Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[iamtrker2]

Since this my first bike with a radio and speakers how do you keep them from getting wet, when washing the bike.
Had one dealer tell me to never wash the bike just hand clean it. Water was a no no. Sure dont want to mess anything up.
How do you guys do it?

Ernie [smiley=nixweiss.gif]

[Fired00d]

Make sure the flap is up/closed for the CD. I wouldn't use high pressure around radio or speakers. I use indirect spraying of water around these areas instead of directing the hose right at them. I wash mines all the time w/garden hose and soap and have had no problems.

 [smiley=pumpkin.gif]
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 [smiley=fireman.gif]

[SBB]

Make sure the flap is up/closed for the CD. I wouldn't use high pressure around radio or speakers. I use indirect spraying of water around these areas instead of directing the hose right at them. I wash [highlight]mines[/highlight] all the time w/garden hose and soap and have had no problems.

 [smiley=pumpkin.gif]
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 [smiley=fireman.gif]


You have two?  [smiley=nixweiss.gif]

[Fired00d]

You have two?  [smiley=nixweiss.gif]

Should have been "mine's". [smiley=huepfenlol2.gif]

 [smiley=pumpkin.gif]
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 [smiley=fireman.gif]

[SBB]

Should have been "mine's". [smiley=huepfenlol2.gif]

 [smiley=pumpkin.gif]
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 [smiley=fireman.gif]

I understand now!

[110tHunDer]

Since this my first bike with a radio and speakers how do you keep them from getting wet, when washing the bike.
[highlight]Had one dealer tell me to never wash the bike just hand clean it. Water was a no no. Sure dont want to mess anything up.[/highlight]
How do you guys do it?

Ernie [smiley=nixweiss.gif]

The most senior tech at the dealership here told me the same thing.  I'm like, WTF, I'm not supposed to ride it in the rain, either?!? [smiley=nixweiss.gif]  Always scolds me like I'm a 3 year-old for how clean the bike is everytime I take it in there for service.

Do what 'd00d says and you'll be fine.  I usually wait until I'm done with the rest of the bike, then take the nozzle off the end and just use the flowing water when washine around that area of the bike.

[110tHunDer]

 
WTF.  There's another one for the list, Gary. [smiley=huepfenlol2.gif]

[CVOwner]

Make sure the flap is up/closed for the CD. I wouldn't use high pressure around radio or speakers. I use indirect spraying of water around these areas instead of directing the hose right at them. I wash mines all the time w/garden hose and soap and have had no problems.

 [smiley=pumpkin.gif]
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 [smiley=fireman.gif]

Respectfully,,  I think you are out of your ever lovin mind taking a hose to a bike with all the switches these bikes have, and even when I had my Heritage I didnt use a hose either.  One day you'll be stranded on the side of the road and it'll be because of using that hose. NEVER EVER USE A HOSE ON A MOTORCYCLE. Unless your washing the rims MAYBE!  I use a wet towel with plain water and wring out the towel and wipe down all I can, then start cleaning. NO HOSE. Just my humble opinion of course.

[Twolanerider]

Respectfully,,

[JR]

I'm a firm believer in this extra caution also.

[ccr]

 [smiley=tekst-spam.gif]I'm sorry.  I thought I was the very proud owner of a VEHICLE!  
 [smiley=zwtf.gif]What do you mean don't wash with water?  I have seen all three of our bikes so darn bogged down with mud, bugs, guts, rain splatters, even some tar and that stuff is not coming off by just wiping it with a soft cloth.  I get out a big bucket of hot soapy water, hose the whole bike down good to get the big chunks off, soap the whole bike down with nice soapy water, rinse and repeat as needed.  Then a nice coat of wax and voila, looking new again.  And we ride our bikes - a lot - and even though it is not a preference to pull the bike out of the garage in the rain, if rain happens while we are out and about, then rain happens.  And if we are on a long trip and we gotta keep moving, then so be it. We have rain gear, keep good rubber on the bikes all the time and we just ride on.  I think someone is being sold a bill of goods being told we are not to "wash" our bikes.   [smiley=nixweiss.gif]

[BLM777]

[smiley=tekst-spam.gif]I'm sorry.

