ninjette.org member Name: Ross Location: NoVA Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): '09 250R Posts: 214	Go to Hooters __________________________________________________ ----------------------------------------- --Power is nothing without control-- -----------------------------------------

February 21st, 2012, 08:57 PM	#110
sherwiner ninjette.org newbie Name: SHERWINER Location: Chicago IL North burbs Join Date: Feb 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2002 Ninja 250 and '85 Yamaha Virago 700 Posts: 9	that blue bike of yours is absolutely gorgeous! will bet the bent rebar is how you lock it so it doesn't disappear eh?

February 22nd, 2012, 09:50 AM	#112
oreX ninjette.org member Name: Zach Location: Orlando, fl Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2013 636 - ABS Posts: 173 Blog Entries: 1	Link to original page on YouTube. Link to original page on YouTube.

March 7th, 2012, 06:50 PM	#113
CaliRider ninjette.org newbie Name: Bryan Location: 1695 Johnson Ave Join Date: Mar 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250 Posts: 2	Cleaning my ninja Hi everyone, this is my first post ever on a forum. I just recently purchased a 2009 ninja 250 and LOVE IT!!! I want shine my baby up when it gets a little dusty, but it seems that my shining is scratching it... I have a 100% microfiber towel and a quick shine but seems to still scratch the paint and wind screen. Can anyone give my some advice on what i'm doing wrong? thanks

March 7th, 2012, 07:57 PM	#114
gitoy ninjette.org guru Name: gitoy Location: rpv, ca Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 04 ninja 250, 05 zzr 600 (sold), 07 cbr600rr Posts: 319	you have to dampen your microfiber...when the surface is clean then you can use wax to shine it... do what i do...do not clean or wax your bike...just cuts into riding time...that is why my bike looks used......

March 7th, 2012, 08:17 PM	#115
Gorilla25 Dakine... Name: AJ Location: DFW Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R (Sold) \| 636 (hopefully soon) Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 5	lemon scented pledge...

March 7th, 2012, 08:47 PM	#116
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	/merged with mongo "how to wash my bike" thread __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

March 9th, 2012, 10:23 AM	#117
Dano ninjette.org sage Name: Dan Location: Perryopolis, PA Join Date: Mar 2010 Motorcycle(s): 09' Blue Ninja 250R and 07' Honda 919 Posts: 605	I spray down the bike with S100 bike wash then hose off and dry it. I also stuff a rag in the exhaust to keep water out of it.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Need help washing	UltraHarley1	2008 - 2012 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	16	June 9th, 2014 11:43 AM
Washing tip	algs26	Videos	13	March 3rd, 2014 08:33 PM
Cleaning/washing your gears	toua70	Motorcycle Gear	16	July 21st, 2012 08:49 AM
Washing Bike w Fairings Off	Francis	2008 - 2012 Ninja 250R Farkles	4	March 27th, 2012 06:24 AM
Washing my helmet	headshrink	General Motorcycling Discussion	28	June 11th, 2010 01:22 PM