[Thrilla-Detroit]

Hey all,

My first ever bike (500a). It's gotten a little dirty. Rode a bit in a drizzle. I've seen the videos of guys soaking their bikes in soapy stuff then hosing it down with in between steps of spraying various solutions. Seems easy enough but now that I'm needing to wash mine I thought I'd check in with group to get some thoughts. Is it really safe to soak the ENTIRE bike!? Gauges, handlebars and all?? How have you been bathing your Rebel? Do I have to worry about anything in particular during and after the wash? Thanks for any insights..


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[Kenny G]

Thrilla,

I believe there is brief instruction on washing your bike in the little owners manual.

You don't want to use a lot of water pressure around fork seals, wheel bearings, and the electrical components.

We can ride in the rain without hurting our bikes so that tell you how safe it is. After you wash your bike take a spin around the block to shake the worst of the water off. Find a shady spot and dry your bike with a towel. Keep in mind that your tires are wet and the brakes are wet, ride carefully.

I use Tide Laundry Detergent in warm water for washing, and if I run into anything stubborn I use Gunk or Simple Green to remove grease or whatever. Do not try degreasing your chain while washing the bike.

Clean the chain separately, Honda makes products to clean and grease your chain.

Kenny G

 

[Miller]

Hey all,

My first ever bike (500a). It's gotten a little dirty. Rode a bit in a drizzle. I've seen the videos of guys soaking their bikes in soapy stuff then hosing it down with in between steps of spraying various solutions. Seems easy enough but now that I'm needing to wash mine I thought I'd check in with group to get some thoughts. Is it really safe to soak the ENTIRE bike!? Gauges, handlebars and all?? How have you been bathing your Rebel? Do I have to worry about anything in particular during and after the wash? Thanks for any insights..


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To add to Kenny's post, I would suggest using a shampoo made specifically for a motorcycle or car. I still haven't washed mine yet because it's not that dirty. So what I may try is Meguiar's Ultimate Wash and Wax Anywhere (only on the painted surfaces) since there isn't much dirty on the bike. I'll try to remember to let you know how it works out for me. I would also recommend using the two bucket method to help keep your washing mitt clean to avoid swirling/ scratching. Other caveats to washing include; not washing in direct sunlight, waiting until the bike is cool to the touch, using clean microfibers not regular towels, etc.

Another thing to note is to not use wax on the matte surfaces. I believe they even mention this in the manual. I would suggest checking out some videos on YouTube or looking at other motorcycle forums for good washing methods for bikes.

Here is a link to Honda's website that has a pretty good overview on how to wash your motorcycle.

Best of luck and let us know how it goes!

 

[macjosh1]

Your all allot more careful than me. haha. I take a hose and soak it. Car wash with a microfiber cloth to wipe, rince it off. I don't use allot of pressure though. lol. I dry it off with a soft cloth, and then go over it with a spray wax that you can use on painted and non painted surfaces. then I clean the chain with spray nine, then re-lube the chain.

 

[FLrebel]

I like the Honda instructions........."Clean it with a sponge or soft cloth using cool water. Don’t squirt water at muffler outlets and electrical parts. Do squirt small children in the immediate vicinity."

 

[Saint]

What about the air cleaner areas? Should that be removed and plug inserted? Should be even invest in plugs for washing?

 

[CueBaller]

I just hose mine down with the shower setting on the nozzle (same as rain, right?), making sure not to spray into the exhaust.

Then wipe it dry and polish it up.

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[Mr Jay Blaze]

Washing the Matte Finish?

Not to revise an older thread but anyone have any good ideas what to use on the matte silver rebel, My bike is getting dirty and I am wanting to wash it while the weather is still somewhat nice- the manual says to use only a mild detergent and not to use polish or wax on that finish- so wondering what would be a usable "mild detergent" to wash the bike down- everything I have in my garage (used on my truck) has some sort of wax or polish ingredient on the label to leave a shine on the paint- so what are my fellow rebel riders with matte finish using?

Thanks

 

[Kenny G]

Not to revise an older thread but anyone have any good ideas what to use on the matte silver rebel, My bike is getting dirty and I am wanting to wash it while the weather is still somewhat nice- the manual says to use only a mild detergent and not to use polish or wax on that finish- so wondering what would be a usable "mild detergent" to wash the bike down- everything I have in my garage (used on my truck) has some sort of wax or polish ingredient on the label to leave a shine on the paint- so what are my fellow rebel riders with matte finish using?

Thanks

Jay,

I have waxed the matte finish fenders on my bike. I have used both Johnson's Paste Wax and spray on wax.

Both make the matte finish shine a bit, and look really good.

Kenny G

 

[dollarbill181]

Not to revise an older thread but anyone have any good ideas what to use on the matte silver rebel, My bike is getting dirty and I am wanting to wash it while the weather is still somewhat nice- the manual says to use only a mild detergent and not to use polish or wax on that finish- so wondering what would be a usable "mild detergent" to wash the bike down- everything I have in my garage (used on my truck) has some sort of wax or polish ingredient on the label to leave a shine on the paint- so what are my fellow rebel riders with matte finish using?

Thanks

Someone correct me if i'm wrong, but I think liquid soap (kind used for dishes) would be fine.

 

[Lyoko]

Someone correct me if i'm wrong, but I think liquid soap (kind used for dishes) would be fine.

Soo.... The shampo I use in the shower, that's ok to use too, right..?

 

[Kenny G]

Lyoko,

I don't know about liquid shampoo, but Dawn Dish Washing Detergent really cuts the grease.

I have been using Harley Davidson Gunk and Tide ever since it was a powder, and now the liquid.

My bikes are really clean when I am finished with them.

Kenny G

 

[CGrazFL]

I wash mine just like I would the car. I use a wash mitt for the fuel tank and fenders, then a soft brush with a long handle for the wheels, engine, etc. I give it a rinse and dry it off with my leaf blower. I use a shammy to make sure I don't leave any water spots on the shiny parts. Quick and easy, only takes a few minutes to do it.

-CG

 

[Goodtwin]

I also use Tide detergent. I always used Simple Green on my dirt bikes, and it does work really well, but will dull aluminum surfaces over time. My Rebel will never get anywhere near as dirty as my dirt bikes, so Tide detergent is more than satisfactory. Another trick I use when done washing is to fire up my leaf blower, and blow dry my bike. This gets a good amount of water off the bike, and lessons the chance for rust to get started.

 

[st.rebel]

I also use Tide detergent. I always used Simple Green on my dirt bikes, and it does work really well, but will dull aluminum surfaces over time. My Rebel will never get anywhere near as dirty as my dirt bikes, so Tide detergent is more than satisfactory. Another trick I use when done washing is to fire up my leaf blower, and blow dry my bike. This gets a good amount of water off the bike, and lessons the chance for rust to get started.

Good recommendation but some members here willing to do research and even spend a bit more should check out some automotive detailing forums, they should be able to suggest a product that won't do any harm over time, just won't be as cheap as simple green.