Stupid Newbie question # 1389

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waylander · #1 Unread post by **waylander** » Sun Aug 03, 2008 4:33 pm

Ok,
Got my bike. (83 cb550 nighthawk)
Love said bike.
Have about 5 hours of practice on said bike,
(almost ready for traffic,)

Question is, Want to wash bike. DON"T want to get water into carbs of bike.

Is this something I need to worry about? I am not planning to go to a pressure wash place but the last time I got water near an engine was in my dad's 72 t-bird and he was not too happy when it wouldn't turn over.

What's the best way to get the engine area of a bike clean and avoid this problem?

Tx.
Waylander

Thumper · #2 Unread post by **Thumper** » Sun Aug 03, 2008 4:36 pm

If water on the engine was a problem, no one would be able to ride in the rain... Just don't get water up the pipe. You can even plug it up to avoid this (remember to remove said plug) but other than that. just get it wet, soap it up, rinse, wax, polish the chrome... you're good to go

#3 Unread post by **Wrider** » Sun Aug 03, 2008 5:30 pm

Umm, make sure not to use pressurized water on a bike's seals, like the fork seals, the shock seals, head gasket, such like that. It can force it in there. I'd recommend you wash the bike with soap and water (and wax if you feel so inclined) and call it good!
Wrider

shane-o · #4 Unread post by **shane-o** » Sun Aug 03, 2008 10:28 pm

i use a couple of cheap cans of degreaser (the Chinese ones), hose the bike down with them, let sit for a bit, hose off with soap and water.

thats for a quick wash and run

Obviously every now and then i detail it.