Best way to shampoo a Monster?

[jsanford]

My Monster is filthy dirty everywhere.   What's the best way to wash?  I'm assuming that I'd go for a ride, scrub the chain, wait a while for the engine to cool, and then--wash.  Specifically, I'm wondering about cleaning around the motor--want to get the cyllinders clean, but not gouge in grit with a bristle brush or the worst: sections of dirty oily grime that were missed when the rest of the general area is clean.  Also don't want to de-lube anything.

I have a soft-edged bristle brush for washing bicycles (might not be strong enough, though), Meguiar's motorcycle-specific vehicle wash and plastic polish (gas tank only, but that's not the part I'm wondering about).  With car wash I'd scrub, let the foam sit a bit, then gently rinse.

Any tips?  I will wax the frame after it's all clean. 

[Desmostro]

I'm into the no-water bath personally. Trying to keep stuff new, no rust, no pitting, no water in the hubs chain etc.
So forget the hose and dish soap.

WD-40 works very well on the aluminum parts for de-greasing etc. I usually spray it on a rag or brush then wipe so as to not spray it into anything and de-lube etc. It's fine on the surface.
I use this technique for the chain as well. Spray on a rag, then wipe just the outside of the chain, swing arm etc. Shines up perfectly. NOT for paint, brakes etc. Just bare metal.

Motorex is great for cleaning painted parts. Especially if you want pristine. Spray on foams up, runs off, takes dirt with it. Polish with microfiber cloth after. That way you don't ever scrub dirty into you paint and plexi.


This is fine if it drips all over the engine - it even smells good when you get it hot riding and goes away quickly.
Just don't let it drip onto you disc brakes. Throw a rag over them when you're cleaning.

[herm]

no hot water, and no high pressure water either.

[DucHead]

Jeezus, its a motorcycle not a Faberge egg!!  

Keep the chain clean and lubed for sure.

Wait for the engine to cool, and then hose and dish soap for me.

Just don't use high pressure, and don't spray down the exhaust or directly into any of the electronics (handlebar switches, ignition, gauge cluster).

For the greasy dirt, use S100 or the like, but make sure the parts you apply it to are wet (it can ruin anodizing).

After rinsing and drying the bike, take a soft rag over it to get anything you missed.

I wax my bike maybe once per year.

Oh, and ride the shit outta it!!  

[Spidey]

Seriously, you're lookin' for S100 followed by Honda Polish for detailing.   I used to read these threads and think that everyone had a bunch of good suggestions and couldn't figure out which one was the best.  Then I discovered S100.  I'm a total convert.  There's no better way to clean your engine.  It's fast, easy to use and REALLY works.  Get it in the foam application.  Just don't spray it on a hot bike and use lots of low pressure water to get it off. 

S100 for engine & whole bike (I might hit REALLY grimy spot with some WD-40 first to soften it up).  Keep it away from wheel bearings and chain. 
Then follow up with Honda Polish as detailing for painted bits (tank, frame, wheels, controls, etc) to make 'em shine. 

Did mention S100?  Best. Stuff.  Evah.

[Bones]

      What he said, especially ride the shit out of it! [moto]

Jeezus, its a motorcycle not a Faberge egg!!  

Keep the chain clean and lubed for sure.

Wait for the engine to cool, and then hose and dish soap for me.

Just don't use high pressure, and don't spray down the exhaust or directly into any of the electronics (handlebar switches, ignition, gauge cluster).

For the greasy dirt, use S100 or the like, but make sure the parts you apply it to are wet (it can ruin anodizing).

After rinsing and drying the bike, take a soft rag over it to get anything you missed.

I wax my bike maybe once per year.

Oh, and ride the shit outta it!!  

[Roscoe]

I've always used Simple Green and a hose on my bikes. When done riding the trails, I hose it first, spray it down with the green, let it soak a few minutes, then spray clean. Very little, if any scrubbing. Works like a charm, even on stuck on, nasty dirt. As far as the Monster, I just wipe it down since it never sees rain and doesn't really get dirty. 

Just noticed where you are. You must have been riding earlier last week, with all that muck on the roads.  [moto] I'm in Mountlake Terrace.

[Desmostro]

Funny you should mention it... I was just getting under there.
I haven't tried the S100 - how much? Motorex went from $7 to $11. pregnant doges. I like it WAY more than "honda polish."
It's not as gooey and takes the dirt off without touching it.


WD-40 only on a rag. shiny like new. Cheep, works. No hose, no water.
Even gets baked chain lube off pipes.


Before,


After




note:
I do not take the wheels off just to clean it every Wednesday.
I happened to be getting some new shoes, so, why not?

[hypurone]

/quote]

Well, that's yer story and yer stickin to it! 

[corey]

I've always used Simple Green and a hose on my bikes. When done riding the trails, I hose it first, spray it down with the green, let it soak a few minutes, then spray clean. Very little, if any scrubbing. Works like a charm, even on stuck on, nasty dirt. As far as the Monster, I just wipe it down since it never sees rain and doesn't really get dirty. 

Just noticed where you are. You must have been riding earlier last week, with all that muck on the roads.  [moto] I'm in Mountlake Terrace.

simple green is banned on all naval ships and airforce bases because of it's corrosive properties.
it destroys aluminum. makes it very brittle. be careful what you spray it on.
here's a good link:
http://www.bikeforums.net/archive/index.php/t-4117.html

[Sause]

Jeezus, its a motorcycle not a Faberge egg!!  

+1

I clean both my bikes the same way.

Use hose, low pressure to clear loose dirt.

Fill 5 Gallon bucket with Car wash soap. Typically Cheap blue stuff.

Using a Soft brush, brush just about everything. Mind the Electronics or one day your gonna try to start it and you'll get nothing. Then while rebuilding your wiring harness you will discover how green copper can get.

Rinse with hose. Again low pressure

Repeat for any spots missed.

Turn on and let idle to dry it real fast.

I also have a mothers powerball to clear the brake dust from the rims. It is a wonderful tool.