Car Wash for R3s ??????

[cr0ft]

Pressure washers on any bike isn't recommended. As others have said, it can push water into places it has no business going. A gentle rinse with a hose, or better yet something that creates a wider shower effect attached to the hose, is safer.

I'm probably overdoing it but I do the whole thing the way they wash luxury cars, two-bucket wash system. Get two large buckets, get a grit guard in each, then wash by first dipping the wash mitt into the soapy bucket, then rinse it in the other bucket that has just clean water - rub the mitt hard against the grit guard to get any stuff still on it off, then dip in the soapy water again and do more washing.

Just for fun I even got a foam gun attachment to the hose. So my wash process is to first hose the bike off with water once to get as much grit off as I can, then hit it with a layer of foam and let that sit a minute, then hose that off too taking more grit with it. Then, the two bucket wash. After that, dry with air to avoid water spots and because it's so much easier than wiping the bike (https://www.metrovacworld.com/Blaster_SideKick_SK-1/overview is what I use but a leaf blower as has been suggested works too). After that, well... detailing spray can get any water spots you missed off.

And after that, you can break out whatever polish and wax the bike needs.

 

[cardinal93]

If you throw some vinegar in your wash and rinse buckets it will take care of the minerals and leave you spot free

 

[cr0ft]

If you throw some vinegar in your wash and rinse buckets it will take care of the minerals and leave you spot free

True, but vinegar (or ascetic acid, which is what it is) will also strip wax finishes and the like, so if you do that you have to wax the bike after you wash. It also won't work for all types of waterspotting problems.

Deionized water would be ideal, but that requires some machinery to create.

Edit: maybe I need to go even further on the OCD washing: http://www.clearinse.com/Spot-free-rinse/Spot-Free-DI-Rinse

 

[hvacnr]

I pressure wash mine... ride in the rain. as fast as I dare. No problems so far.

 

[Old Gringo]

You're all a bunch of girly-men. I'm Marine Corps Infantry...I just piss on mine and then just ride it dry.

 

[Blackthou]

Shame on all you Rocketeers that don't look after your pride and joy. Look after it and it will look after you. I've been riding bikes for over 40 years and have always kept them mint.

Re covering when washing etc, the bike would get wet in rain and you wouldn't worry about masking the silencers etc so follow that principle and you should be OK and don't squirt water anywhere that isn't sensible.

 

[cardinal93]

Mine was in a little need of cleaning
Bucket dawn soap and hot water, toothbrush and cotton rag to wash, bucket vinegar and hot water soft cotton rag to rinse. Speed gloss nano wax on all shiny metal and glass surfaces, pledge on engine, frame and bevel box! 2.5 hours total before and after photos! Now it's time to ride )

 

[CanberraR3]

If you're careful with a pressure wash there's no reason not to use it on wheels, underside etc but definitely keep it away from electrics, including switch blocks and under tank area, and absolutely keep it away from the radiator. I've seen high pressure jets flatten the fins between the cores. Better to take the time with a bucket and sponge and enjoy getting to know your bike intimately.

 

[wsk3]

A recent ride in rain plastered my R3T with filth, turning my black bike brown. The engine block was particularly soiled. I was able to gently clean all the crud off using a McGuire's aluminum wheel cleaner. It even got the grime off the bike behind the exhaust headers on the engine block. The foam sticks well to vertical surfaces, displaces soil well and is safe on all the bike's surfaces. A local discount store had them on sale so I stocked up. I get two complete bike washes out of one bottle. I use a "mist spray" when rinsing around electronics.
I use nanowax afterward.

http://www.meguiarsdirect.com/product/hot-rims-aluminum-wheel-cleaner

https://www.eagleone.com/superior-nanowax-spray

 

[Bedifferent]

This stuff cleans everything and then finish up with lemon pledge.
I too don't like lemon pledge on black paint, but works great on everything else!

I saw this stuff at Auto Zone...thanks, I'll have to give it a try. I agree, the lemon pledge kind of streaks on the black if you are not careful.