max power Posted July 21, 2009 Report Share Posted July 21, 2009 Any sugesstions? I am a freak about keeping my bike clean, but the last time I washed it, I had some issues and have decided that I need to go the waterless route. Some have told me to just wipe it down with a rag after riding but, anyone who has ridden in Ohio knows that that wont get it clean and I dont want to scratch the paint trying to get bugs off my shit. So, who has used what and to what end? My research begins here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Disclaimer Posted July 21, 2009 Report Share Posted July 21, 2009 I use glass cleaner and Honda polish along with a paper towel roll.I used some Meguiars Quick Detail mist (which I'm half convinced is just scented water in a sprits bottle) - It worked out ok to get the nasty stuff off before I use the Honda Polish... Honda polish on last. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
max power Posted July 21, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 21, 2009 Yeah, I've used the quick detailer and wasnt happy with the result at all. It made a smeary mess. I think it smeared my wax, which is weird because it was Meguires also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dubguy85 Posted July 21, 2009 Report Share Posted July 21, 2009 I use 1/2 simple green and 1/2 water with one of those microfiber towels....Many can vouch, my bikes are CLEAN! Plus I wipe it down after I ride...but still! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ross Posted July 21, 2009 Report Share Posted July 21, 2009 if you don't mind me asking, what issues did you have with water? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hue jass Posted July 21, 2009 Report Share Posted July 21, 2009 I use a bottle of Turtle Wax Bug and Tar Remover. Just spray it and wait a couple, then go after it with a rung out terry cloth. Never let a paper towel or tissue paper get near your bike! Only 100% Cotton. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J_Copeland Posted July 21, 2009 Report Share Posted July 21, 2009 Honda Spray polish is by far the best stuff out there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hue jass Posted July 21, 2009 Report Share Posted July 21, 2009 You can make your own detailer that works great. A squirt bottle with distilled water and just a dab of car wash. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
max power Posted July 21, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 21, 2009 I use 1/2 simple green and 1/2 water with one of those microfiber towels....Many can vouch, my bikes are CLEAN! Plus I wipe it down after I ride...but still!I use a bottle of Turtle Wax Bug and Tar Remover. Just spray it and wait a couple, then go after it with a rung out terry cloth. Never let a paper towel or tissue paper get near your bike! Only 100% Cotton.Maybe you missed the waterless part. The last time I washed it, it wouldn't start for 2 weeks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dubguy85 Posted July 21, 2009 Report Share Posted July 21, 2009 Honda Spray polish is by far the best stuff out there.I spray the polish after its cleaned...but don't use that to get the dirt and grime off... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hue jass Posted July 21, 2009 Report Share Posted July 21, 2009 You mean if any water gets on the bike it won't start? I didn't say anything about a hose. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ross Posted July 21, 2009 Report Share Posted July 21, 2009 i say windex wipe down and then either honda polish or SC1. i like the SC1 and it smells good when you spray it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
max power Posted July 21, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 21, 2009 You mean if any water gets on the bike it won't start? I didn't say anything about a hose.Oh, when you said spray it, I thought you meant with the hose. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hue jass Posted July 21, 2009 Report Share Posted July 21, 2009 (edited) Na. The only thing i can think of that you can spray that takes away dirt, grease, bugs instantly and dries immediately is Brake Cleaner. You don't want to get that near your bike (unless you spray some tissue and use it on bare stainless). For the engine, swing-arm, small areas (not body work) a bug sprayer filled with warm water is awesome.With a V-Max, there not much body work but there sure is a lot of engine! Edited July 21, 2009 by hue jass Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
max power Posted July 21, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 21, 2009 bug sprayer? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SAMBUSA Posted July 21, 2009 Report Share Posted July 21, 2009 I rarely wash mine with water. Maybe once in a years time. Honda Polish and a microfiber towel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Artmageddon Posted July 21, 2009 Report Share Posted July 21, 2009 Hmm. I have real good luck with the Meguiars spray detailer. I never wash my bike, I just wipe it down and polish it with various goodies. Hoblick's detailing thread has all kind of good tips. http://www.ohio-riders.com/showthread.php?t=27363I learned a lot just reading it, and the bike never looked better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hue jass Posted July 21, 2009 Report Share Posted July 21, 2009 Those pump-up garden sprayers. Spray some degreaser, let it work, then go after it with the sprayer. It's less pressure than a hose. May keep water from getting where you don't want. To dry? Ride! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
max power Posted July 21, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 21, 2009 I might have to pick up some of this hondy polish or SC1. In the defense of the meguiars, it had probably been frozen before I used it. I have had good luck with other meguiars products. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrmako777 Posted July 21, 2009 Report Share Posted July 21, 2009 Honda polish with a micro fiber cloth. Takes all the bugs and grime off. Then I take a clean micro fiber cloth and buff it. I have been contemplating getting some wax to get rid of some of the fine scratches. Oh and the only water that's gotten on my bike is when I've ridden in the rain which I try to make a rare occurrence Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
v65rider Posted July 21, 2009 Report Share Posted July 21, 2009 I think I would look into why the bike wouldn't run after being sprayed? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AOW Posted July 21, 2009 Report Share Posted July 21, 2009 lemon Pledge! I didn't believe it either when a couple old school HD guys told me about it. I finally broke down and gave it a try. It works great! Don't do the seat or grips. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
v65rider Posted July 21, 2009 Report Share Posted July 21, 2009 The only problem I have heard about with useing lemon pledge is that it attracts bees:eek: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ross Posted July 21, 2009 Report Share Posted July 21, 2009 just like AOW said about the pledge, don't get the SC1 or honda polish on your seat or grips. i usually just take my seat off and then i throw a rag over my grips. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fonzie Posted July 21, 2009 Report Share Posted July 21, 2009 ....Honda Polish and a microfiber towel.Had to kill you to say that There's obviously a big fanbase for Honda Polish on hereYou can ask Justin, Likwid, Crusher & GoJira to verify.....They all saw how dirty/buggy Birdy was before I entered her in the Mansfield bike show Saturday night, and stood there watching me clean her (translation.....NONE of the LAZY bastards helped me ). All I used was Honda Polish & microfibers, & she cleaned right up..... Plastics, screen & light, swingarm, spring, exhaust, motor parts, forks, etc. In fact..... They were razzin' me about how much more could I do Plus.... Crush thought I was gonna use the whole little can I had with me, and I still have plenty left after doin' the entire bike. Use one microfiber to rub the polish on/off, and another for the final hand buffShe's not had an actual soap & water bath in years, and as someone else said above about theirs..... I think most people will say Birdy is fairly clean when they see her, unless I had to ride a ways to get to them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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