Altum Posted September 16, 2013 Posted September 16, 2013 Well here comes a true newbie question. What's the best way to clean a filthy bike? I recently bought an xvs125 and the owner obviously didn't take the best care of if cosmetically. I've cleaned it up the best I can but the underneath of the bike and the wheels are completely coated in black grease and road dirt, obviously a sponge and water isn't going to do the job. Would a pressure washer be a good idea? And also what are the areas to avoid when washing a bike? Cheers!
AndrewElvisFan Posted September 16, 2013 Posted September 16, 2013 In my limited experience, a 180+ mile trip on a 125 in driving rain and strong winds did the trick!! Only thing with using a pressure washer is that it can force crap into places you don't want it to be. That said it is the easiest way to cut grease away! Fairy washing up liquid will work if you can find a way of letting it soak in, but sounds like a wire brush maybe in order!
lallasro Posted September 16, 2013 Posted September 16, 2013 water, water, water, washing up liquid, fiber cloath and more water... I never use pressure water, I hear is not a good idea.
Ryan09 Posted September 16, 2013 Posted September 16, 2013 Use something like muc-off, let it soak in for a few minutes then pressure wash it off. Pressure washers are fine as long as you dont blast your chain or any bearings (Like wheel bearings) with it.
Moderator Cynic Posted September 16, 2013 Moderator Posted September 16, 2013 Personally I like autoglym stuff and their car shampoo used neat removes just about anything. Old mug and a paintbrush Then just rinse and reapeat Baby wipes are really good for the sw arm and back wheel gunk too. No matter how tempted dont use a pressure washer.
Moderator mervin Posted September 16, 2013 Moderator Posted September 16, 2013 stuff that old bollox this is how to do it
Ttaskmaster Posted September 16, 2013 Posted September 16, 2013 Nip up Halfords and get some brushes. If you can, get some isopropyl alcohol on the greasy bits. If you do strip the grease off lubes parts, remember to re-lube them!!
Noise Posted September 16, 2013 Posted September 16, 2013 Just do what i do........................ride it, dont wash it! loads more fun! and a dirty bike means um it actually gets used as a bike not a pin up doll in a wank mag but if you REALLY want to wash it, washing up liquid, paint brush on the greasy bits (spokes will take wire wool to come up nice)
nayruf Posted September 16, 2013 Posted September 16, 2013 Hi I would not use washing up liquid your hands may become as soft as your face, but I have read some place that there is a salt content in washing up liquid that allows the residue suds to act as an electrolyte helping to create more corrosion, So I tend to use a generic car wash liquid,
slice Posted September 16, 2013 Posted September 16, 2013 Nayfuf is right, washing up liquid has a lot of salt in it, use a car shampoo and that would remove most of the crud and grime, as for grease a degreaser (obviously) is best.
Altum Posted September 16, 2013 Author Posted September 16, 2013 Awesome, thanks for all the replies. Yeah ended up just getting stuck in with some brushes, tonnes of water and an all in one car wash liquid. Also got a bit of of wd40 motorbike wash from Halfords, which was ok but probably wouldn't get again. She came up looking pretty nice in the end. Cheers guys!
up.yours Posted September 16, 2013 Posted September 16, 2013 throw some JIZZ OVER IT ? jizer over the greasy shit . or wd40 on a rag works well on greasy back wheels..
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