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Author Topic: Need recommendations on bike dryers...  (Read 8750 times)

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Eagle Soars

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Need recommendations on bike dryers...
« on: February 26, 2009, 01:18:30 AM »

In order to make the drying process go faster, I've almost always used my gas-powered leaf blower to get-r-done quickly.  Takes about 5-10 minutes and avoids most all water spot issues.  Problem is, it leaves some tiny little spots on the bike (oil from exhaust probably).  Too many crevices to dry by hand IMO.  I can then detail it sooner or ride sooner or just plain be done sooner (no, I'm not a Sooner fan) :P.  I've tried putting some types of filters over the end of the nozzle but they either reduce air flow too much or get blown off the nozzle, mostly both.

I've been looking into some of the electric cycle dryers, and am looking for opinions on ones guys have used and their likes/dis-likes.  I know I want filtered and heated air.

TIA,
UpChuck82

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muddypaws

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Re: Need recommendations on bike dryers...
« Reply #1 on: February 26, 2009, 07:11:42 AM »

For 20 years I have been using my weed blower. Works great. I added a filter on the intake. Coat my $49. 
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Re: Need recommendations on bike dryers...
« Reply #2 on: February 26, 2009, 07:25:00 AM »

I've been using my electric leaf blower for years w/no problems. I also have a Bike Dryer that is small enough to travel with.

Now if you really want to go all out you can get one of these...

‘Air Force’ professional motorcycle dryer $229.99.

But we've found that the above dryer is the same thing that is used to dry pets and can be found a lot cheaper from pet supply stores...

Metro Air Force Commander Dryers $159.99.

(plus the second one would be my preferred color :D)

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Re: Need recommendations on bike dryers...
« Reply #3 on: February 26, 2009, 07:26:16 AM »

I went and bought a shop vac from home depot that was on clearance.I installed the hose on the exhaust side.This is its only job and it works great.O by the way it was on sale for 40$.Great buy

Jon
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Re: Need recommendations on bike dryers...
« Reply #4 on: February 26, 2009, 08:41:28 AM »

In order to make the drying process go faster, I've almost always used my gas-powered leaf blower to get-r-done quickly.  Takes about 5-10 minutes and avoids most all water spot issues.  Problem is, it leaves some tiny little spots on the bike (oil from exhaust probably).  Too many crevices to dry by hand IMO.  I can then detail it sooner or ride sooner or just plain be done sooner (no, I'm not a Sooner fan) :P.  I've tried putting some types of filters over the end of the nozzle but they either reduce air flow too much or get blown off the nozzle, mostly both.

I've been looking into some of the electric cycle dryers, and am looking for opinions on ones guys have used and their likes/dis-likes.  I know I want filtered and heated air.

TIA,
UpChuck82



Do you own a shop vacuum?  I use my Craftsman 16 gallon version with a dedicated hose that I purchased just for drying the bike (don't want all that dirt from the regular hose blown onto the clean bike).  Of course this only works with shop vacs that have an exhaust port you can hook a hose to.  Use the small diameter hose for better maneuverability and velocity, and you can add a crevice tool to concentrate the air flow even more.  Works as well as the dedicated dryers but isn't as portable depending on the size of your vac.  Best part is, you don't have another piece of equipment cluttering up the garage and you don't spend more money on another thing cluttering up the garage. 

I know plenty of folks use leaf blowers, but I personally do not like that idea.  With nothing to filter out the grit and chunks, you could be gradually sandblasting your finish.

Jerry
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Eagle Soars

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Re: Need recommendations on bike dryers...
« Reply #5 on: February 26, 2009, 12:24:26 PM »

Thanks for the input so far guys!

Like I said, the leaf blower is no longer good for me, not on the $$$$$k bike.  It does a great job and blasts over 100+ MPH (I think).  I do have a shop vac, but it's been thru the ringer, and I HAVE to use it for other purposes.  I'm not gonna have 2 of them and don't trust using the one I have, even with separate hose, attachments, etc. on the new bike.  Don't want to spend the time cleaning it up each time I clean the bike. :-X :o

While cost is always an issue, the bike cost a lot, add-ons cost a lot, taxes & insurance cost a lot, the old leaf blower cost a lot, my wife costs a lot...you get the picture.  I'm looking to have a bike dedicated dryer I completely trust as to what it's spewing out on the bike.

I saw the ones Fired00d listed, and even the 8HP model master blaster.  Just mainly wondering if anyone has experience with any of these, how well they work etc.

I saw an Air Shammy model for $107.77, looks very similar to the 4HP air blaster in specs, etc.
http://www.airshammy.com/index.html

TIA,
UpChuck82
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OhioDave

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Re: Need recommendations on bike dryers...
« Reply #6 on: February 27, 2009, 01:22:34 PM »

Been using a low budget electric leaf blower for years, works like a charm.
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Re: Need recommendations on bike dryers...
« Reply #7 on: February 27, 2009, 03:00:00 PM »

I purchased an Air Force Blaster "Sidekick" for quick cleaning and portability to go along with the Air Force Master Blaster, but the "Sidekick" works great and is small enough to fit in a saddlebag if so inclined, that I end up using it all of the time.  Works great and you never have to deal with hoses again. They have them at Custom Dynamics for $89.95 and I've seen them for a few dollars less at Daytona and Myrtle Beach Rallies.
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LarryB

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Re: Need recommendations on bike dryers...
« Reply #8 on: February 27, 2009, 03:46:40 PM »

Im partial to this brand
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Re: Need recommendations on bike dryers...
« Reply #9 on: February 27, 2009, 06:16:24 PM »

We use the Air Force Blaster.  Heavily filtered air, so no chance of marking the paint with blown particles; good air flow and volume and heated to help truly dry it.
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Banana man

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Re: Need recommendations on bike dryers...
« Reply #10 on: February 27, 2009, 06:27:23 PM »

I use the Air Force Master Blaster. It has two 4 H.P. motors that you can work
individually or together. When used together it will blow all the water off in about
five minutes, but you better be holding on tight to the hose!!!!


This is a REAL MAN"S dryer.


                                                Mark
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Re: Need recommendations on bike dryers...
« Reply #11 on: February 28, 2009, 11:48:01 AM »

I use the Air Force Blaster, small and easy to store, simple to use, great results.
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opee6969

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Re: Need recommendations on bike dryers...
« Reply #12 on: February 28, 2009, 01:33:21 PM »

I use a whole different approach. I haven't dried any of my bikes in years. I use the Mr Clean AutoDry Car Wash System and it works great. It uses a special soap along with a spot free rinse setting that filters out the impurities in the water that cause spots in the first place. Just 10 minutes in the sun and away you go. No blowing, sucking, or vacuuming lol. I think the system costs around $40 or so and then you just buy the replacement soap and filters as needed.

Opee
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Eagle Soars

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Re: Need recommendations on bike dryers...
« Reply #13 on: February 28, 2009, 02:36:30 PM »

Im partial to this brand

Where does a guy get a set of those?  :nixweiss: :huepfenjump3:

Maybe I could trade the wife for that pair?  :D ;D :huepfenjump3:   Sorry honey...just kidding!
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Eagle Soars

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Re: Need recommendations on bike dryers...
« Reply #14 on: February 28, 2009, 02:40:05 PM »

Thanks for the input on the air blasters.  Good to hear from real folks that they actually work well.  I'll search on the Mr Clean system for more info.
Thanks,
UpChuck82
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