[Mr. We]

Respectfully...

[Mr. We]

...if HD is ( although I know they're not) advising their techs of the "no wash" policy...

Don't wash / don't tell... I think I see a way out of warranty claims coming. "Hey, my heated grips aren't working" ... "You didn't get them wet did you?  [smiley=vrolijk27.gif] Well that voids the warranty and we can replace the entire front end for..."

 [smiley=bigcry.gif]  [smiley=huepfenjump3.gif]

[d o g o l s]

Since this my first bike with a radio and speakers how do you keep them from getting wet, when washing the bike.
Had one dealer tell me to never wash the bike just hand clean it. Water was a no no. Sure dont want to mess anything up.
How do you guys do it?

Ernie [smiley=nixweiss.gif]

got a company at my home the clean the bike with dry ice  [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]

[Bagger]

got a company at my home the clean the bike with [highlight]dry ice[/highlight][smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]

I'm a firm believer in the bucket and hose method myself, but I am intrigued by other methods as well.  Please expound on this "dry ice" method.

[Fired00d]

Respectfully,,  I think you are out of your ever lovin mind taking a hose to a bike with all the switches these bikes have, and even when I had my Heritage I didnt use a hose either.  One day you'll be stranded on the side of the road and it'll be because of using that hose. NEVER EVER USE A HOSE ON A MOTORCYCLE. Unless your washing the rims MAYBE!  I use a wet towel with plain water and wring out the towel and wipe down all I can, then start cleaning. NO HOSE. Just my humble opinion of course.

What do you do when it rains??? [smiley=nixweiss.gif] Believe it or not, my bike has been so dirty on trips when I returned home that cleaning the way you suggest would have scratched every piece of paint on the bike. Cleaning the bike the way you are suggesting is asking for scratched up paint. A lot of the gritty stuff gets washed off with the water flowing on it, and the stuff that doesn't gets loosened up considerably. This will allow less opportunity for this grit/grime to scratch your paint. JMHO.

 [smiley=pumpkin.gif]
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 [smiley=fireman.gif]

[110tHunDer]

 
Re: the dealers, let's not forget, everyone of them has their own WASH BAY.  And, as part of the dealer prep, I'll be 99.9% of our bikes have been washed by them prior to delivery.  So, somehow it's supposed to be OK for them to do it, but not us?!

I'll be a lot of 'em even use micro fiber towels to dry 'em off!  Vern, what you got to say about that?! [smiley=huepfenlol2.gif]

[Fired00d]

.....

I'll be a lot of 'em even use micro fiber towels to dry 'em off!

[ak]

What do you do when it rains??? [smiley=nixweiss.gif] Believe it or not, my bike has been so dirty on trips when I returned home that cleaning the way you suggest would have scratched every piece of paint on the bike. Cleaning the bike the way you are suggesting is asking for scratched up paint. A lot of the gritty stuff gets washed off with the water flowing on it, and the stuff that doesn't gets loosened up considerably. This will allow less opportunity for this grit/grime to scratch your paint. JMHO.                                                                                      *                                                   I agree with Gary here, I installed a hose bib on my soft water unit in garage, Hook up a hose and conect to sears electric power washer and  shoot my bike all over(no on  inner fairing) wash bike  rince, then bring out the gas leaf blower to get off major amount of water,then shammey.....Thinking to have Jim put lights on my Leef blower--AK

 [smiley=pumpkin.gif]
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 [smiley=fireman.gif]

[HarleyBee103]

Had one dealer tell me to never wash the bike just hand clean it.

Ernie [smiley=nixweiss.gif]

I can't say I've ever heard that one.  The MoCo sell Harley-Davidson

[grc]

Respectfully,,

[grc]

Re: the dealers, let's not forget, everyone of them has their own WASH BAY.

