Riding dirty

Snake · September 16th, 2010, 08:57 AM

I tend to try and keep my bike clean at all times but I realy go all out for a group ride. For group rides I not only wash but I polish and detail the bike.
I was wondering if you all do the same or just ride the bike?

austexjg · September 16th, 2010, 09:01 AM

I wipe it down after every ride...

dubojr1 · September 16th, 2010, 09:05 AM

I commute with mine but generally it is washed weekly. Washed and waxed for group rides.

FrugalNinja250 · September 16th, 2010, 09:08 AM

I wash mine as time and convenience allows, which isn't often lately it seems.

Right now it's covered with road slime from the storms I rode through last week, or was it two weeks ago? I do keep the mirrors, light/cluster lenses, and tank clean so that I don't rub scratches into the paint with my gear/tank bag, but the rest goes as long as needed.

backinthesaddleagain · September 16th, 2010, 09:50 AM

I was once a week and wax the tank just to give extra protection where i should put a tank protector.

Flashmonkey · September 16th, 2010, 09:52 AM

Wait a sec...you can wash these things???

demp · September 16th, 2010, 09:58 AM

I generally don't have time to clean it.

Snake · September 16th, 2010, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flashmonkey

Wait a sec...you can wash these things???

And why not?

Reswob · September 16th, 2010, 10:08 AM

I don't do a super detail job or anything but I wash the plastics every once in a while. Usually clean the wheel, swingarm, and under the tail when I clean/lube the chain. Do the mirrors, headlights, and muffler as needed. I did take all of the fairings off and clean the insides once -I recommend this be done occasionally as they were gross!

JeffM · September 16th, 2010, 10:23 AM

I usually do a cleaning once a month. Otherwise I ride with the bike dirty.

tjkamper · September 16th, 2010, 10:41 AM

I try to keep it clean, but I don't wash it every day either. I usually wash it when it needs it. That can be in two days or two months depending on weather/bugs.

mrlmd · September 16th, 2010, 10:44 AM

My two sit under a cover when not in use, they get dusted off occasionally. The windshield gets cleaned off of bug splat more often. The thing I have to try and keep off is rust (not so much on the Ninja) because I live right on the Gulf Coast of Fl. and all the salt and moisture in the air here. Lemon Pledge works great for a quick clean and shine but doesn't last very long.

backinthesaddleagain · September 16th, 2010, 11:36 AM

Some weekends I get up, go for a ride, then go home and take a shower. On workdays I get up, take a shower, then ride to work.

Flashmonkey · September 16th, 2010, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snake

And why not?

LOL originally it never occured to me. I didn't wash my ninja 250 until I gave it to my cousin....and it was this huge revelation to me.

"Geez this thing's dirty. I wish I could...like....wash it or something"

*light bulb goes off, the heavens open up and majestic trumpets start playing music everywhere*

"Oh MY GOD! I CAN wash this thing...."

I guess I figured something that small didn't need washing haha.

Snake · September 16th, 2010, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flashmonkey

LOL originally it never occured to me. I didn't wash my ninja 250 until I gave it to my cousin....and it was this huge revelation to me.

"Geez this thing's dirty. I wish I could...like....wash it or something"

*light bulb goes off, the heavens open up and majestic trumpets start playing music everywhere*

"Oh MY GOD! I CAN wash this thing...."

I guess I figured something that small didn't need washing haha.

Oh ok I understand now.

Snake · September 16th, 2010, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by backinthesaddleagain

Some weekends I get up, go for a ride, then go home and take a shower. On workdays I get up, take a shower, then ride to work.

Now that really is riding dirty. I hope you don't plan on meeting anyone along the ride.

MikeCG23 · September 16th, 2010, 02:22 PM

I use that "California duster" on my bike. Its really easy to go over it and wipe it down. I haven't ever soaked my bike down with the hose and given it a good wash. I believe I am in need of one though. Especially to remove all the brake dust off my rims before I apply the rim tape.

thurt88 · September 16th, 2010, 02:26 PM

I wash and wax mine weekly. I have to as i use it to commute to work daily and i work 3rd shift so its all night and early morning riding.

dyeforever · September 16th, 2010, 02:35 PM

try to wash mine at least every two months. black is just hard to keep clean.

kkim · September 16th, 2010, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flashmonkey

I guess I figured something that small didn't need washing haha.

