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CVO Technical => Cleaning/Detailing => Topic started by: hard10 on August 08, 2009, 10:56:40 AM

Title: Air Blower
Post by: hard10 on August 08, 2009, 10:56:40 AM
That little blower I bought for $35 at a rally has died. I'm on my way to Lowe's now. What is everyone using? To blow dry you bike, that is?
Title: Re: Air Blower
Post by: 49445CVO on August 08, 2009, 11:29:10 AM
I was told to use my craftsman wet dry vac.  There is a blower attachment for it. I have not tried it yet but plan to on my next washing. I know we have seen some of these posts before and I am not sure but I think this  brand has been posted before but my local H-D dealer uses one similar to this:

http://www.topoftheline.com/master-blaster-motorcycle-dryer.html

http://www.cherrybrook.com/index.cfm/a/catalog.prodshow/vid/422529/catid/205/vname/Metro_Blaster_Dryers

http://www.amazon.com/AIR-FORCE-BLASTER-DRYER-MASTER/dp/B000GVH98O

http://www.bikeremporium.com/Motorcycle_Dryers-Air_Force_Master_Blaster_Motorcycle_Dryer.html

Same products different dealers and prices.

My local dealership has on that they said sells for $500.00 and it is a red color not black as shown above.  Not sure if it is the same model or not but as some of these show you can use it to blow your pets dry, heck maybe it can be used on our beautiful rides too.

Topper
Title: Re: Air Blower
Post by: Twolanerider on August 08, 2009, 01:02:14 PM
That little blower I bought for $35 at a rally has died. I'm on my way to Lowe's now. What is everyone using? To blow dry you bike, that is?

Check out Home Depot.  Link here:

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&productId=100645410&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&PID=1319015&cm_mmc=CJ-_-shopping_com-_-D29X-_-100645410&URL=http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/BuildLinkToHomeDepot?linktype=product&id=100645410&cm_mmc=CJ-_-shopping_com-_-D29X-_-100645410&cpncode=22-26186335-2&AID=10368321&cj=true&srccode=cii_13736960

Title: Re: Air Blower
Post by: Hoist! on August 08, 2009, 01:16:03 PM
Check out Home Depot.  Link here:

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&productId=100645410&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&PID=1319015&cm_mmc=CJ-_-shopping_com-_-D29X-_-100645410&URL=http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/BuildLinkToHomeDepot?linktype=product&id=100645410&cm_mmc=CJ-_-shopping_com-_-D29X-_-100645410&cpncode=22-26186335-2&AID=10368321&cj=true&srccode=cii_13736960



It's at Amazon, $65-free shipping. I just ordered one! Don't ask me why! I never wash them! ;D ;D ;D ;)

Metro Vacuum SK-1 Air Force Blaster Sidekick Compact & Portable Motorcycle Dryer (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LQB24G/ref=asc_df_B000LQB24G873666?smid=A1AAVMCHPGGK33&tag=priceg52-20&linkCode=asn&creative=380341&creativeASIN=B000LQB24G)

Hoist! :coolblue:
Title: Re: Air Blower
Post by: Twolanerider on August 08, 2009, 01:23:02 PM
It's at Amazon, $65-free shipping. I just ordered one! Don't ask me why! I never wash them! ;D ;D ;D ;)

Metro Vacuum SK-1 Air Force Blaster Sidekick Compact & Portable Motorcycle Dryer (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LQB24G/ref=asc_df_B000LQB24G873666?smid=A1AAVMCHPGGK33&tag=priceg52-20&linkCode=asn&creative=380341&creativeASIN=B000LQB24G)

Hoist! :coolblue:

You can use it to chase Binx around the house.
Title: Re: Air Blower
Post by: Hoist! on August 08, 2009, 01:24:20 PM
You can use it to chase Binx around the house.

Hmmmm.........this thing has more potential than I thought! ::) :o ;D ;)

Hoist! :coolblue:
Title: Re: Air Blower
Post by: Twolanerider on August 08, 2009, 01:26:59 PM
Hmmmm.........this thing has more potential than I thought! ::) :o ;D ;)

Hoist! :coolblue:

She'll cut you. 







