New to riding, how do I wash this thing?

BabyBaluga · August 6th, 2015, 12:50 PM

Hey all, just bought my first bike, a 2010 Ninja. It runs fine, probably needs maintenance as it has around 11k miles, but I've looked at what I need to do on other threads and have a good general idea.

My question is pretty basic, how exactly does one wash a motorcycle without damaging it?

csmith12 · August 6th, 2015, 12:54 PM

Welcome Khalil! Gunna be multiple options to wash the bike down. I just use a bucket and sponge to wash it, then just spray off with water hose.

NevadaWolf · August 6th, 2015, 12:56 PM

Wash? What is this "Wash" you speak of?

I did mine a few times with a power washer on low pressure taking great care to not spray any electronics - course I was trying to clean off an inch coating of salt after riding at Bonneville.

Other times by hand, grab a bucket, some auto soap, and a sponge.

BabyBaluga · August 6th, 2015, 12:57 PM

Do I need to do anything special post-wash besides re-lubing the chain?

dcj13 · August 6th, 2015, 12:57 PM

Welcome Kahlil!

While the bike is cool, spray it down with water like you would when washing your car. Don't dwell on spraying water on the instruments, air box, carbs, coils, electrical stuff.

Wash the bike with soapy water (same stuff as you use on your car).

Rinse by spraying with water. Towel it off. Go for a ride to evaporate the water that got into places you can't dry with a towel. No big deal, really...

mcwidave · August 6th, 2015, 01:05 PM

Thank you for asking this question because I was actually nervous about washing mine that I bought about a month ago! However I read in a thread on ninja250.org that you are not supposed to use even a water hose to rinse because it can get water past gaskets...is this a real concern or is it fine to just rinse it off with a hose quickly?

NevadaWolf · August 6th, 2015, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BabyBaluga

Do I need to do anything special post-wash besides re-lubing the chain?

Go get it dirty again.

I can't think of anything else, but someone smarter than me will have to answer.

I use Gunk Engine Cleaner on the underside of the bike to clean all the garbage that has built up. My chain oiler puts out a lot of goo that cakes around the front sprocket so you might not have such an issue.

dcj13 · August 6th, 2015, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcwidave

However I read in a thread on ninja250.org that you are not supposed to use even a water hose to rinse because it can get water past gaskets...is this a real concern or is it fine to just rinse it off with a hose quickly?

Naah. Just don't use a pressure washer.

Flying · August 6th, 2015, 01:46 PM

Ride in the rain, air dry, easy.

CC Cowboy · August 6th, 2015, 01:49 PM

Soap, water, leaf blower to dry.

It is a known fact that girls in bikinis wash bikes the best.

MrAtom · August 6th, 2015, 01:51 PM

You could also wax it if you want your paint to hold up. Which iI assume you do :P

cbinker · August 6th, 2015, 01:53 PM

5 gallon bucket water/dish soap, sponge and garden hose. scrub and rinse. clean chain with diesel and relube with chain wax and done!

cbinker · August 6th, 2015, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flying

Ride in the rain, air dry, easy.

thats how you wash your gear.

LittleRedNinjette · August 6th, 2015, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CC Cowboy

It is a known fact that girls in bikinis wash bikes the best.

someone forgot to tell her that.

Link to original page on YouTube.

Whiskey · August 8th, 2015, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cbinker

5 gallon bucket water/dish soap, sponge and garden hose. scrub and rinse. clean chain with diesel and relube with chain wax and done!

That contains a lot of salt, not good for washing a bike/anything metal.

Motofool · August 8th, 2015, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcwidave

Thank you for asking this question because I was actually nervous about washing mine that I bought about a month ago! However I read in a thread on ninja250.org that you are not supposed to use even a water hose to rinse because it can get water past gaskets...is this a real concern or is it fine to just rinse it off with a hose quickly?

It is not about how quick a stream of water should hit the motorcycle, it is about how much pressure or velocity of impact that stream has.

Any link that is protected by O-rings, like the chain links and the rear suspension mechanism, can resist splashes and sprays from rain and road puddles, but not much more than that.

Kerosene and a brush are your friends for cleaning the chain and any area covered with oil, asphalt or wax.

Due to the big flat surfaces, cars can be washed with pressure, but motorcycles have much intricate places and expossed parts.
A bucket and a sponge or rack have been the traditional way to do it, followed by re-lubrication of chain and non-sealed things like cables and control levers and pedals.

ForceofWill · August 8th, 2015, 10:42 AM

Depends how OCD you are with detailing. I keep my vehicles near immaculate but when I get my bikes I do a normal wash, either two bucket or GDWM then they get polished and sealed/waxed.

From that point on I just waterless and rinseless them for upkeep.

Optima No-Rinse (or whatever your preferred equivalent is) is your friend here.

Alex · August 8th, 2015, 10:50 AM

DIY on washing my 250r?
Need help washing
How do you clean your Bikes?
Bike Wash

dcj13 · August 8th, 2015, 11:12 AM

After riding in rain, I usually wipe off the instruments, windscreen, bodywork, lights, and seat with a towel. I wash my bikes maybe once a year. Wheels get a bit grungy, but get cleaned during the wash.

Chaddlee1978 · November 16th, 2015, 12:48 PM

Hello everyone. I am new to motorcycling and my bike is dirty and want to wash it. When I wash it do I need to degrease the chain too and reapply chain lube or just wash bike without having to clean and relubing chain? I know around every 300 miles you supposed to lube the chain, but I know I will wash my motorcycle much more often. I thank you.

SLOWn60 · November 16th, 2015, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrAtom

You could also wax it if you want your paint to hold up. Which iI assume you do :P

Pro Tip: clean your bike REALLY WELL.
Then polish it with Lemon Pledge. Next time you only have to give it a good rinse with a garden hose and all the grunge will melt away!

allanoue · November 16th, 2015, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chaddlee1978

Hello everyone. I am new to motorcycling and my bike is dirty and want to wash it. When I wash it do I need to degrease the chain too and reapply chain lube or just wash bike without having to clean and relubing chain? I know around every 300 miles you supposed to lube the chain, but I know I will wash my motorcycle much more often. I thank you.

It is a matter of some debate. I am on "just relube" team

CC Cowboy · November 16th, 2015, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chaddlee1978

Hello everyone. I am new to motorcycling and my bike is dirty and want to wash it. When I wash it do I need to degrease the chain too and reapply chain lube or just wash bike without having to clean and relubing chain? I know around every 300 miles you supposed to lube the chain, but I know I will wash my motorcycle much more often. I thank you.

Just take it to the drive through. It's just like riding in the rain but cleaner.

NevadaWolf · November 16th, 2015, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chaddlee1978

I know around every 300 miles you supposed to lube the chain, but I know I will wash my motorcycle much more often. I thank you.

**Before I post anything, know I'm an idiot and you shouldn't really take my advice on anything, especially normal motorcycle care.

Question, how "dirty" is dirty? Normal minor road grime or "Look, a mud bog!"

300 miles really isn't that far, as you posted in your intro thread you did 100 miles in one day (whoo hoo! Congrats!) so unless you are being an off road hooligan, your chain should be okay for a light touch up on the lube each time you wash it.

If the dirt isn't thick or heavy and you just want to keep it clean, a wet sponge and dry towel should be able to wipe off most of the dust and splatter you encounter out there.

SLOWn60 · November 16th, 2015, 01:58 PM

It's now time to start the chain lube portion of this show!

Wash your bike however you end up doing it then go for a ride to shake out most of the water from your chain then spray with WD40 to displace any remaining water.

If you're running an O ring sealed chain (and its 99% likely you are) that's all the chain lube you need if you do it every 300 or so miles.

For the record;
I ride year round up here on the wet coast, I have well over 500,000 km riding experience and typically get 30-50,000+ km life from a set of sprockets & chain.
I do not ride like a granny

I used to be STUPIDn20, later FASTn50, now I'm SLOWn60. Much too soon I'll be SENILEn65! ....some might say I've already accomplished that milestone!

ryker · November 16th, 2015, 02:24 PM

I never wash mine with water, just clean with a cleaner/wax (then again my bike doesn't get too dirty because I only ride it in nice weather)

IdRatherDrum · December 4th, 2015, 12:05 PM

I actually found washing the bike isn't as bad as you think. So much smaller than a car so it only takes me about 10 minutes. I use 1 microfiber cloth and car wash soap and slowly spread it around the bike. After that I let it sit for a minute or two and then use a dry microfiber and it usually does the trick. I'd recommend going for a short ride after just to dry it even more.

August 6th, 2015, 12:50 PM	#1
BabyBaluga ninjette.org member Name: Khalil Location: Tucson Join Date: Aug 2015 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250R Posts: 10	New to riding, how do I wash this thing? Hey all, just bought my first bike, a 2010 Ninja. It runs fine, probably needs maintenance as it has around 11k miles, but I've looked at what I need to do on other threads and have a good general idea. My question is pretty basic, how exactly does one wash a motorcycle without damaging it?

August 6th, 2015, 12:54 PM	#2
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	Welcome Khalil! Gunna be multiple options to wash the bike down. I just use a bucket and sponge to wash it, then just spray off with water hose. __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

August 6th, 2015, 12:56 PM	#3
NevadaWolf Certified looney toon Name: Teri Location: 39°52'40.7"N 118°23'53.8"W (Northern NV) Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250, 102k+ miles -- 2014 CB500X, 42k+ miles Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 16 MOTM Jul '13, Jul '14	Wash? What is this "Wash" you speak of? I did mine a few times with a power washer on low pressure taking great care to not spray any electronics - course I was trying to clean off an inch coating of salt after riding at Bonneville. Other times by hand, grab a bucket, some auto soap, and a sponge. __________________________________________________ <-- Linky Hey Unregistered! The code [you] shows the username currently logged in. IBA # 56020 AMA # 521481 Fun Rides! ][ My Videos ][ My Gear Hold yourself to the same rules you expect others to follow.

August 6th, 2015, 01:05 PM	#6
mcwidave Learning to walk Name: Dave Location: Boise Join Date: Jul 2015 Motorcycle(s): 06 Red Ninja 250 Posts: 48	Thank you for asking this question because I was actually nervous about washing mine that I bought about a month ago! However I read in a thread on ninja250.org that you are not supposed to use even a water hose to rinse because it can get water past gaskets...is this a real concern or is it fine to just rinse it off with a hose quickly? __________________________________________________

August 6th, 2015, 01:46 PM	#9
Flying ninjette.org sage Name: - Location: somewhere cold Join Date: Jun 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250 Posts: 596 Blog Entries: 1	Ride in the rain, air dry, easy.
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

August 6th, 2015, 12:57 PM	#4
BabyBaluga ninjette.org member Name: Khalil Location: Tucson Join Date: Aug 2015 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250R Posts: 10	Do I need to do anything special post-wash besides re-lubing the chain?

August 6th, 2015, 12:57 PM	#5
dcj13 Participant Name: Dave Location: South of Seattle Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): '94 K75 std Posts: Too much. MOTM - Aug '15	Welcome Kahlil! While the bike is cool, spray it down with water like you would when washing your car. Don't dwell on spraying water on the instruments, air box, carbs, coils, electrical stuff. Wash the bike with soapy water (same stuff as you use on your car). Rinse by spraying with water. Towel it off. Go for a ride to evaporate the water that got into places you can't dry with a towel. No big deal, really...