[Rooster]

I use the hose on mine but I don't put the pressure on the inside fairing then dry. Save the duct tape for serious repairs. I guess if you cover the front of the fairing with duct tape you could avoid rock chips. HMMMMM. NEVER MIND  [smiley=huepfenjump3.gif] [smiley=nixweiss.gif]

[ima29]

Had to pull out the owners manual and it states "To aid in keeping your motorcycle clean, see your Harley-Davidson dealer for cleaning, ...., products." The first item is SUNWASH and I bet the instructions on there product are rinsing with lots of water. Just stay away from directly spraying in those areas. Put over 90,000 miles on an electra glide with out any problems. And for those of you who have been to Alaska or rode the Alcan know what a dirty vehicle is. I can't imagine trying to wash my bikes without a hose and sometimes a pressure washer in the lower areas.
Kelly

[cigarmike]

Brian,

[highlight]As we've all figured out, ol' Vern is a friggin' idiot[/highlight].

[MJZ]

I can't say I've ever heard that one.

[Boatman]

I also use the water/soap method and don't directly spray on the gauges/switches as others have stated.  I was never a fan of the dry method as you will probably have to deal with a lot of fine scratches.  I never let a car dealer or motorcycle dealer clean my vehicles when done.  Big sign in windshield (Do not wash).   Easier for me to do at home and not have to deal with their fine scratches they put in.    And no, Vern is not very smart.    

[hogasm]

LMAO, I sure hope Vern doesnt get promoted from area Rep to Entire U.S. rep for your guy's sake. He told me he reads this website, and also told me not to believe what I read on the internet, cause he doubts most of you even exist, and are  just one person posting as many, lol. When I told him, Ive met many of you personally, he said BS. Vern, you are more than an idiot.

Invite him to Nelson. No, not a good idea. He might say we are figments of his imagination [smiley=nixweiss.gif]

[RJ749]

LMAO, I sure hope Vern doesnt get promoted from area Rep to Entire U.S. rep for your guy's sake. He told me he reads this website, and also told me not to believe what I read on the internet, cause he doubts most of you even exist, and are

[110tHunDer]

LMAO, I sure hope Vern doesnt get promoted from area Rep to Entire U.S. rep for your guy's sake. He told me he reads this website, and also told me not to believe what I read on the internet, cause he doubts most of you even exist, and are

[110tHunDer]

BS this Vern

[ultrafxr]

You guys actually wash your bikes when they get dirty?  Chit I thought you just traded them in and got a new clean one. [smiley=banana.gif]

[Twolanerider]

You guys actually wash your bikes when they get dirty?

[CVOMOE!!]

My motto is "They're riding machines, not washing machines."  

Moe

[JR]

OMG, you have got to be kidding me!

[Midnight Rider]

Man, how did I miss this Vern dude? Who is he anyway?
 [smiley=nixweiss.gif]

                                                             JR [smiley=banana.gif]

JR...see a$$hole in the dictionary....his picture is next to the word.  He's the guy that jerked Cigarmike around so bad this last round on his paint issues.  A real dildo...

[Twolanerider]

Man, how did I miss this Vern dude? Who is he anyway?
 [smiley=nixweiss.gif]

                                                             JR [smiley=banana.gif]

JR, it's a secret; but this is Naitram's alter ego  [smiley=apple.gif] .

[SBB]

JR, it's a secret; but this is Naitram's alter ego

[Twolanerider]

Can't be,
it's not purple! [smiley=nixweiss.gif]

oops

[CVOwner]

Re: the dealers, let's not forget, everyone of them has their own WASH BAY.

[110tHunDer]

So what

[HarleyBee103]

No, what's comical is that you interpreted my post that way.

If you go back to the first few posts in this thread, it began with a dealer telling iamtrker2 not to wash his bike with water.  I was merely pointing out that dealers themselves have wash bays in their service area and that virtually every bike that gets delivered by a dealer has probably been washed with water before it ever gets into the customer's care.

Wasn't bashing what you do . . . . feel free to continue doing the "dry rub." [smiley=huepfenlol2.gif]

Dry rub evokes images of swirls...not unlike those power polishers.

[Twolanerider]

Wasn't bashing what you do . . . . feel free to continue doing the "dry rub." [smiley=huepfenlol2.gif]

But 103, I like a dry rub sometimes.....


