Cleaning without washing

Hi, folks,

The apartment complex where I live has a "no-washing" policy for
renters' vehicles. Since I'm fairly new (again) to the area, I don't
yet have local riding buddies I can hit up for use of hoses and
spigots and the like.

However, rain, brake dust, dump trucks, and the like, happen. (In
fact, 250 out of the first 280 miles on my new bike were in the
rain.... Worth it, though.)

So ... any suggestions for a good spray-on, wipe-off cleaning
solution? I looked around at the cycle show yesterday, but didn't
find anything that seemed to fit the bill. Lots of stuff for
detailing, but not much for heavier-duty, um, duty.

Good roads,

- John L.

 

I've washed bikes with nothing more than two buckets-- one with
soapy water, and one with clear water. This probably wouldn't
work with heavy mud and the like, but it's OK for regular road
grime.

I've taken bike bits to a do-it-yourself car wash, but never a
whole bike. I can see that working if you're really careful
with the pressure hose.

-Patti

 

I met a guy last year (It was at the 4th of July town picnic in McCloud,
CA.) who swore by Pledge, the furniture polish. I'm sure I asked whether
he prefers the lemon scented version but I don't recall his answer.

 

Is this something you know from personal experience?

The gentleman said he had been using Pledge for some number of years. His
bike was a medium red but I don't recall, viewing in direct sunlight,
detecting any orange overtones.

I googled around and found several sites with user testimony that indicates
using Pledge on motorcycle parts, both metal and plastic (even windshilds)
has worked well. The most negative thing I found was that it didn't work
as well as an unspecified Honda product.

I also came across S100 Total Cycle Cleaner, a product that I recall one of
the sales guys at the local Honda shop recommending to me years ago but I
have never tried. This might be something more like the OP is seeking, but
its instructions say to "spray on and hose off" so it may be suitable.

 

Similar problem here. I've found that there's an outfit called Pronto
Wash that has portable washing equipment at some of the local shopping
malls. I've had them wash my bike several times, for which they charge
$12. When I was planning to show it off, I had them wash and wax it for
$25. If you like to be hands on, just have it washed and then you can
keep it up with the spray detailer.

Rich, Urban Biker

 

There's NO substitute for soap and water to remove the bugs dirt and
grit from your motorcycle before you polish it.

If you don't get the abrasive stuff off the painted surfaces, you're
going to scratch the paint if you try to use a chemical cleaner.

 

I'd go with the do-it-yourself carwash myself, or better
yet, find a more friendly apartment complex.

Agreed about the need to be very careful, especially
around any tranny or other vents and electrical stuff.

Probably the best way to limit the danger of water infiltration
is to not spray too close. Keep the sprayer a few feet away
from the bike when washing areas that you're worried about.