But it'll still be fun.
Title: Re: Air Blower
Post by: Fired00d on August 08, 2009, 03:17:34 PM
That little blower I bought for $35 at a rally has died. I'm on my way to Lowe's now. What is everyone using? To blow dry you bike, that is?
I posted this awhile back...
I've been using my electric leaf blower for years w/no problems. I also have a Bike Dryer (http://www.jpcycles.com/Search/ProductDetail?sku=910-410&N=0&Ne=0&Ntk=All&Ntt=dryer&Ns=&results=10&No=10) that is small enough to travel with.

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

(http://img.jpcycles.com/product/910-109_A.jpg) ‘Air Force’ professional motorcycle dryer (http://www.jpcycles.com/productdetail.aspx?PID=910-109&cs=Metric&GID=CE3485A0-0135-4EDE-A6D2-C69672DF1221&store=Harley&page=1&search=bike%20dryere) $253.99.

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...

(http://pet.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pPETS-3759668t400.jpg) Metro Air Force Commander Dryers 4HP (http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2754484) $159.99.

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

 :pumpkin:
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 :fireman:

AJ I'm sure you can appreciate my preferred color. ;) :D :D

 :pumpkin:
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 :fireman:
Title: Re: Air Blower
Post by: Hoist! on August 08, 2009, 04:42:18 PM
I posted this awhile back...
AJ I'm sure you can appreciate my preferred color. ;) :D :D

 :pumpkin:
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 :fireman:

HeHe!!! For your favorite pet? According to them, that orange one's a pet dryer! (HeHe!!! That link's even from a Pet Store!) :o ;D ;D ;D ;)

Hoist! :coolblue:
Title: Re: Air Blower
Post by: Fired00d on August 08, 2009, 04:44:37 PM
HeHe!!! For your favorite pet? According to them, that orange one's a pet dryer! :o ;D ;D ;D ;)

Hoist! :coolblue:
That's right, and cheaper. :2vrolijk_21: That's where the idea came from originally then someone put "motorcycle" on it and boosted the price. They are the same internally, but you pay more for the one that says "motorcycle". >:(

 :pumpkin:
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 :fireman:
Title: Re: Air Blower
Post by: hard10 on August 09, 2009, 12:41:17 AM
What a cluster of a day! Made it to Lowe's and all they had was a Shop Vac which is not what I really wanted. I was left to the old fashioned way of shammy. The problem was when Linda 1st decided to shampoo the carpets which meant I needed to stay out for a few hours. No problem, great detail job got accomplished on the bike. After the carpet cleaning came the total rearranging of furniture. I am now sitting on the opposite side of the living room and totally confused. I'm not even thinking right.
Needless to say, I'll be buying a blower online and avoiding Lowe's for a while!
Title: Re: Air Blower
Post by: hard10 on August 09, 2009, 12:46:41 AM
This is the one I had that caught fire:

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41kh5E97zQL._SL500_AA280_.jpg)
Title: Re: Air Blower
Post by: 49445CVO on August 09, 2009, 06:19:14 AM
This is the one I had that caught fire:

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41kh5E97zQL._SL500_AA280_.jpg)

That  must have added a little fun to the day.
Title: Re: Air Blower
Post by: Fired00d on August 09, 2009, 08:16:55 AM
This is the one I had that caught fire:

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41kh5E97zQL._SL500_AA280_.jpg)
Hmmm, interesting. I have one of those... mind explaining more. :nervous:

 :pumpkin:
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 :fireman:
Title: Re: Air Blower
Post by: hard10 on August 09, 2009, 10:38:06 AM
That  must have added a little fun to the day.

Hmmm, interesting. I have one of those... mind explaining more. :nervous:

 :pumpkin:
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 :fireman:

As someone else said earlier, this unit is susceptible to sparking. The unit even comes with additional brushes. Well after I went through my second set of brushes (after several months of heavy use),  it started sparking. The motor would stop running & I'd hit it a few times to free up the brushes. I said "it's only sparks" nothing will happen. I kept using it. Finally, sparks turned to flames and I stopped. Worst part was it never blew the circuit breaker.
Title: Re: Air Blower
Post by: Fired00d on August 09, 2009, 10:48:16 AM
As someone else said earlier, this unit is susceptible to sparking. The unit even comes with additional brushes. Well after I went through my second set of brushes (after several months of heavy use),  it started sparking. The motor would stop running & I'd hit it a few times to free up the brushes. I said "it's only sparks" nothing will happen. I kept using it. Finally, sparks turned to flames and I stopped. Worst part was it never blew the circuit breaker.
Ok, thanks for the info. :2vrolijk_21: I don't use mine that often and still on original brushes. I will definitely keep that info stored though... would look awful bad for me to have something catch on fire. :oops: :D :D

 :pumpkin:
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 :fireman:
Title: Re: Air Blower
Post by: Twolanerider on August 09, 2009, 12:53:16 PM
Hmmm, interesting. I have one of those... mind explaining more. :nervous:

 :pumpkin:
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 :fireman:

Me too.  Never noticed sparks though.  Perhaps used it in bright daylight all the time?

Mine wasn't packaged with an extra set of brushes though.  That's such an odd thing for modern production it certainly would've raised a red flag.  Will certainly have to pay closer attention to the little bugger.
Title: Re: Air Blower
Post by: hard10 on August 09, 2009, 01:21:53 PM
Me too.  Never noticed sparks though.  Perhaps used it in bright daylight all the time?

Mine wasn't packaged with an extra set of brushes though.  That's such an odd thing for modern production it certainly would've raised a red flag.  Will certainly have to pay closer attention to the little bugger.

You'd definitely notice the sparks even in daylight.
I can just it now, Gary is standing there in the driveway and one of the neighbors dials 911, fire trucks show up en mass.  ;D  :pumpkin:  :orange:
Title: Re: Air Blower
Post by: Twolanerider on August 09, 2009, 02:06:13 PM
You'd definitely notice the sparks even in daylight.
I can just it now, Gary is standing there in the driveway and one of the neighbors dials 911, fire trucks show up en mass.  ;D  :pumpkin:  :orange:

This bugged me so much I went out in the garage and turned it on.  No sparks yet.  Shut the garage door and turned off the lights.  There's a window but it's at least dimmer.  Still saw no sparks.  Stupid thing will probably burn the garage down sitting there unplugged now.  Damn you AJ for giving me chit to worry about :huepfenlol2: .
Title: Re: Air Blower
Post by: Fired00d on August 09, 2009, 02:50:50 PM
You'd definitely notice the sparks even in daylight.
I can just it now, Gary is standing there in the driveway and one of the neighbors dials 911, fire trucks show up en mass.  ;D  :pumpkin:  :orange:
Not to mention all the "ribbing" I would get when I got back to work.... :-[ :-[

 :pumpkin:
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 :fireman:
Title: Re: Air Blower
Post by: hard10 on August 09, 2009, 07:20:46 PM
This bugged me so much I went out in the garage and turned it on.  No sparks yet.  Shut the garage door and turned off the lights.  There's a window but it's at least dimmer.  Still saw no sparks.  Stupid thing will probably burn the garage down sitting there unplugged now.  Damn you AJ for giving me chit to worry about :huepfenlol2: .

All kidding aside, I wouldn't leave it plugged in. Go leave it plugged in for about two hours and see what I mean. I left it plugged in for a few days and when I went to use it, that's when the first problems started. I guess the motor doesn't like constant power to it.
Title: Re: Air Blower
Post by: Twolanerider on August 10, 2009, 02:54:42 AM
All kidding aside, I wouldn't leave it plugged in. Go leave it plugged in for about two hours and see what I mean. I left it plugged in for a few days and when I went to use it, that's when the first problems started. I guess the motor doesn't like constant power to it.

Saved by the plug.  Don't think it's ever been plugged in more than 15 minutes at a stretch.  Stores on a shelf away from the plug.  I'm probably good to the Year 2525 (proper citation to Zager and Evans).
Title: Re: Air Blower
Post by: Gone Fishin' on August 10, 2009, 05:20:07 AM
It's at Amazon, $65-free shipping. I just ordered one! Don't ask me why! I never wash them! ;D ;D ;D ;)

Metro Vacuum SK-1 Air Force Blaster Sidekick Compact & Portable Motorcycle Dryer (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LQB24G/ref=asc_df_B000LQB24G873666?smid=A1AAVMCHPGGK33&tag=priceg52-20&linkCode=asn&creative=380341&creativeASIN=B000LQB24G)

Hoist! :coolblue:

That is the same I use. I am too lazy to use more than one towel, hence it a good little helper.