...and yet you take a bath every day, right?

CZroe · September 16th, 2010, 05:45 PM

I let mine get FILTHY before I wash it. My blue rims are almost black with brake dust!

I commute and it gets a fresh layer of dew and dust each night at work, so it would be a real pain if I let it bother me.

BlueRaven · September 16th, 2010, 06:00 PM

I don't get many chances to ride so when i do have some time i rather spend it riding my bike rather than cleaning it so i ride dirty

possumapproved · September 16th, 2010, 06:02 PM

right now I live down a dirt road and it hasnt rained in a least a month.. so I wash it and then ride ten miles to work and it looks like I took her for an offroad adventure

Sailariel · September 16th, 2010, 06:11 PM

I keep mine very clean. Once a month I get behind the fairing with a power washer set on the low setting. I dry the bike using an electric leaf blower. Plexus plastic polish works well once a month after the bike was waxed with Liquid Glass (Corvette Polish) After two years and 12000mi, the bike looks pretty much showroom.

Snake · September 16th, 2010, 07:26 PM

After over 5 years and 20,000 miles people tell me it still looks as new as the day I got it.

Flashmonkey · September 16th, 2010, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kkim

...and yet you take a bath every day, right?

Ohhhh....no you di'int!!

*snap* *snap* *snap*

eddiekay · September 16th, 2010, 07:52 PM

I keep the lights and mirrors and chain clean, beyond that, I hosed it once in 5000 miles.

bob706 · September 16th, 2010, 07:57 PM

I try to wash my bike every weekend.

spooph · September 16th, 2010, 08:04 PM

I wash my bike with service intervals, and depending on the service, I'll wash the in side of the fairings and the engine/etc if I'm doing valves or re-jetting, cause I like working on a clean bike, and other than that I pretty much ride dirty.

00NissanNinja · September 16th, 2010, 08:27 PM

I generally keep it clean. But I clean as needed so maybe every other week. If it is really messy then I clean it as soon as I can. I like my machines nice and clean.

250rStar · September 16th, 2010, 10:14 PM

I ride half and half wash every weekend but i ride every day rain or shine so it gets dirty quick

ithaca00 · September 17th, 2010, 01:43 AM

My bike is only as clean as the last storm I rode through...

stealth250 · September 17th, 2010, 10:54 AM

I wipe mine down usually 2-3 times a week with Meguiars Final Inspection and a microfiber towel. Wax it with meguiars yellow wax about twice a month. I never have actually "washed" it with soap and water because I don't give it a chance to get dirty!

Also because it's black, it looks so much better when it's clean all the time. Blowing it off with compressed air also helps keep the engine and visible stuff under the fairings clean too.

neiman007 · September 17th, 2010, 11:53 AM

I like to keep my bike clean, but that has been impossible with the rain on "most" of my commutes lately. When I know the road will be wet the next day, I don't bother cleaning it.

When I go for a "fun" ride with my friends who have chromed-out Harley's, I always make sure it it clean.

TrueFader · September 17th, 2010, 05:10 PM

bikes are for riding not for washing and looking at. i cant see the bugs splattered all over the front or the brake dust all over the rear rim when i'm riding it so i dont bother cleaning it. i do clean the chain a lot tho...

CC Cowboy · September 17th, 2010, 05:57 PM

Bikini wash

Snake · September 17th, 2010, 07:13 PM

^^^ The best excuse to get your bike washed.

toast · September 20th, 2010, 08:23 PM

I'd wash it more often, but when the weather's nice I can't stand wasting valuable riding time washing it! I commute daily, so it gets instantly dirty again...a downside to black vehicles.

Nny · September 21st, 2010, 10:32 AM

I would like to keep them clean but daily riding in the land of 30-50% chance of daily rain..it's hard to care anymore.

Blackwidow · September 21st, 2010, 12:31 PM

i got my bike in august and haven't washed it...haven't had to, it isn't dirty.

