Bike Wash

PBurgh21 · March 14th, 2014, 10:17 AM

Hey guys brand new here, just picked up a 2012 250. I did a quick search but couldn't find anything on washing of bikes. Does anyone want to throw out their tips, tricks, maybe the stuff they use to clean their bike. The previous owner was in a hurry to sell because of family problems so the bike is dusty and can use a good wash. Thanks everyone.

Flying · March 14th, 2014, 10:33 AM

Here are a few good threads:
http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=74366
http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=136652
http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showp...61&postcount=1
http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showp...24&postcount=8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXcaVuXlzO0

Using the Google site search is a lot more productive.

komohana · March 14th, 2014, 11:12 AM

hey tom

congrats on the bike buy

In the past I've washed motorcycles like I washed my cars, but I don't take the water hose to my cycle like that because it's difficult to get all the water outta places that'll eventually cause corrosion. I'll use the hose on the under-side and into the rear wheel fender-well, removing the lower and side fairings to access engine areas. I have a compressor that I'll use to blow dust and residual water out, careful to keep the pressure low enough to do the job and not force water into areas through seals. (have read about that happening though I've never experienced water damage like that myself)

In the corrosion-rich, airborne sea salt environment that is Hawaii, I do spend a lot of time wiping down the motorcycle.

Han Solo 1 · March 14th, 2014, 12:12 PM

I don't use water at all, unless there is mud caked on, which is hardly ever the case.

I use an off-brand cleaner/wax spray that you spray, wipe with rag, then buff it to a shine. Works on all surfaces, although I don't use it on the seat (don't want to make it slippery). I use a plain old wet rag for the seat.

This probably goes without saying, but don't use any tire shine on your bike unless you want to know what this feels like.

pwalo · March 15th, 2014, 12:45 AM

If the bike is dirty I use a product called MotoMuck (local product in NZ). Spray it on a dry bike.

Have a cup of tea (or wait 10 minutes), hose off.

Then use Muc Off bike wash, using a soft brush to agitate any remaining dirty spots.

Hose off again.

Spray engine, lower fairing area, and running gear/wheels with Muc Off spray.

Dry off remainder of bike. Wax. Dry and re lube chain.

I'm lazy so usually I clean the bike off and give it a quick wax every day I ride. Means it's always pretty clean.

March 14th, 2014, 10:17 AM	#1
PBurgh21 ninjette.org newbie Name: Tom Location: Pittsburgh Join Date: Mar 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250 Posts: 1	Bike Wash Hey guys brand new here, just picked up a 2012 250. I did a quick search but couldn't find anything on washing of bikes. Does anyone want to throw out their tips, tricks, maybe the stuff they use to clean their bike. The previous owner was in a hurry to sell because of family problems so the bike is dusty and can use a good wash. Thanks everyone.

March 14th, 2014, 11:12 AM	#3
komohana ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Steve Location: Kekaha, Kauai HI Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 05 GSX-R 600 2003 EX250: Woodcraft Bars, Levers, Mirrors, Shim'd Mixture, Synthetic, '08 Rear Shock Posts: A lot.	hey tom congrats on the bike buy In the past I've washed motorcycles like I washed my cars, but I don't take the water hose to my cycle like that because it's difficult to get all the water outta places that'll eventually cause corrosion. I'll use the hose on the under-side and into the rear wheel fender-well, removing the lower and side fairings to access engine areas. I have a compressor that I'll use to blow dust and residual water out, careful to keep the pressure low enough to do the job and not force water into areas through seals. (have read about that happening though I've never experienced water damage like that myself) In the corrosion-rich, airborne sea salt environment that is Hawaii, I do spend a lot of time wiping down the motorcycle. __________________________________________________ Remember when sex was safe and motorcycles were dangerous?
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

March 14th, 2014, 12:12 PM	#4
Han Solo 1 ninjette.org guru Name: Han Solo Location: Albuquerque Join Date: Jan 2014 Motorcycle(s): Had a 2008 Ninja 250, til some low-life stole it. Now riding a 2013 red cbr250. Posts: 274	I don't use water at all, unless there is mud caked on, which is hardly ever the case. I use an off-brand cleaner/wax spray that you spray, wipe with rag, then buff it to a shine. Works on all surfaces, although I don't use it on the seat (don't want to make it slippery). I use a plain old wet rag for the seat. This probably goes without saying, but don't use any tire shine on your bike unless you want to know what this feels like.
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

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March 14th, 2014, 10:33 AM	#2
Flying ninjette.org sage Name: - Location: somewhere cold Join Date: Jun 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250 Posts: 596 Blog Entries: 1	Here are a few good threads: http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=74366 http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=136652 http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showp...61&postcount=1 http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showp...24&postcount=8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXcaVuXlzO0 Using the Google site search is a lot more productive.

March 15th, 2014, 12:45 AM	#5
pwalo ninjette.org member Name: Paul Location: New Zealand Join Date: Feb 2014 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 300 SE Posts: 19	If the bike is dirty I use a product called MotoMuck (local product in NZ). Spray it on a dry bike. Have a cup of tea (or wait 10 minutes), hose off. Then use Muc Off bike wash, using a soft brush to agitate any remaining dirty spots. Hose off again. Spray engine, lower fairing area, and running gear/wheels with Muc Off spray. Dry off remainder of bike. Wax. Dry and re lube chain. I'm lazy so usually I clean the bike off and give it a quick wax every day I ride. Means it's always pretty clean.