Ride safely,
Louis
Title: Re: Air Blower
Post by: spydglide on August 10, 2009, 07:58:57 AM
Hand wipe 'em down and ride 'em to finish the drying process.....that way you'll touch everything and might find something loose  :-[ or missing  :( or sharp  :'(.  Old school rules!  ;) 8) :P har!   :drink:spyder
Title: Re: Air Blower
Post by: Rooster on August 10, 2009, 09:42:28 AM
I started thinking maybe I should get one of these, then I remembered....... went and got the back pack leaf blower and fired it up works great now I don't have to buy anything. :huepfenlol2:
Title: Re: Air Blower
Post by: OhioDave on August 11, 2009, 08:45:33 AM
I use one similar to this, works great and cheap.

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=304505-53393-25103&lpage=none
Title: Re: Air Blower
Post by: sportygordy on August 11, 2009, 10:30:26 AM
This is the best way to go   :huepfenlol2: :huepfenlol2:

Title: Re: Air Blower
Post by: Beach Bum on August 12, 2009, 10:35:40 PM
I bought the Air Force Blaster and is great.  Use it on the cars and bikes.  Told my wife it would also double as a pet hair dryer.  Our dog is all of 12 lbs and I'd blow him out of the neighborhood if I turned this loose on him :)
Title: Re: Air Blower
Post by: 49445CVO on August 13, 2009, 07:13:44 AM
Washed the bike last night and tried out the Craftsman Super Suck 9000.  Wow did that make it alot easier and faster to dry off.  I did take the time to clean out the hose and fittings as well as the canister before using it as a blower.
Thanks for the idea fellas,

Topper
Title: Re: Air Blower
Post by: LarryB on August 13, 2009, 08:00:48 AM
just purchased the large pet dryer, will be used everyday so I'll keep you posted. I might need a hd sticker for it
Title: Re: Air Blower
Post by: Dragon42 on August 15, 2009, 06:12:01 PM
The 4HP Motorcycle dryer is $166 at Amazon which includes shipping.

http://www.amazon.com/Metro-Vacuum-B3-CD-Blaster-Motorcycle/dp/B0000CCXWA/ref=pd_cp_hi_2
Title: Re: Air Blower
Post by: LarryB on August 15, 2009, 07:00:59 PM
check out this one, I ordered it.  will let yall know how it compares to the pet dryer
http://www.airshammy.com/html/sitemap/motorcycle-dryer-site-map.html
Title: Re: Air Blower
Post by: Dragon42 on August 16, 2009, 04:25:47 PM
check out this one, I ordered it.  will let yall know how it compares to the pet dryer
http://www.airshammy.com/html/sitemap/motorcycle-dryer-site-map.html

The airshammy does look like a nice product, and is a lot less money.
Title: Re: Air Blower
Post by: 1abastarsmda on August 22, 2009, 03:59:25 AM
I have the Cycle Dry and I've never seen sparks.  I have had to take it apart to adjust the brushes before and now I have found out that I can just hit it a few times to move the brushes back into place to get it working again.  Mine also came with the extra set of brushes.  I hope mine doesn't catch on fire.

The rubber nozzle on these seem to be prone to splitting where it mounts onto the unit.  I have mine duct taped now, since I can't remember where the extra 2 nozzles are that the dealer gave me.  They are probably with the extra brush set, that I can't find either.  At least my dealer knew that there was a problem with the nozzles splitting, so they ordered a bunch of them and they give you 2 extras when you buy a dryer.
Title: Re: Air Blower
Post by: MontyB on September 30, 2009, 12:52:16 PM
check out this one, I ordered it.  will let yall know how it compares to the pet dryer
http://www.airshammy.com/html/sitemap/motorcycle-dryer-site-map.html

Larry

How did the Airshammy compare to the pet dryer?

cheers!
Title: Re: Air Blower
Post by: DavidB on September 30, 2009, 01:20:58 PM
These work great. http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00917066000P?mv=rr




I was told to use my craftsman wet dry vac.  There is a blower attachment for it. I have not tried it yet but plan to on my next washing. I know we have seen some of these posts before and I am not sure but I think this  brand has been posted before but my local H-D dealer uses one similar to this:

http://www.topoftheline.com/master-blaster-motorcycle-dryer.html

http://www.cherrybrook.com/index.cfm/a/catalog.prodshow/vid/422529/catid/205/vname/Metro_Blaster_Dryers

http://www.amazon.com/AIR-FORCE-BLASTER-DRYER-MASTER/dp/B000GVH98O

http://www.bikeremporium.com/Motorcycle_Dryers-Air_Force_Master_Blaster_Motorcycle_Dryer.html

Same products different dealers and prices.