View Poll Results: Do you ride dirty or keep your bike clean?
I ride dirty	32	49.23%
I keep my bike clean	33	50.77%
Voters: 65. You may not vote on this poll

September 16th, 2010, 08:57 AM	#1
Snake ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Rick Location: Alexandria, Louisiana Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 05 Blue Ninja 250 Posts: Too much. MOTY - 2017, MOTM - Jan '19, Oct '16, May '14	Riding dirty I tend to try and keep my bike clean at all times but I realy go all out for a group ride. For group rides I not only wash but I polish and detail the bike. I was wondering if you all do the same or just ride the bike?

September 16th, 2010, 09:05 AM	#3
dubojr1 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Jason Location: Jacksonville, Florida Join Date: May 2010 Motorcycle(s): 09 Ninja 250R SE, 07 Honda CRF230F, 06 Honda CRF150F Posts: A lot.	I commute with mine but generally it is washed weekly. Washed and waxed for group rides. __________________________________________________ 09 250R SE: Paying it forward one post at a time! Don't forget to add yourself to our Member Map

September 16th, 2010, 10:08 AM	#9
Reswob ninjette.org sage Name: Josh Location: Richmond VA Join Date: Oct 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Triumph Bonneville Black Posts: 627	I don't do a super detail job or anything but I wash the plastics every once in a while. Usually clean the wheel, swingarm, and under the tail when I clean/lube the chain. Do the mirrors, headlights, and muffler as needed. I did take all of the fairings off and clean the insides once -I recommend this be done occasionally as they were gross! __________________________________________________ '08 Bonneville Black sold->'08 Ninja 250R \| OES Swingarm Spools \| EBC HH brake pads \| reflector delete \| no-cut brake light modulator \| DIY fender eliminator

September 16th, 2010, 10:23 AM	#10
JeffM Mr. 988 Name: Jeff Location: Sandy, Utah Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): One Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 1	I usually do a cleaning once a month. Otherwise I ride with the bike dirty. __________________________________________________ "I'm the one that's got to die when it's time for me to die, so let me live my life, the way I want to" - Jimi Hendrix Cancer

September 16th, 2010, 09:01 AM	#2
austexjg ninjette.org sage Name: J.G. Location: Austin Join Date: Oct 2009 Motorcycle(s): '09 zx6r Green/Black, (ex-)Diablo Black '09 Ninja 250r Posts: 959	I wipe it down after every ride...

September 16th, 2010, 09:08 AM	#4
FrugalNinja250 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Frugal Location: Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) Join Date: Mar 2010 Motorcycle(s): Several Posts: A lot.	I wash mine as time and convenience allows, which isn't often lately it seems. Right now it's covered with road slime from the storms I rode through last week, or was it two weeks ago? I do keep the mirrors, light/cluster lenses, and tank clean so that I don't rub scratches into the paint with my gear/tank bag, but the rest goes as long as needed.

September 16th, 2010, 09:50 AM	#5
backinthesaddleagain ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Greg Location: Rhode Island Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 ZX6R 636 Posts: A lot.	I was once a week and wax the tank just to give extra protection where i should put a tank protector.

September 16th, 2010, 09:52 AM	#6
Flashmonkey Professional belly dancer Name: James Location: Toronto Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 1992 GSX-R 750 Posts: A lot.	Wait a sec...you can wash these things???

September 16th, 2010, 09:58 AM	#7
demp ninjette.org sage Name: Matthew Location: Toronto Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2015 V-Star 950 Tourer (Deep Blue) Posts: 570	I generally don't have time to clean it.

September 16th, 2010, 10:41 AM	#11
tjkamper ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Travis Location: Warwick, RI Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	I try to keep it clean, but I don't wash it every day either. I usually wash it when it needs it. That can be in two days or two months depending on weather/bugs. __________________________________________________ Addicted to anything that has an engine and rolls.

September 16th, 2010, 10:44 AM	#12
mrlmd ninjette.org sage Name: Marc Location: Crawfordville, Florida Join Date: Jan 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2005 Suzuki S50, 2006 Kawasaki Ninja EX250F, 1990 Honda PC800, 2000 Yamaha TW200 Posts: 848	My two sit under a cover when not in use, they get dusted off occasionally. The windshield gets cleaned off of bug splat more often. The thing I have to try and keep off is rust (not so much on the Ninja) because I live right on the Gulf Coast of Fl. and all the salt and moisture in the air here. Lemon Pledge works great for a quick clean and shine but doesn't last very long.

September 16th, 2010, 11:36 AM	#13
backinthesaddleagain ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Greg Location: Rhode Island Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 ZX6R 636 Posts: A lot.	Some weekends I get up, go for a ride, then go home and take a shower. On workdays I get up, take a shower, then ride to work.

September 16th, 2010, 02:22 PM	#17
MikeCG23 Ride this! Name: Mike Location: Salt Lake City, UT Join Date: Aug 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 78	I use that "California duster" on my bike. Its really easy to go over it and wipe it down. I haven't ever soaked my bike down with the hose and given it a good wash. I believe I am in need of one though. Especially to remove all the brake dust off my rims before I apply the rim tape.

September 16th, 2010, 02:26 PM	#18
thurt88 ninjette.org guru Name: Tommy Location: Missouri Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2014 Honda CRF250L, 2010 ninja 250r Posts: 413	I wash and wax mine weekly. I have to as i use it to commute to work daily and i work 3rd shift so its all night and early morning riding.

September 16th, 2010, 02:35 PM	#19
dyeforever ninjette.org member Name: Jesse Location: Kona, Hawaii Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 04 250r(sold), 09 250r(sold), 07 CRF450x, 07 sv650(sold) Posts: 110	try to wash mine at least every two months. black is just hard to keep clean.

September 16th, 2010, 05:45 PM	#21
CZroe CPT Falcon Name: J.Emmett Turner Location: Newnan, GA Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): '08 CP Blue EX250J, '97 unpainted EX250F, 2nd '97 unpainted EX250F (no engine), '07 black EX250F Posts: A lot.	I let mine get FILTHY before I wash it. My blue rims are almost black with brake dust! I commute and it gets a fresh layer of dew and dust each night at work, so it would be a real pain if I let it bother me.

September 16th, 2010, 06:00 PM	#22
BlueRaven ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Lil One Location: NB Canada Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): '09 Ninja 250 Black Posts: A lot.	I don't get many chances to ride so when i do have some time i rather spend it riding my bike rather than cleaning it so i ride dirty __________________________________________________ I'm not small, I'm fun sized

September 16th, 2010, 06:02 PM	#23
possumapproved ninjette.org member Name: Amy Location: Maine Join Date: May 2010 Motorcycle(s): 09 Ninja 250 aka Vera Posts: 39	right now I live down a dirt road and it hasnt rained in a least a month.. so I wash it and then ride ten miles to work and it looks like I took her for an offroad adventure

September 16th, 2010, 06:11 PM	#24
Sailariel ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Alex Location: Belfast, ME Join Date: Jul 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Honda NT-700-V, formerly, Green 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	I keep mine very clean. Once a month I get behind the fairing with a power washer set on the low setting. I dry the bike using an electric leaf blower. Plexus plastic polish works well once a month after the bike was waxed with Liquid Glass (Corvette Polish) After two years and 12000mi, the bike looks pretty much showroom.

September 16th, 2010, 07:26 PM	#25
Snake ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Rick Location: Alexandria, Louisiana Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 05 Blue Ninja 250 Posts: Too much. MOTY - 2017, MOTM - Jan '19, Oct '16, May '14	After over 5 years and 20,000 miles people tell me it still looks as new as the day I got it.

September 16th, 2010, 07:52 PM	#27
eddiekay ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: eddie Location: Lawnguylind Join Date: Nov 2009 Motorcycle(s): 300, WeeStrom Posts: A lot.	I keep the lights and mirrors and chain clean, beyond that, I hosed it once in 5000 miles.

September 16th, 2010, 07:57 PM	#28
bob706 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Sean Location: Mary Esther, FL Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250 1998 HD Road King Posts: A lot.	I try to wash my bike every weekend.

September 16th, 2010, 08:04 PM	#29
spooph ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Spooph Location: Golden, CO Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot. MOTM - Oct '15	I wash my bike with service intervals, and depending on the service, I'll wash the in side of the fairings and the engine/etc if I'm doing valves or re-jetting, cause I like working on a clean bike, and other than that I pretty much ride dirty. __________________________________________________ My therapist has 2 wheels and a seat. If you are ever in doubt to my tone, please refer to my avatar.

September 16th, 2010, 08:27 PM	#30
00NissanNinja I hate driving... Name: S Location: SW Ohio Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): 13 Triumph Street Triple R, 09 Ninja 250r (Sold 4/20/12) Posts: A lot.	I generally keep it clean. But I clean as needed so maybe every other week. If it is really messy then I clean it as soon as I can. I like my machines nice and clean. __________________________________________________ 09 ninja 2fiddy SE Driving slow things fast

September 16th, 2010, 10:14 PM	#31
250rStar super ninja Name: TJ Location: Sacramento Join Date: Feb 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 kawasaki 250r Posts: 127	I ride half and half wash every weekend but i ride every day rain or shine so it gets dirty quick __________________________________________________ 2009 Ninja 250r aftermarket parts HotBodies double bubble Swing Arm Sliders Sylvania Sliverstar Ultra Akrapovic Slip-on Shinto Clip-Ons/Grips/Bar Ends

September 17th, 2010, 01:43 AM	#32
ithaca00 ninjette.org guru Name: Ryan Location: Sacramento, CA Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2007 EX250 (street), 1994 EX250 (Race), 2008 250R (Race), 2000 250 (project), 1991 EL250 (a cruiser!) Posts: 287	My bike is only as clean as the last storm I rode through...

September 17th, 2010, 10:54 AM	#33
stealth250 Gearhead Name: Mike Location: IND Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 242	I wipe mine down usually 2-3 times a week with Meguiars Final Inspection and a microfiber towel. Wax it with meguiars yellow wax about twice a month. I never have actually "washed" it with soap and water because I don't give it a chance to get dirty! Also because it's black, it looks so much better when it's clean all the time. Blowing it off with compressed air also helps keep the engine and visible stuff under the fairings clean too. __________________________________________________

September 17th, 2010, 11:53 AM	#34
neiman007 ninjette.org member Name: Newman Location: Midwest Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2003 Kawasaki VN800B Posts: 13	I like to keep my bike clean, but that has been impossible with the rain on "most" of my commutes lately. When I know the road will be wet the next day, I don't bother cleaning it. When I go for a "fun" ride with my friends who have chromed-out Harley's, I always make sure it it clean.

September 17th, 2010, 05:10 PM	#35
TrueFader ninjette.org member Name: Chris Location: California Join Date: Apr 2010 Motorcycle(s): '08 250 Posts: 129	bikes are for riding not for washing and looking at. i cant see the bugs splattered all over the front or the brake dust all over the rear rim when i'm riding it so i dont bother cleaning it. i do clean the chain a lot tho...

September 17th, 2010, 05:57 PM	#36
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	Bikini wash __________________________________________________ If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough!

September 17th, 2010, 07:13 PM	#37
Snake ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Rick Location: Alexandria, Louisiana Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 05 Blue Ninja 250 Posts: Too much. MOTY - 2017, MOTM - Jan '19, Oct '16, May '14	^^^ The best excuse to get your bike washed.

September 20th, 2010, 08:23 PM	#38
toast ninjette.org member Name: Laurie Location: Greater Vancouver, BC Join Date: Feb 2010 Motorcycle(s): '09 Ninja 250R Posts: 50	I'd wash it more often, but when the weather's nice I can't stand wasting valuable riding time washing it! I commute daily, so it gets instantly dirty again...a downside to black vehicles.

September 21st, 2010, 10:32 AM	#39
Nny ninjette.org member Name: Zach Location: Upstate NY Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): Yamaha R6 (street), GSXR 750 (track) and a Harley FXDB Posts: 140	I would like to keep them clean but daily riding in the land of 30-50% chance of daily rain..it's hard to care anymore. __________________________________________________ Previous rides: Ninja 650, Ninja 250, Goldwing and a Nightster

September 21st, 2010, 12:31 PM	#40
Blackwidow ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Paulette Location: . Join Date: Jun 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	i got my bike in august and haven't washed it...haven't had to, it isn't dirty. __________________________________________________ sometimes I aim to please, but mostly I shoot to kill