How often do you wash your bike?

[shaggystyle]

I'm more than a bit curious about this one. I've never really cared what my ride looks like as long as everything is mechanically sound and functional. In fact, I'm fairly meticulous about maintaining the mechanics of my bike but I don't put a quarter as much time or effort into keeping her clean/presentable as I do checking tires/oil/coolant/brakes/chain/etc. I guess part of it is that I don't want to spend the time washing her, I'd rather be riding or working on mods/side projects. I guess in my mind you aren't really riding your bike unless it looks like you've been riding your bike. Call me judgmental but if I can't see bug splatter on the windshield or mud on the rear fender then I automatically assume the bike's been sitting in a garage when the owner should have been out riding it.


How many other people out there are like me?

 

[jsteinb95]

Where's the option, "I have never washed my bike?"

 

[chokeslam512]

I wash it after I ride in the rain, then comes the chain inspection/lube etc. I try to keep mine as clean as I can... that helps me see if there is a fresh leak or fluids where they aren't supposed to be.

 

[HowlFZ6]

I washed mine for the first time last week after 4 months of commuting.

Last month when I got it back from the dealer with new tires the tech said, "That's a lot of bugs."

 

[reiobard]

I have been too busy riding it this year to stop and wash it...

 

[oldfast007]

Every other day except Sundays...:Flash:

 

[2-stroke]

We have trees the drop sap that get on the bike. If I don't keep it off it gets harder and harder to get off. I like my bike to look clean, that way when I need to work on it it is a lot easier. Do yourself a favor wash your bike bot a nice coat of armor all on the black trim pieces and it looks like a new bike. Once you get it clean you can wash and dry the whole thing the next time in about 15 min.

 

[lonesoldier84]

or after it rains

 

[wolfc70]

I wass every other week or so using a spray cleaner (Pro Honda) that cleans and polishes. I try and keep up on it as it takes less time to do it frequently than letting it go until you own a brown FZ6. Besides the longer bug guts sit on the bike, the harder they are to get off. I will be ordering some Bean Clean soon and will post on how it works in a few weeks.

 

[Wolfman]

I try to keep it spotless, but i ride every day, which means i wash it about 4 times a week at the moment, as it's winter, and raining lots.

I try to wash it after every decent soaking it get's in the rain....road grime & muck is hard to move if you leave it too long...i am a heavy user of the high pressure car wash drive in's, where you can give the bike a real good hose down! then clean & polish by hand when i get home! is quite a ritual!

 

[travisj37]

Where's the option "Whenever I see a spec of dust on it"?

Maybe it's because my bike is brand new, but I can't stand for it to be dirty. So, whenever it gets dirty, I clean it. I think, for me, it's pride of ownership that makes me want to keep it looking its best.

Additionally, I certainly don't think that having a clean bike means that you don't ride it. My uncle just sold his R1 with 20k miles on it and it looked like brand new (I'm sure it was easier to sell that way, too). He's a bit like me with the pride of ownership thing, I think.

Anyhoo, that's my take on washing my bike and keeping her tip/top.

 

[shaggystyle]

Where's the option, "I have never washed my bike?"

Good answer....

I have been too busy riding it this year to stop and wash it...

Better answer!

 

[gmickey2001]

Last month when I got it back from the dealer with new tires the tech said, "That's a lot of bugs."

:rof: That's what I'm talkin' bout!

 

[mastakilla]

I wash her aften I've ridden in the rain, and since I don't commute, I usually try to avoid that.

I do clean the bugs from the windscreen more regularly...

 

[AlanB]

Every 500 miles wash and clean/lube chain. Keeps it clean enough without obsessing over it.

 

[chuckfz6ryder]

I wash it when it needs it or when a group ride is planned. But I don't ride in the rain, and I park in my garage, so once a month is more often than I need to wash it.

 

[Trouble]

At least once a week. Not that I'm super obsessive but I commute on it, and we live a mile down a dirt road. It gets super dusty if it doesn't rain, and slimy if it does. I don't like my ride looking too bad, so it gets hit usually 2-3 times a week. Not an obsessive cleaning but at least washed if not waxed too.

 

[AJ_rider]

or after it rains

+1

Once a month, includes chain lubing and other basic maintenance or after a ride in the rain.

 

[Nooj]

I don't clean it, THIS guy does. Comes up like new every time and only gets done a few times a year.
More about it HERE

 

[Comet]

I only give a full washing with a hose when I have ridden in the rain or got in mud or lots of dust. Most the time she looks goooooooooood!!!!!!!!!!!!:rockon: