6 months old and still in showroom condition

[loz944]

I just finished cleaning my bike and my wife said it looks better than the day I got it from Kawasaki.
So I looked at some pics that I took the day I got It and my wife was right,So this is how I clean my bike .

I think about cleaning my bike the same way as I clean my body ,That is to say use the correct products for the correct parts, after all you would not use a course facial scrub on your delicate parts .

Here is my step by step process:-

1. I use a pressure washer on a low pressure to get all the dirt loose especially around the rear fender and suspension. Be careful not to take of stickers and paint keep it on a wide spray.
2. I use Kit motorcycle shampoo but any good auto shampoo will be OK . Take extra care to get in those nooks and crannies.
3. Hose of and walk around and check for any missed spots.
4. I then use a towel to wipe her dry starting with all the paint work, then I use another towel for the rear suspension and wheel (sometimes you get grease or brake dust in those areas.
5. I then use Kit motorcycle wax and wax all the body work,exposed frame, swing arm and wheels .Try not to get wax on the black plastic parts or seat.
6. I then use a cockpit shine for the Black plastic parts .Dash,side panels,chain guard,and rear fender. To prevent risk of getting spray on your seat and tyres spray directly on to a soft cloth first.
7. I then use a tyre and seat treatment for the seats and tyres be careful not to get it on the tread.
8. Last of all I take a final walk around with a dry cloth and catch any missed areas. I will use cotton buds or a tooth pick with cloth around it to get any dried polish out of the fairing joints.

Don't forget the brake hoses and speedo cable e.t.c .

I try not to let my bike get to dirty to start with so it makes it easier to keep clean, even after a long ride if its dirt from spray from cars or dust I just give it a quick hose down (even if its raining).

DSCF1425.resized.web.JPG DSCF1422.resized.web.JPG DSCF1415.resized.web.JPG DSCF1423.resized.web.JPG DSCF1421.jpg DSCF1420.resized.web.JPG

[xMoises831]

that looks real nice.. what year is that? and its SE right?

[loz944]

Thanks Its a 2012 SE

[himynameisjoe]

Wow that thing looks mint! Though I can't like it as much as I'd like too. Something about that SE green... just never did like it.

[loz944]

I didn't get much choice here in Thailand SE green or SE red and I really don't like the red scheme

12_EX250K_LIM2_LS.jpg 12_EX250JK_RED2_LS.jpg

[himynameisjoe]

No I'd have to agree with you there. Between the two, green looks much cleaner. At least it doesn't actually look like the green in the pictures, right? I mean that almost looks like baby poop green, where it's actually just the standard Kawi green...

Unless that is a different color than you have, and I just sound like a moron. Then forgive the second half of all of that!

I do love your guide though, I actually bookmarked it for future reference

[loz944]

That was from the Thai Kawasaki site and the green is what I have, same bike just bad pic also here its good to be seen so it was a no brainer for me go green and be seen or go red and look like a cbr250 lol

[SteveL]

Looks good but I spend my time riding not cleaning. Depends on what floats your boat.

Steve

[loz944]

I do both

[bighurt35]

Looks great! I am the same way as you, OCD! I have recently started to use a compressor to blow out all of the nooks and crannies, then I wipe it down. It works great and its easier

[Motofool]

Very nice detailing work.

Two remarks:

1) Using a pressure washer even on a low pressure could introduce grime and water into bearings, brake system, chain rollers and other lubricated parts (seals are not effective for anything stronger than splashes an drain).

http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/How_do_I_wash_the_bike%3F

2) Your chain needs abundant and frequent lubrication (yes it is going to spread lube all over the rear of the bike; so, do it before washing the bike).

[oblivion007]

Question. What's that thing on next to your swingarm in picture 4?

Nice looking bike, I'm surprised at how clean your rear rim is lol. Mine is always dusty from lube getting on it then dust on the lube. Its annoying to clean.

[choneofakind]

Looks nice. I've given up on trying to keep my rims clean. All it does is drive me mad and take time away from riding. I clean the bodywork when it gets gross and wax it once in a while, but other than that, I'd rather be riding than cleaning.

[loz944]

Originally Posted by oblivion007

Question. What's that thing on next to your swingarm in picture 4?

Nice looking bike, I'm surprised at how clean your rear rim is lol. Mine is always dusty from lube getting on it then dust on the lube. Its annoying to clean.

Its to display the Tax

[loz944]

Originally Posted by Motofool

Very nice detailing work.

Two remarks:

1) Using a pressure washer even on a low pressure could introduce grime and water into bearings, brake system, chain rollers and other lubricated parts (seals are not effective for anything stronger than splashes an drain).

http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/How_do_I_wash_the_bike%3F

2) Your chain needs abundant and frequent lubrication (yes it is going to spread lube all over the rear of the bike; so, do it before washing the bike).

There is always a risk with a pressure washer but have been using them for years on bikes and cars with no ill effect.

the chain gets lubricated regularly and I just wipe any drips of afterwards I also use a piece of card too stop it over spraying on to the bike where possible.

[himynameisjoe]

Originally Posted by loz944

Its to display the Tax

I'm still confused by what it is and what that means?

[tcbmellowd]

An electric leaf blower will save you some effort when drying ... that'll teach those nooks and crannies a thing or two.

[himynameisjoe]

Originally Posted by tcbmellowd

An electric leaf blower will save you some effort when drying ... that'll teach those nooks and crannies a thing or two.

O horrible thoughts of debris being sucked up and flung at like 150MPH towards a shiny new bike just entered my mind

[tcbmellowd]

Originally Posted by himynameisjoe

O horrible thoughts of debris being sucked up and flung at like 150MPH towards a shiny new bike just entered my mind

DIY K&N airfilter for your blower should do the trick

[himynameisjoe]

Originally Posted by tcbmellowd

DIY K&N airfilter for your blower should do the trick

Innovative! I like it!

[loz944]

Originally Posted by himynameisjoe

I'm still confused by what it is and what that means?

I don,t know what you call it in the states but here and the UK we have a paper that has to be displayed showing you paid your road Tax its a clear tube that you put the paper in to keep it dry.

[choneofakind]

Registration!

[Bassman]

Originally Posted by choneofakind

Looks nice. I've given up on trying to keep my rims clean. All it does is drive me mad and take time away from riding. I clean the bodywork when it gets gross and wax it once in a while, but other than that, I'd rather be riding than cleaning.

I hear ya. I just did my rims, very detailed, wow, what a pain. But, she does look great. There is nothing like walking to my bike after work and be'n proud of how beautiful she looks I only have 6k in the first year I bought her, but I do ride my Harley and Goldwing too.

[beren]

Originally Posted by loz944

after all you would not use a course facial scrub on your delicate parts

Why not???

[himynameisjoe]

Originally Posted by choneofakind

Registration!

Ahhh There we go

[loz944]

Originally Posted by beren

Why not???

I will let you try it for yourself

[beren]

Originally Posted by loz944

I will let you try it for yourself

I have. I am not a weakling.

[LoneRonin]

One thing I hate about cleaning my bike so meticulously is finding all the little stone chips and other imperfections...Then I keep thinking about them even if they're out of sight...