I am going to a funeral and need to wash my bike - please advize.

[Hanson]

I am a participant in a long distance rider email list, LDRider, and one of the list members posted about the death of his good friend who was killed in a motorcycle accident this last Saturday.

http://www.myfoxdfw.com/story/27635449/ ... n-way-to-d

As this is literally in my back yard, I sent the member an email expressing my condolences and asking him if there was anything I could do to help and he asked me to attend the funeral where there is going to be a group of riders in a procession from the funeral home to the church. I think this is to honor the fallen rider, Russ Neis, and I was told "the larger the rider turnout the better", so .... I am going.

The problem I have is that my bike is filthy as I have never washed her in 17k miles. This does not bother me at all, the only thing on my bike that ever gets polished is the seat with my backside, but I feel that it would be extraordinarily rude and lazy to just show up with my bike in this condition. I will clean the chain and wash the bike, but is there anything I should know? Is there anything to watch out for when washing a bike that is different from a car? Is it OK to just use standard automotive cleaning products?

Yes, this is a rather stupid question, one that I have never researched, and I would be grateful for any practical advice from this community.

Safe Travels,
Richard

[GS_in_CO]

Don't blast water into places where it doesn't belong such as -
wheel bearings
cable ends
instrument panel
open exhaust pipe
throttle grip (where it turns on the handlebar)
electrical connectors
handlebar switches

Rinse as if it were being rained on.

[BRUMBEAR]

It is an awesome thing you are doing! I can only say I wouldn't want anyone to change on my account your presence would be enough for me and mine.

[Hanson]

Thanks Ron, that is exactly the type of advice I needed.

[jstark47]

Avoid getting lots of water into the well in the front cylinder where the spark plug sits. This is true for a DL1000, and may also be true for a DL650.

Don't ask me how I know about this.....

[totalmotorcycle]

Sorry to hear about the funeral, but I think it's great your going and will be there with the best presence possible.

I have a little Restoration Guide that might come in handy for ya:
http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/restoring.htm

I really recommend autosol for the metal/chrome parts, outstanding stuff.

Mike

[Hanson]

Gentlemen,

Thanks for all the advice, and, Mr. Total Motorcycle, that restoration guide is a great resource.

It is unlikely that I am going to perform a robust clean, wax, buff, and clear finish evolution on my bike, it is just not in my DNA, but I will get her looking better than she has since that day I first took delivery. Besides, I had already planned to go for a nice long ride this Sunday so she will not need to feel naked and vulnerable without her accustomed patina of rode grime and bug smear for more than a few days.

Mrs. Hanson will be adding some automotive cleaning products to her Wednesday shopping cart.

Safe Travels my Friends,
Richard

[NorthernPete]

Magic erasers work wonders.

[Hanson]

There where a lot of people in attendance, 300+, and a lot of motorcycles. The sanctuary smelled of leather.


>>> Funeral service for Russ Neis - December 18, 2014

The service was very moving.

Safe Travels,
Richard

[dr_bar]

For future reference, for a nice spot free wash, break out the leaf blower and give the baby a good drying...