MotorPsycho
XS400 Enthusiast
Any highly (or evenly remotely) recommended dos or don'ts when washing your bike? I'll be washing it at home (not on the road quite yet) with a normal water hose and cleaners.
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"Dos" or "Don'ts" When Washing Your Bike?
- Thread starter MotorPsycho
- Start date
Don't get "bug and tar remover" anywhere near your brakes. Don't use tire shine and don't armor-all the seat.
In addition to what Travis mentioned, I've found that using a "wash and wax" soap helps prevent further corrosion and rust while reducing water spots. Be sure to take the bike for a short ride after washing it to get the water out of the chain, brakes, and other areas, and then lube the chain when you get back.
83xs400
XS400 Enthusiast
if you put pod filters on your bike, chances are you have a crank case filter. Be sure to either keep water away from there or zip tie a little bag over it so you dont get any water in your engine....
MotorPsycho
XS400 Enthusiast
I need to at least give it one good severe cleaning because the previous owners let it go to hell, basically, and didn't clean it or maintain it at all. Afterwards, I will try to keep it up by wipe-downs and such.
Should I cover any electricals with plastic bags or any other parts that should be covered?
Bah, just hose it down and scrub it. I ride that thing in downpours. Motorcycles are made to get wet and keep going.....unless you've done a bunch of "mods" that take away the weather tightness the clever engineers built in.
Robsteeler66
XS400 Addict
Can't stress enough about NO TIRE SHINE!. There are do's, don'ts and doh's! That would be a DOH!
If one want's shiny sidewalls on their tires, wax them! Works well and doesn't get on the treads or attract dirt.
corruptmind
XS400 Addict
Dont put to much water pressure when washing near the axles. Blowing out a bearing seal isnt a fun thing to realize happened later when you're doing 65mph on the highway.
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