i'm going to wash my bike for the first time...DO'S AND DONT'S?

[Holden]

Don't spray cold water on your bike (engine) immediately after a ride... but if it's slightly warm it will be easier to clean.

Oh, and dry cleaning beats washing. I swear my Ducati has a label on it somewhere that says dry clean only. Well it oughta.

[Raux]

Spent the weekend (in between family time) cleaning the bike. The hard way!

Parts


What's left of her


All together and clean


With FINALLY shortened front turn signals


After, i promptly went for a ride and got some HUGE-ass bug splatter. but all the wax made cleanup easy.

This is the best way to clean to me. I saw things like bolts that need replacing (rust) and my front fender is cracked around the top bolt mounts (warranty?)
I used a cleaning wax for all painted parts and frame. used S100 for the grime on the engine with a sponge rinse. and cleaned and lubed the chain including behind the front sprocket cover (YUCK!)

[duc996]

Man that's a lot of work! good job doing it though 

[take risks]

I bought this used monster and just cannot get it clean.

Simple green was first, S100 was this morning. And for the record I hated have to hose it down.

It is so dirty there are tiny little rocks stuck everywhere.

What can take an 07 and make it look cherry again?

Thanks.

[CDawg]

I bought this used monster and just cannot get it clean.

WD-40 works good as a de-greaser.  the little rocks on my exhaust, I just pry some of them off with my finger nails.  The ones that won't come off stay on the bike for fear or causing more harm than good.