But usually lubrication is better.................


Wait, what're we talking about?

[Fired00d]

But 103, I like a dry rub sometimes.....


But usually lubrication is better.................


Wait, what're we talking about?

My twin brotha from another mother you are doing like I did yesterday.... Wrong forum. [smiley=huepfenlol2.gif]

 [smiley=pumpkin.gif]
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 [smiley=fireman.gif]

[Twolanerider]

My twin brotha from another mother you are doing like I did yesterday.... Wrong forum. [smiley=huepfenlol2.gif]

 [smiley=pumpkin.gif]
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 [smiley=fireman.gif]

[smiley=oops.gif]

[ccr]

 [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif] Just picked my bike up from the dealership last night, and it was dark so did not get a real great look, but they have hired a new wash technician, and it has been quite some time since my bike has looked that good.  [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]

And, I know it might be hard to believe, but they used water, hot soapy water, and they rinsed and with a hose!  Oh My!   [smiley=vrolijk27.gif] [smiley=vrolijk27.gif] [smiley=vrolijk27.gif]A hose rinsing off those hot suds, and even around the radio and speakers.  XM radio blasting through Hog Tune speakers all the 50 miles home.  No problems.   [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]

[Twolanerider]

[smiley=xyxthumbs.gif] Just picked my bike up from the dealership last night, and it was dark so did not get a real great look, but they have hired a new wash technician, and it has been quite some time since my bike has looked that good.

[ccr]

You went to the dealership for service?

Oh, wait, another set of grips under warranty right?

My gas gauge has never worked, after four repairs, so I asked them to tackle it again.
My signal light housings were all corroded and grody. For some reason they only replaced one, even though, to me, they both needed to be replaced.
And yes, my wonderful heated grips were no longer working and they replaced the thermostat in it -------------- under warranty.  My bike is two years old on Dec 17.  

But no, service is done at an independent service shop - Pro Street Cycle.  Sorry, not trying to dis the HD shops, but everyone here knows I have had less than stellar service and so I go to the HD shops for warranty work - ONLY!  

[Twolanerider]

My gas gauge has never worked, after four repairs, so I asked them to tackle it again.
My signal light housings were all corroded and grody. For some reason they only replaced one, even though, to me, they both needed to be replaced.
And yes, my wonderful heated grips were no longer working and they replaced the thermostat in it -------------- under warranty.

[ccr]

We've got a gas gauge

[iamtrker2]

Sorry i didnt mean to get the family in such an uproar over this, but this is why i asked, i needed the streight scoop
before i broke something.
Just kidding i do appreciate all your ideas and thanks for the the input, as usual i trust you guys.

Thanks again to all of you for your help, we all have to learn.

Ernie [smiley=pepper.gif] [smiley=cucumber.gif] [smiley=apple.gif] [smiley=pineapple.gif]

[ccr]

Sorry i didnt mean to get the family in such an uproar over this, but this is why i asked, i needed the streight scoop
before i broke something.
Just kidding i do appreciate all your ideas and thanks for the the input, as usual i trust you guys.

Thanks again to all of you for your help, we all have to learn.

Ernie [smiley=pepper.gif] [smiley=cucumber.gif] [smiley=apple.gif] [smiley=pineapple.gif]

Ernie,

[Twolanerider]

Mrs We.  I looked very (very [very]) closely.  Never did see umbrellas in that picture  [smiley=nixweiss.gif] .

[Pap]

Worth consideration is attaching a wand used for watering flowers, etc. to the end of hose.

[harleydawg57]

Dumb Question?--why does Harley sell "rain-suits"  if you can not ride in the rain?

[CVOwner]

Nobody said anything about the bikes not being able to get wet. I've been caught in some gully washers! But that doesnt mean I stand there with a hose and blast away! I've even heard of guys using a power sprayer!

[Classic45]

Have any of you tried "Air Force Blaster" to get rid of water in places where it does not belong?

Switches, heated grips, bolt heads, behind decals , - - etc.

