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[joeymaq]

The product I am using to wash my bike is leaving water spots. looking for something that won't leave spots.  Anyone?   Thanks   "Joeymaq"

[OhioDave]

Bob aka Boatman tested out one product although i don't remember how it worked out, i imagine he will see this and comment, or you could send him a pm.

[joeymaq]

OK, Thanks "Ohio Dave" 

[Air-Cooled]

Wash your bike with anything you want, rinse first with tap water, second with soft water from a Mr. Clean unit or more expensive system.

Instead of the latter, you can meticulously towel dry it or blow dry it, but I prefer soft water rinse.

[grc]

The product I am using to wash my bike is leaving water spots. looking for something that won't leave spots.  Anyone?   Thanks   "Joeymaq"

There are two issues involved that create the dreaded water spots.  One is the way water beads on the surface, more so on a freshly painted or waxed surface, and the other is the minerals present in the rinse water.  The first thing you need to do is use an automotive detergent/soap that has wetting agents in it, like the one in the Mr. Clean system.  They reduce the surface tension of the water and allow it to sheet rather than bead.  Then you need to eliminate the mineral issue with a deionized final rinse.  The previously mentioned Mr. Clean will work, but a larger system will work a lot better.  That is what Boatman installed, more of a commercial quality deionized water system.

If the right soap and rinse water are used, you can probably get away with just letting the surface drip dry (out of the sun, of course), but you will get a better result if you blow it dry and then touch up any remaining areas with a clean towel.  I use microfiber or an old cotton T-shirt myself.

Jerry

[joeymaq]

Thanks for the replys!   "Joeymaq" 

[REGGAB]

Wash with your choice of purpose formulated cleaning agents (I like Glare Ultra Wash) followed by copious rinsing with low pressure regular rinse water from the top down in every nook and cranny, followed by low pressure deionized water rinse from the top down in every nook and cranny, followed by a blow dry (I use a Husqvarna backpack leaf blower, followed by a detailed hand wipe with microfiber towels.

Then it's time to go to work......but that's out of scope for this topic.   

[Elixer]

I personally don't have this problem even though I frequently wash my MC. My secret (which hey, is no secret) is my trusty Home Depot Garden Leaf Blower. For me, and as most I do use a automotive car-wash solution as well, but have the blower plugged and ready to go as soon as I drop the garden hose after rinsing.

Wash in the shade when its (MC) is cooled down, and give a good B-job, before you crank it after the rinse.

I've owned and own a number of high-line automobiles, etc...but nothing seems more of a pleasure in terms of cleaning, than when my scoot startings a shining from its fresh wash. Chrome and Rubber.

[TIF2]

I have a CR Spotless system and it works great:



I use it in conjunction with an 1800psi electric pressure washer in order to limit the flow to 2.5 gpm. Normally use Mother's California Gold car wash in the Pressure Washer tank.

I still blow dry everything, but this prevents spotting in case I miss an area. Eventually I'll put in a "wash station" and wall mount it inside, with just a spigot on the outside for de-ionized water. Very convenient to have the large unit on wheels.

As a test I have used the system in full sun and it really is a wash and walk away system. I only did it as a test, I would NEVER condone washing a vehicle in direct sunlight!

Link is here: http://crspotless.com/

I bought mine through Costco for less than $400 if I remember right.
Best $400 I've spent in a long time.

[49445CVO]

I asked this question over a month or so ago and someone replied with using distilled water in a spray bottle. Use after all the soap is washed away. I have not tried it yet but think it could be a less expensive route. I love my craftsman blower/vaccume.

Topper

[LarryB]

try it one time. and when your hand stops cramping, go to Wal-Mart and get a Mr Clean set up

[49445CVO]

try it one time. and when your hand stops cramping, go to Wal-Mart and get a Mr Clean set up

LOL... I hear ya and think this is why I have yet to try it.

Topper

[DESERTBEAR54]

I never have had that problem because I hand clean my bike with Cleaner/Brightner fluid and yellow cloths from Cosco. It takes a little longer but I know every square inch of my bike.

[DW6019]

Use a micro fiber drying towel and dry the water, If you leave no water, you have no spots. Mr Clean, Distilled water, whatever, you have to remove the water when done washing to eliminate spots. Take 10 more minutes and dry it.. dry.

[spydglide]

Use a micro fiber drying towel and dry the water, If you leave no water, you have no spots. Mr Clean, Distilled water, whatever, you have to remove the water when done washing to eliminate spots. Take 10 more minutes and dry it.. dry.

Yeah, that's what I always do.  Reading this thread, I'm thinking.. ...am I missing something here?  har!  spyder