August 6th, 2015, 01:49 PM	#10
CC Cowboy ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Whodat Location: Ware Is.,MA Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): I pass the wind! Posts: A lot. MOTM - Mar '13, Jun '14	Soap, water, leaf blower to dry. It is a known fact that girls in bikinis wash bikes the best. __________________________________________________ If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough!
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

August 6th, 2015, 01:51 PM	#11
MrAtom . Name: . Location: . Join Date: Aug 2014 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: A lot. MOTM - July '15	You could also wax it if you want your paint to hold up. Which iI assume you do :P
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

August 6th, 2015, 01:53 PM	#12
cbinker Track Clown Name: Chris Location: Kingman, AZ Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): '08 250R, 21 MV F3 800, Kawasaki 400 build Posts: A lot. MOTM - Sep '15	5 gallon bucket water/dish soap, sponge and garden hose. scrub and rinse. clean chain with diesel and relube with chain wax and done! __________________________________________________ TEAM ALFALFA www.apexassassins.com

August 8th, 2015, 10:42 AM	#17
ForceofWill Blind 250 Loving Whore Name: Tom Location: Chesapeake, VA Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2008 250R, 02 FZ1, '20 Fat Bob 114 Posts: A lot.	Depends how OCD you are with detailing. I keep my vehicles near immaculate but when I get my bikes I do a normal wash, either two bucket or GDWM then they get polished and sealed/waxed. From that point on I just waterless and rinseless them for upkeep. Optima No-Rinse (or whatever your preferred equivalent is) is your friend here.

August 8th, 2015, 10:50 AM	#18
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	DIY on washing my 250r? Need help washing How do you clean your Bikes? Bike Wash __________________________________________________ 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)

August 8th, 2015, 11:12 AM	#19
dcj13 Participant Name: Dave Location: South of Seattle Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): '94 K75 std Posts: Too much. MOTM - Aug '15	After riding in rain, I usually wipe off the instruments, windscreen, bodywork, lights, and seat with a towel. I wash my bikes maybe once a year. Wheels get a bit grungy, but get cleaned during the wash.

November 16th, 2015, 12:48 PM	#20
Chaddlee1978 ninjette.org member Name: Chad Location: Louisiana Join Date: Nov 2015 Motorcycle(s): 2014 ninja 300 Posts: 12	Hello everyone. I am new to motorcycling and my bike is dirty and want to wash it. When I wash it do I need to degrease the chain too and reapply chain lube or just wash bike without having to clean and relubing chain? I know around every 300 miles you supposed to lube the chain, but I know I will wash my motorcycle much more often. I thank you.

November 16th, 2015, 01:58 PM	#25
SLOWn60 n00bie to wannabie Name: Bill Location: St Ives, BC (Shuswap Lake) Join Date: Sep 2015 Motorcycle(s): 2012 250R (Red), 2005 VFR800A (Red), CRF450X (Red), 2012 F800GS (Wants to be Red!) Posts: A lot. MOTM - Nov '15	It's now time to start the chain lube portion of this show! Wash your bike however you end up doing it then go for a ride to shake out most of the water from your chain then spray with WD40 to displace any remaining water. If you're running an O ring sealed chain (and its 99% likely you are) that's all the chain lube you need if you do it every 300 or so miles. For the record; I ride year round up here on the wet coast, I have well over 500,000 km riding experience and typically get 30-50,000+ km life from a set of sprockets & chain. I do not ride like a granny I used to be STUPIDn20, later FASTn50, now I'm SLOWn60. Much too soon I'll be SENILEn65! ....some might say I've already accomplished that milestone! __________________________________________________ The Smart Money: #1 - ATGATT, #2 - Training (machine skills and survival skills), #3 - The bike; whatever floats yer boat with the money you have left over

November 16th, 2015, 02:24 PM	#26
ryker chaos theory Name: Scott Location: Detroit Join Date: Jul 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250r SE ; 2007 ZZR600 Posts: 123	I never wash mine with water, just clean with a cleaner/wax (then again my bike doesn't get too dirty because I only ride it in nice weather) __________________________________________________

December 4th, 2015, 12:05 PM	#27
IdRatherDrum ninjette.org member Name: Chase Location: California Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r Posts: 225	I actually found washing the bike isn't as bad as you think. So much smaller than a car so it only takes me about 10 minutes. I use 1 microfiber cloth and car wash soap and slowly spread it around the bike. After that I let it sit for a minute or two and then use a dry microfiber and it usually does the trick. I'd recommend going for a short ride after just to dry it even more.

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