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[sturbee]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[Fired00d]

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]

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]

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

[Screamin]

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]

  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]

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]

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]

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

[Hoist!]

NO!!!

Hoist!