   

[Fired00d]

Some use leaf blowers, and there is also a product called Cycle Dry to dry their bike(s). Cycle Dry isn't as powerful as the Air Force Blaster, but is compact enough to pack/carry with you on trips.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[MJZ]

I went with the blaster a year or so ago, I like it but can't say that I was not just as well off with the leaf blower I used before that. Using the blasters tapered cone it really concentrates quite a powerful jet of air, that does take care of screw heads, the little nooks and cranny's very well.
Yea, come to think of it, I like it better than the leaf blower.

[sawyerghost]

How A-Bout-A-Q-Tip
 

[spydglide]

I also get somewhat concerned about using the blower to dry the bike.....I've actually had experiences where forced air would blow the water into areas that would not normally receive water during riding in the rain or normal non-pressure washing.  I actually have a moisture drip stain inside my speedo on my softtail due to blowing water from hauling it on a open trailer on the interstate in the rain.  Never would that happen from riding it in drenching rain........it's just different.  spyder

[Coolbreeze]

Nobody said anything about the bikes not being able to get wet. I've been caught in some gully washers! But that doesnt mean I stand there with a hose and blast away! I've even heard of guys using a power sprayer!

uhh, yea.  the power washer part.  uhhhyup!  that's me!  Takes the dirt right off...   I stick the pick-up hose in the S-100, and just squirt away!  the I take the pick-up tube OUT of the S-100, and squirt lots more!  and I chase the kids with it, and spray the passing cars that go by too fast, and squirt some more...     Then I start it.  and I put away the pressure washer, (craftsman, 13 hp, 3200 psi...  it rocks!) and then I get the hose over to it and rinse it off real gentle like...  the soft running water and the vibration makes it almost dry itself...   then I put the hose away...  (remember it's still running), so now all my chit is put away and the bike is all clean and nice looking and, well, I usually can't take it any more, what with that soft thumpa thumpa potato potato noise in the driveway and all.  So, I put the leaf blower away and grab a lid and SEE HOW FAST SHE'LL GO!!!  THAT KNOCKS THE REST OF THE WATER RIGHT OUT OF THOSE SWITCHES!!!!!!!!! Then I go inside and look sheepish when the wife says "you did it again, didn't ya"........  the we go out and pop the new bugs off with some Mcguires Final finish....    Have a little splash of scotch and giggle a bit..... 

[spydglide]

uhh, yea.  the power washer part.  uhhhyup!  that's me!  Takes the dirt right off...   I stick the pick-up hose in the S-100, and just squirt away!  the I take the pick-up tube OUT of the S-100, and squirt lots more!  and I chase the kids with it, and spray the passing cars that go by too fast, and squirt some more...     Then I start it.  and I put away the pressure washer, (craftsman, 13 hp, 3200 psi...  it rocks!) and then I get the hose over to it and rinse it off real gentle like...  the soft running water and the vibration makes it almost dry itself...   then I put the hose away...  (remember it's still running), so now all my chit is put away and the bike is all clean and nice looking and, well, I usually can't take it any more, what with that soft thumpa thumpa potato potato noise in the driveway and all.  So, I put the leaf blower away and grab a lid and SEE HOW FAST SHE'LL GO!!!  THAT KNOCKS THE REST OF THE WATER RIGHT OUT OF THOSE SWITCHES!!!!!!!!! Then I go inside and look sheepish when the wife says "you did it again, didn't ya"........  the we go out and pop the new bugs off with some Mcguires Final finish....    Have a little splash of scotch and giggle a bit..... 

I know.....I know.  I won't use the power washer, but I love to get it hot and ride it to finish drying out the switches, etc......the scotch & giggleing might be worth adding to my routine.  har!  spyder

[MJZ]

I also get somewhat concerned about using the blower to dry the bike.....I've actually had experiences where forced air would blow the water into areas that would not normally receive water during riding in the rain or normal non-pressure washing.  I actually have a moisture drip stain inside my speedo on my softtail due to blowing water from hauling it on a open trailer on the interstate in the rain.  Never would that happen from riding it in drenching rain........it's just different.  spyder

Spydee, I think you got something there. I'm on my 3rd Sony radio replacement, all were a fight with Sony to replace under warranty. They keep saying moisture was the problem and I keep saying they are MARINE friggin' radios. I've been wondering why I am the only one having this problem and now I think you have just given me the answer.
I'm going to only use the blaster on the motor area and see if that is the problem. THANKS

[Twolanerider]

Spydee, I think you got something there. I'm on my 3rd Sony radio replacement, all were a fight with Sony to replace under warranty. They keep saying moisture was the problem and I keep saying they are MARINE friggin' radios. I've been wondering why I am the only one having this problem and now I think you have just given me the answer.
I'm going to only use the blaster on the motor area and see if that is the problem. THANKS

MJ, I just put a Sony marine radio in the red bike.  Quite frankly I half expect it fail in a far shorter time span than what would ever normally be expected.  I bought the radio on eBay new, but for cheap.  Then used an extended warranty provider called Square Trade and paid another 17 bucks for a no questions asked two years of replacement or reimbursement for purchase cost. 

Also bought a plastic cover thing that fits in the inner fairing hole completely surrounding the radio to use either during washes or in heavier rains.  Figured between the two I was doing what I could to avoid the problems you'd had and cover my butt in case they happened anyway. 

[MJZ]

I thought you had converted the HK in yours, did I just dream that or did you have a problem with it?

[spydglide]

MJ, I just put a Sony marine radio in the red bike. 

and that would be 'which' red bike?  har!  spyder

[SBB]

and that would be 'which' red bike?  har!  spyder

I'll answer that one spidy
There's only one "RED BIKE"
That's the 05 SEEG.
Not sure if he's named the SERG yet but I call it the "OTHER RED BIKE"

 

[spydglide]

I'll answer that one spidy
There's only one "RED BIKE"
That's the 05 SEEG.
Not sure if he's named the SERG yet but I call it the "OTHER RED BIKE"

 

Just shocked  that he'd remove the highly modified one he had in the SEEG.  spyder

[Twolanerider]

I thought you had converted the HK in yours, did I just dream that or did you have a problem with it?

It died.  A month or so ago.  The Sony was just a much less hassle and a much less expensive replacement and a better radio to boot.

[Twolanerider]

Just shocked  that he'd remove the highly modified one he had in the SEEG.  spyder

The "modified" part is what kept me from replacing it with the same thing.  Amp and something else died internal.  Repair would have replaced the board holding the chip containing the hacked firmware.  Doing that hack again is a several hours long pain and the radio replacement or repair is more expensive then the Sony replacement.  Replacement would have been twice as much. 

[MJZ]

It died.  A month or so ago.  The Sony was just a much less hassle and a much less expensive replacement and a better radio to boot.

I certainly understand, I'm on Sony #3. I just ran by to drop off the Baker DD6 for Rosie to install in Nana and we talked about the radio problems. He agreed with Spydy, he said don't use the blaster or even a hose on the fairing. Since they are MARINE radios, it never occurred to me moisture would be a problem. They are putting radio #3 in now so I will know shortly as the other 2 started crapping out within a month after installing.
Plus, just in case you didn't know, Rosie left Bumpus just recently and went to Southern Thunder (Fat Bastard).

[johnchalker]

i clean mine with water all the time but dry it off with a leather and make sure all water is gone.

[HUBRIS]

I go up to the local hand wash joint, and pay a "mexi-can" to take it real slow and make it purty like a trimmed beaver.

[spydglide]

I go up to the local hand wash joint, and pay a "mexi-can" to take it real slow and make it purty like a trimmed beaver.

Well, don't come crying to us  when you only find out about your oil leaks, loose parts, and road kill damage after it's been too long and gone too far for recourse.... ......washing/wiping your scooter is akin to looking after your trim.. ..you don't want to 'farm it out'.  har!  spyder

[Fired00d]

Well, don't come crying to us  when you only find out about your oil leaks, loose parts, and road kill damage after it's been too long and gone too far for recourse.... ......washing/wiping your scooter is akin to looking after your trim.. ..you don't want to 'farm it out'.  har!  spyder

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d