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Hi

Can anyone let me know if its ok to wash my bike with a pressure wash at a gas station where there is a car wash? Beside not shooting it very very close, are there any other tips. Can this be bad for the bike.

All i want to to is give it a wash with soap...then rince with water..and after that riding away letting the wind flow blow dry it??

HELP PLEASE.

I've done it to all three of the bikes I've owned with no issues. Just don't blast directly at bearings or electricals and you'll be fine. It's no different than riding in the rain really.

FrankyArseneau wrote:Hi

Can anyone let me know if its ok to wash my bike with a pressure wash at a gas station where there is a car wash? Beside not shooting it very very close, are there any other tips. Can this be bad for the bike.

All i want to to is give it a wash with soap...then rince with water..and after that riding away letting the wind flow blow dry it??

HELP PLEASE.

uhhh. ive heard with older carbed bike it can get in the carbs and thats not good, not a problem though for you. as for the rest, may was to avoid the gages id you can, put a plastic bag of them before you wash perhaps. be careful after you wash though, brakes will be well and you may need to be extra safe until they dry up


JWF

Allright guys

Thank you for the safety advice and everything. I just wanted to make sure there was no probleme doing so.

JWF505 wrote:uhhh. ive heard with older carbed bike it can get in the carbs and thats not good

If you've got a leak in the carbs big enough for water to get in, washing the bike is the least of your worries.

I power washed my '78 CX500 and '84 NightHawk 700SC, both carbed, and all was well.

ZooTech wrote:

JWF505 wrote:uhhh. ive heard with older carbed bike it can get in the carbs and thats not good

If you've got a leak in the carbs big enough for water to get in, washing the bike is the least of your worries.

I power washed my '78 CX500 and '84 NightHawk 700SC, both carbed, and all was well.

ah, darn showing my ignorance again :-p


JWF

I'm with Zoo on the carb issue with one caveat. AVOID YOUR AIRBOX

My magna's radiator if hit at the most convenient angle sends a bit of water into the airbox. Not enough to get into the carbs, but a wet air filter can keep your bike from starting. However, if you're an idiot then I would imagine that you'd be able to send a good puddle down into your carbs which would be about as useful as a vegetarian at a chili cook off.

It depends on the bike. I've had problems using pressure washers on bikes before. One reason is that although some components are sealed well enough to keep water out when it rains, they will seep if the high pressure spray hits them. Mostly I had trouble with electrical components. Many are designed to be sheltered from rain by the tank or seat and a high pressure spray can get water where it doesn't belong.

Pressure washing can be done, just be very careful where you direct the spray.

High power water on the bike doesn't bother me, high power soap does. Soap helps remove grease. I like grease in certain places.

I don't mind washing my bike by hand for that reason.

Allright..But the water in carb is not an issue for me since my bike is fuel injected.

But i will take all those tips and make good use of them. Thanks