clean engines

[brimo]

the environment will thank you later.

You don't use gallons of it, just put it on the greasy bits with a paint brush.

[Desmo Demon]

I'm old school.  A clean engine means you 1) care about the bike, and 2) makes any issue easier to spot since a weeping seal or premature wear is easier to notice.

I wouldn't agree with this completely. I care about my bike more than many people I know (especially the posers who keep their bikes spotless). When it comes to maintenance and keeping up with the ins-and-outs of my bikes, I tend to do more than most people I know. As for seeping seals, etc, If you look over your bikes constantly, like I do, you can tell when something is getting worse.

I rarely clean my bikes and generally will only clean the sections that I am working on. If I have time to clean a bike, I have time to ride it, and I choose to ride. Give you an idea of how my bikes often get, this is my 106k-mile Harley. It sure isn't a beauty queen (I've been watching the seals and gaskets gradually worsen over the last 60k miles). At the time this picture was taken, I think the bike had at least 20k miles on it since it was last washed...

[K3V1N]

I use WD40 and tooth brush, then lots of detailer spray like Meguiars UQT. But I'm never sure if it is the best option.

I recently came across this series of motorcycle cleaning videos and the guys used a lot of WD. It seems to work well but make me nervous.

[Rowdy]

I put a plastic bag on the air filter with a folded towel under it to catch any water that gets past (I've got a modified air box and lid). Plastic bags go over the controls and in the ends of the mufflers.

I use Kero and a paint brush for the chain, sprockets, swingarm and the general chain lube mess (careful not to get any on the rear disc and caliper).

Then I use a gentle degreaser on the rear wheel, engine casings (a toothbrush is great here) etc.

Then I use a watering can and a bucket with a soft cloth and good quality car wash to wash the rest of the bike. Pre-wetting and rinsing with the watering can.

Dry the whole thing with a good chamois.

Give the bike a ride around the block. Lube the chain, tension if necessary. Ride around the block again.

Clean my helmets (inc polishing), jackets and boots while I wait for the bike to cool down.

Once the bike has cooled down, I then clean the chain lube off the back wheel with waterless wash, polish the painted bits inc the frame, wheels, as much of the engine casings I can get to etc.


It usually takes about an 60-70mins and about 3 or 4 beers but it is my therapy. Then I have some more beer while I reflect on how much I love this bike, often followed by lots of photo taking.

[DucDiver]

Some peanut butter on the Monster always works.


Wait do you have a dog??  I've said too much.  

[muskrat]

the environment will thank you later.

I'm glad you don't live near me or the EPA might come knocking down my door. 

[OT]

I cover the sensitive parts (e.g., air box, instruments) with Dollar-store shower caps before washing - they come with built-in elastic bands  

[muskrat]

after the initial cleaning.......microfiber cloth and rubbing alcohol.....vuala.

and the chrome pig.....next time she'll be completely blacked out. 

[Speedbag]

I wouldn't agree with this completely. I care about my bike more than many people I know (especially the posers who keep their bikes spotless). When it comes to maintenance and keeping up with the ins-and-outs of my bikes, I tend to do more than most people I know. As for seeping seals, etc, If you look over your bikes constantly, like I do, you can tell when something is getting worse.

I rarely clean my bikes and generally will only clean the sections that I am working on. If I have time to clean a bike, I have time to ride it, and I choose to ride. Give you an idea of how my bikes often get, this is my 106k-mile Harley. It sure isn't a beauty queen (I've been watching the seals and gaskets gradually worsen over the last 60k miles). At the time this picture was taken, I think the bike had at least 20k miles on it since it was last washed...

It's just getting seasoned....

[NorDog]

It's just getting seasoned....

That would be respectable if it were bacon grease.   

[SDRider]

My bike isn't even a year old.  It should look reasonably new still I'd think.

[koko64]

I wouldn't agree with this completely. I care about my bike more than many people I know (especially the posers who keep their bikes spotless). When it comes to maintenance and keeping up with the ins-and-outs of my bikes, I tend to do more than most people I know. As for seeping seals, etc, If you look over your bikes constantly, like I do, you can tell when something is getting worse.

I rarely clean my bikes and generally will only clean the sections that I am working on. If I have time to clean a bike, I have time to ride it, and I choose to ride. Give you an idea of how my bikes often get, this is my 106k-mile Harley. It sure isn't a beauty queen (I've been watching the seals and gaskets gradually worsen over the last 60k miles). At the time this picture was taken, I think the bike had at least 20k miles on it since it was last washed...

Is that an S&S E series carb? I remember when they were all the rage.

[Popeye the Sailor]

My wife washes my bikes. 

[muskrat]

My wife washes my bikes. 

yeah mine too..........not even her own.

[Desmo Demon]

Is that an S&S E series carb? I remember when they were all the rage.

Yeppers. I bought the bike in 1993 and immediately WASTED a lot of money on the bike. I put on the S&S, ported and polished the heads, larger intake valves, new cam, ignition module, S&S oil pump, and a few other goodies. I abused the cr@p out of the bike the first few years I had it, and then I geared it much taller, was getting 50-55 mpg with it, toured the country, and retired it as a commuter. It finally died on me last summer with 106k miles on it. I think it broke a ring because one cylinder doesn't have enough compression to fire. It needs a top-end, but I'm debating on whether it is worth it or not. The bike isn't worth a full engine rebuild, and I'm afraid after a top-end and re-establishing good compression, the bottom end may give out. It's had a fairly high amount of crankcase pressure for the last 50k or so, as can be told by the seepage of oil at the case gasket and base gaskets. It may be worth a $500 effort to see how many more miles I can get out of it, though.