this might be a dumb question, but this is my first bike. and i was just about to wash it for the first time. can i just take it to the do it yourself car wash and spray it all down?? or is there places that water is not supposed to touch?? thanks for the help guys!!!

 

I had this question a few months ago after I got my bike and needed to wash it the first time. It's fine to hose it down, but use a light mist only. Don't blast it, especially around the engine and on the tach. Just get a nice spray on the fairings, tank rear cowl and then wash it whatever car was soap and a soft cloth/sponge. I use a lambs wool mitt for all the plastic parts and then a sponge for the metal parts and under the tail. Be sure to dry it right away to avoid spots and wash it down nice and shiny.

 

Be careful of the high pressure in the nozzels at the do it yer self, ide say its OK but don't get too close stay back a ways from the bike and BE VERY CAREFUL of the little cooling fins on the radiator, you don't want to bend them it will restrict air flow thru them. Ide say stick to hand wash, but if you do take it to a "DO IT YER SELF" like I say be careful

 

I'd avoid sticking the hose directly into the ram air or exhaust holes, but pretty much just wash it, put a smile on your face and ride, ride, ride

 

sweet... thanks alot for the help!!

 

dont you have a hose (garden type) lol at hope hose that thing down just be easy dont turn up the pressure as you would on the car, you might wanna use some kinda cloth piece to cover the exhaust hole so no water goes in there other than that you should use some dish washing soap (liquid) to wash it works pretty good, now go and shine her up!!!!!

 

One thing I used to do before the polishing...(which now washing the thing is a huge project) was wash it like I would my car and liquid tide works awesome for that by the way, then I would blow it dry with my compressor, but i bet a leaf blower would work. then do honda spray cleaner or turtle wax wash and shine or something like that with an old t shirt as the drying cloth.

 

I just washed and waxed my bike yesterday. Regular Garden Hose and Blue Coral for soap and water, cotton cloths for media, and Meguiar's for the wax. put on two coats, looks great.