easy wash

[redrider]

There was a pesky weepage at the rear of the V11 gearbox that looked worse than it was. After tightening the cover bolts I used a hose end sprayer loaded with water and a heathy dose of dishwashing soap. The whole bike received a wash and everything is spotless. The pressure was just right and I did not have to purchase any fancy and expensive cleaners. Cheapo Frugali. That's me.

[Dilliw]

I'm with you on the cheapo but ownership of the Griso has led me to discover that it's allergic to water.  As a result I'm using Meguiar's "Ultimate Wash & Wax Anywhere" on both bikes and really like the stuff.  My bikes end up being continually washed one as I walk by them in the garage or after they've cooled from a ride.   Bikes are staying cleaner and it's less of a chore to do a little as you go.

[rudolf35]

I have been using a cheap dish washing detergent for years but with a Green wrinkle. Before I do anything, I hose the bike of, then spray motor and grunge area with a 50/50 mix of Simple Green and water. I let it soak for about 15 minutes then hand bucket and rag wash the bike with a cheap dish washing detergent. Between the dish washing detergent and Simple Green there is not a greasy spot on the bike. Has worked for the last 20 years.
 

[LowRyter]

I usually "dry clean" my bikes with Pink Stuff, Plexis, Cycle Gear brand Plexis and Lucas Slick Mist.

The first three are aerosol and Mist is pump spray (more liquid).  Sometimes I use WD40 for the grease before I shoot it with the others.

For rags, I like cloth diapers.

[kirkemon]

When it's not filthy dirty, I've been using the Griot's Spray-On Car Wash - I like it!
https://www.griotsgarage.com/product/spray+on+car+wash.do?sortby=ourPicks&refType=&from=fn

[wrbix]

I have been using a cheap dish washing detergent for years but with a Green wrinkle. Before I do anything, I hose the bike of, then spray motor and grunge area with a 50/50 mix of Simple Green and water. I let it soak for about 15 minutes then hand bucket and rag wash the bike with a cheap dish washing detergent. Between the dish washing detergent and Simple Green there is not a greasy spot on the bike. Has worked for the last 20 years.
 

Urge caution with the Simple Green - widely discussed in aviation circles is Simple Green's corrosive action on aluminum alloys.

[drums4money]

I usually "dry clean" my bikes with Pink Stuff, Plexis, Cycle Gear brand Plexis and Lucas Slick Mist.

The first three are aerosol and Mist is pump spray (more liquid).  Sometimes I use WD40 for the grease before I shoot it with the others.

For rags, I like cloth diapers.

I mix it up between Zymol spray polish & Plexus on the painted plastic parts.  I keep a plant mister with a 50/50 mix of water & 90% IsoAlcohol for the wheels- it really cuts brake dust like nothing I've tried.  All the exposed metal parts - engine case, carc, etc. . . get wiped down with diesel and a microfiber cloth.  Diesel makes quick work of road'y type grime or oily residue.  No corrosion problems ever.

I cycle the cloths "top down" from polishing bike & helmet, then to wheels, then finally to diesel duty for the grimy stuff, then to the garbage.

[Wayne Orwig]

I have my wife do it.

[Craig in Alabama]

Hi Folks,

Just in case you don't know, most dish washing detergents (and Simple Green, which I love for many jobs) are degreasers and will strip the wax off of your bike or car. It's OK to use if you follow up with a good wax job. Unless you don't use wax on your bikes. I prefer to use Mothers or Meguars car wash on painted surfaces.

Cheers!
Craig

[normzone]

" Meguiar's Ultimate Wash & Wax Anywhere "

That sounds like a Jack Vance spell that Cugel would use (cue Dusty)

If you've not read Jack Vance get yourself to a book seller and get started tomorrow.