My local dealership has on that they said sells for $500.00 and it is a red color not black as shown above.  Not sure if it is the same model or not but as some of these show you can use it to blow your pets dry, heck maybe it can be used on our beautiful rides too.

Topper
Title: Re: Air Blower
Post by: LarryB on September 30, 2009, 06:18:20 PM
Larry

How did the Airshammy compare to the pet dryer?

cheers!
Air Shammy  :2vrolijk_21:, have sold a few of them. go to Airshammy.com , get the phone # and call him. he'll give you the CVO rate. tell him I sent you.  :2vrolijk_21:
Title: Re: Air Blower
Post by: Grizzly on September 30, 2009, 07:06:25 PM
This is the one I had that caught fire:

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41kh5E97zQL._SL500_AA280_.jpg)

I've used one of these Cycle Dryers for years and think they're great!
Light weight, lots of force to dry the entire bike and inexpensive to buy.

I just purchased my second one as the hose tore on the first after approximately 8 years of use.  Second one is still going strong and I expect it'll last for another 6 or 7 years... Pretty good for $39. :2vrolijk_21:

Just so you know the company stands behind their product.  I convinced a friend to purchase one and it broke after only a few months of use.  He got in touch with the company and they sent out a new one without even wanting the old one back.  He took the old one to an electrician friend who fixed it right up.  Now he has a new one and a spare.

Sorry to hear that you've had a problem with yours.
Title: Re: Air Blower
Post by: 1abastarsmda on September 30, 2009, 07:11:49 PM
I've used one of these Cycle Dryers for years and think they're great!
Light weight, lots of force to dry the entire bike and inexpensive to buy.

I just purchased my second one as the hose tore on the first after approximately 8 years of use.  Second one is still going strong and I expect it'll last for another 6 or 7 years... Pretty good for $39. :2vrolijk_21:

Just so you know the company stands behind their product.  I convinced a friend to purchase one and it broke after only a few months of use.  He got in touch with the company and they sent out a new one without even wanting the old one back.  He took the old one to an electrician friend who fixed it right up.  Now he has a new one and a spare.

Sorry to hear that you've had a problem with yours.

The hose on my tore also, and I just duct taped it.  I have a few extra hoses that the shop gave me when I showed them how the hose was tearing almost immediately, and I'm just trying to get as much life out of this hose before I put the next one on there.  I do often wonder how much better a heated blower would do, since I'm happy with how this one operates.
Title: Re: Air Blower
Post by: MontyB on October 02, 2009, 11:21:48 AM
Air Shammy  :2vrolijk_21:, have sold a few of them. go to Airshammy.com , get the phone # and call him. he'll give you the CVO rate. tell him I sent you.  :2vrolijk_21:

 :2vrolijk_21: :2vrolijk_21:
Title: Re: Air Blower
Post by: firefighter156 on November 05, 2009, 08:55:42 AM
That little blower I bought for $35 at a rally has died. I'm on my way to Lowe's now. What is everyone using? To blow dry you bike, that is?
Good old fashion Air Compressor works just fine for me  ;)
Title: Re: Air Blower
Post by: miker on November 05, 2009, 11:25:42 AM
Power tools!
Title: Re: Air Blower
Post by: Ultra2010 on November 10, 2009, 01:11:38 PM
Stihl BR600 works extremely well.
Title: Re: Air Blower
Post by: wenchal on November 10, 2009, 02:25:51 PM
I use my dependable Makita leaf blower...
Title: Re: Air Blower
Post by: ultrabeef on November 11, 2009, 11:20:02 AM
McCullough eager beaver leaf blower
Title: Re: Air Blower
Post by: 11 on November 16, 2009, 08:31:42 PM
I used to use my Eco gas powered blower, made quik work of water out of the nooks/cranies but I always noticed very small spots after the bike had been ridden that attracted dust. A little investigation revaled the backpack blower I had used had the exhaust routed thru the discharge air. So the little spots were 2 cycle oil spots. Bought a Metro, mounted it on the wall with 15' hose and would never go back.
Title: Re: Air Blower
Post by: rkpultrase on November 27, 2009, 09:56:04 AM
For those who still do their own yard maintenance use your gas blower. The 120 mph blower volicity works well in all the cracks and crannies.