Topic: Buy Pressure washer yes/no? Comments wanted (Read 4402 times)

sturbee · « **on:** August 05, 2009, 01:30:01 PM »

Hi, I was thinking of buying a home pressure washer to help clean the bikes, did some internet research and thought a Karcher K5.93 might work. For years I have used just soap, water and mitt but after a 5,600 mile trip it was a lot of work to clean bike. Would like to clean under side of bike, lower frame and etc. Any thoughts on brand/unit? What not to do? Thanks

9 1/2 Beers · « **Reply #1 on:** August 05, 2009, 01:34:25 PM »

I would be carefull, some of the bikes have had peeling on the engine paint. The high pressure could/may make it worst.

Marty

GregKhougaz · « **Reply #2 on:** August 05, 2009, 02:35:26 PM »

Sturbee,

A pressure wash seems a bit much, but I'm probably anal, if not paranoid.

You could wind up with water where you really don't want it. Rather than a mitt, you could use a long bristle soft brush or even a relatively stiff paint brush to get dirt or oil out of those nooks and crannies. For underside, use S100 or Simple Green. After a long trip... maybe Engine Bright on the bottom and lower frame. Spray on, wait, hose completely off. Brush any stubborn deposits... Works for me.

GK

DICKW · « **Reply #3 on:** August 05, 2009, 02:41:21 PM »

I have used pressure washers on my bike......but do not get one that is going to push 5600 psi on the bike, go with one that won't be as brutal. And stand a few feet away.

I don't use them all the time maybe 1 out of 8 cleanings.

I also use simple green and a paint brush (all the time).

Your call whether you get one or not just be careful using it is all I can say.

ice6900 · « **Reply #4 on:** August 05, 2009, 02:48:41 PM »

pressure washer yes, but as mentioned above dont use at a high psi, poss use a lower pressure nozzle and dont blast from close range, a friend of mine did blast off the coating from the cylinder fins on his old fat boy. So be careful!

kraut · « **Reply #5 on:** August 05, 2009, 03:31:37 PM »

and stay away from the wheels! The bearings and ev. sprokes definitely dislike pressure washers

Fired00d · « **Reply #6 on:** August 05, 2009, 04:40:15 PM »

Quote from: kraut on August 05, 2009, 03:31:37 PM

and stay away from the wheels! The bearings and ev. sprokes definitely dislike pressure washers

Definitely stay away from these.

I personally wouldn't use a pressure washer... matter fact I don't even use self service car wash wands. Don't want anything stronger (more pressure) then will come out of the garden hose to wash my bike. Use some of the above mentioned cleaning agents, put your bike up on a jack, get you some good brushes, some cold

's, and spend some quality time w/your bike.

Ride Safe,
Fired00d

grc · « **Reply #7 on:** August 05, 2009, 05:23:26 PM »

I personally think a pressure washer should never be used on a bike, especially a bike built by a company that isn't exactly famous for really sealed bearings and really waterproof electrical connections. The best approach has already been posted; use the spray on cleaners and soft brushes of various shapes and sizes when the bike gets really nasty.

If you must use a pressure washer, look at one of the electric ones like the Karcher or Husky. At least those won't develop enough pressure to strip the paint (hopefully).

Jerry

49445CVO · « **Reply #8 on:** August 05, 2009, 05:45:02 PM »

What about one of those steam cleaners? Little or no pressure

Screamin · « **Reply #9 on:** August 05, 2009, 05:57:26 PM »

Why use a pressure washer when a couple of decent products, a brush and soft sponge / mitt w/ a garden hose will do a great job w/ no risk?

ak · « **Reply #10 on:** August 05, 2009, 08:07:17 PM »

I,ve used a cheep home depo pressure washer for years no problem make the job go faster and cleans the tight spots-AK

skreminegul07 · « **Reply #11 on:** August 07, 2009, 07:33:41 AM »

I used a low pressure (1300) washer 10 years ago. The bike would not start. Water had got into the harness for the connector from the cam sensor. Not a big deal to find, but PIA. No more for me. The only other time was in Sturgis after I went to the Buffalo Chip during the rain and the bike was caked in mud. Kept the wand away from the bike.

CVOGUY · « **Reply #12 on:** August 07, 2009, 11:44:26 AM »

I agree with the NO PRESSURE WASH guys... Been involved with super detailing CVO's and high end choppers and bikes for years and a pressure washer can cost you a lot of money in the long run.

(Water in harnesses, sensors, and other sensitive electrical component areas - which translates into BIKE WON'T RUN - MUST FIX!!)

Spend a little more time with a good detail or paint brush like they mentioned and a good soft sponge or cloth and mild car wash soap and water that won't strip the wax or whatever protective coating you have used. I really like Wizard's Mist N Shine for the final detailing. Can use it on the leather, glass, rubber, paint - anywhere on the bike. Very easy on and off - don't let it sit and dry like a normal wax though - put it on and immediately wipe it off - simple, quick, smells good and leaves a brilliant shine.

Remember.., you invested all the money in the bike - be willing to invest a little time to wash it right too!

Indenial · « **Reply #13 on:** August 07, 2009, 12:21:48 PM »

Ditto on Wizard's Mist and Shine---great stuff. Been using it for 6 years now.

Hoist! · « **Reply #14 on:** August 07, 2009, 12:33:54 PM »

NO!!!

Hoist!

CVOGUY · « **Reply #15 on:** August 07, 2009, 12:42:21 PM »

Quote from: Hoist! on August 07, 2009, 12:33:54 PM

NO!!!

Hoist!

explain...

Hoist! · « **Reply #16 on:** August 07, 2009, 12:51:55 PM »

Quote from: CVOGUY on August 07, 2009, 12:42:21 PM

explain...

Besides all the potential paint and powdercoat damage, electrical damage and gremlins will be a good possibility with a Pressure Washer. Water is evil to a bike! The less the better! Steam or Pressure wash? NO WAY!!!

Hoist!

Twolanerider · « **Reply #17 on:** August 07, 2009, 12:53:13 PM »

Quote from: Hoist! on August 07, 2009, 12:51:55 PM

Besides all the potential paint and powdercoat damage, electrical damage and gremlins will be a good possibility with a Pressure Washer. Water is evil to a bike! The less the better! Steam or Pressure wash? NO WAY!!!

Hoist!

Not really a fair judge here though. After all, Howie's solution is to just never wash them.

Hoist! · « **Reply #18 on:** August 07, 2009, 12:59:12 PM »

Quote from: Twolanerider on August 07, 2009, 12:53:13 PM

Not really a fair judge here though. After all, Howie's solution is to just never wash them.

Yep, she's allergic to H2O!!!

Hoist!

CVOGUY · « **Reply #19 on:** August 07, 2009, 01:05:09 PM »

To Hoist!

I'm with you..., the reason I asked you to explain was because I thought you might be referring to my Mist N Shine recommendation..

Pressure Washing - bad plan no matter how careful you are.

If you have to use water.., no pressure from a hose or bucket only..

Learned the hard way too many times..

iski · « **Reply #20 on:** August 07, 2009, 01:13:48 PM »

Too many places for water to get into inadvertently from using a pressure washer - even on low power. Not a good idea to pressure wash switches and wiring harnesses and bearings and engines or paints that flake and and and...... A garden hose & some good soap & a microfiber cloth or mitt & maybe a soft bristle brush if the bike is REALLY gunked up but NEVER on paint.

2 bucket method. Microfiber to dry/detail.

mrmagloo · « **Reply #21 on:** August 07, 2009, 02:34:38 PM »

Pressure washer on a bike? Yikes!

muddypaws · « **Reply #22 on:** August 07, 2009, 03:58:56 PM »

NO pressure washer

JeffsHogPen · « **Reply #23 on:** August 07, 2009, 09:15:10 PM »

I have a pressure washer and would never use it on either of my Bikes......To much can go wrong. Your Bike deserves Tender Loving Care.......Thats my openion.

smkymtnboy · « **Reply #24 on:** August 07, 2009, 10:04:13 PM »

no pressure washer!! let your wife clean the bike!! if she does not clean it quite lettin her ride til she does.

CVOGUY · « **Reply #25 on:** August 07, 2009, 10:17:41 PM »

Quote from: smkymtnboy on August 07, 2009, 10:04:13 PM

no pressure washer!! let your wife clean the bike!! if she does not clean it quite lettin her ride til she does.

Wow dude.., you're hardcore..!!

But, I love it.., great plan - I just wonder how many of us could get sell that one to the missus...

Any comments from anyone?

ride safe

smkymtnboy · « **Reply #26 on:** August 07, 2009, 10:22:16 PM »

you dont try very hard to sell her. she refuses to wash so she does not ride. What u wanted in the first place

Fired00d · « **Reply #27 on:** August 07, 2009, 10:27:37 PM »

Quote from: CVOGUY on August 07, 2009, 10:17:41 PM

Wow dude.., you're hardcore..!!

But, I love it.., great plan - I just wonder how many of us could get sell that one to the missus...

Any comments from anyone?
ride safe

You know what they say.... When you want the job done right.. .do it yourself... and this is a job I can do myself.

Ride Safe,
Fired00d

smkymtnboy · « **Reply #28 on:** August 07, 2009, 10:31:29 PM »

now we have made her mad and she refuses to wash or clean the bike. so this brings us back to our orginal question. do we need a pressure washer to help with the cleaning the bike.

CVOGUY · « **Reply #29 on:** August 07, 2009, 10:31:47 PM »

Quote from: smkymtnboy on August 07, 2009, 10:22:16 PM

you dont try very hard to sell her. she refuses to wash so she does not ride. What u wanted in the first place

33 years and my wife has never laid a hand on any of my bikes - she must be spoiled - course that also holds true for the lawn mower..., the trimmer..., , the snow blower.., ANY of my tools, and the list goes on...

TRUTH IS I WOULDN'T TRUST HER TO...!! I'm skeered she would f... something up and it wouldn't be worth the headache...

Guess that's what I get for being a perfectionist!!

Just a slave to myself...

smkymtnboy · « **Reply #30 on:** August 07, 2009, 10:48:46 PM »

if she has stayed 33 years just wash the bikes yourself and be thanksful for her! Now back to that danged pressure to buy or not to buy.

kraut · « **Reply #31 on:** August 08, 2009, 05:10:14 AM »

ok, I believe I said not to use those things on a bike

But if your'r going this side, buy yourself a real one - your wife will be most gratefully appreciate it

DICKW · « **Reply #32 on:** August 08, 2009, 05:55:52 AM »

Quote from: CVOGUY on August 07, 2009, 10:31:47 PM

33 years and my wife has never laid a hand on any of my bikes - she must be spoiled - course that also holds true for the lawn mower..., the trimmer..., , the snow blower.., ANY of my tools, and the list goes on...

TRUTH IS I WOULDN'T TRUST HER TO...!! I'm skeered she would f... something up and it wouldn't be worth the headache...

Guess that's what I get for being a perfectionist!!

Just a slave to myself...

Yep....that's me

Author Topic: Buy Pressure washer yes/no? Comments wanted (Read 4402 times)