I also use a waterless wash if the bike isn’t very dirty. But, here in UK, I often have to ride quite a distance in wet weather and on roads that are covered in crud, so the bike sometimes is literally caked in mud. On a bike like the Gold Wing, there’s a lot of it that you just can’t get to without a strip down. So when the bike is really filthy, I use a product called S-Doc to clean the underneath of the bike, including the wheels. Spray on, often work it in with a brush, then spray off with a strong jet from my garden hose (like you, I won’t use a pressure washer). For the rear wheel, I’ll apply the S-Doc, brush it in, then rotate the wheel until I have cleaned all of it. When it’s time to hose it off, I start the bike on the centre stand and click it into gear at tickover, just while I hose off the wheel. Then, a regular car wash shampoo to wash off the top half of the bike and hose down with a gentler jet. Then, I’ll take it for a little spin to dry it out, so the water gets evaporated off by engine heat where you can’t get in, and the bike gets blown dry. If the roads are wet, I’ll use a pet dryer to blow dry the bike, but that is not as effective. But, when the bike is just a bit dirty from general grime that builds up even on dry rides, I’ll use waterless, like you. Just with different products that are available here.
Enjoyed that. You do a very similar three stage thing to me that I have come to after years of cleaning down my bike. I too avoid using water/hose pipes. Bike. Always feels nicer to ride when she’s detailed. 👍
I use a “California Car Duster” first to remove any loose dust and it typically removes most of the visible surface dirt. I also use it on the clear plastic covering the speedo. You don’t apply any pressure really and the duster just attracts the dust. Then I use a Kaywos towel purchased from Amazon and water only to wash and the rinse the towel and wring it dry and dry the bike.
Great tip Floyd on the California Duster. That would do it for the display plastic. I use compressed air but not everyone has that. I just may have to put the KEWOS through its paces. ANYTHING to make life easier when cleaning this thing. Good to hear your not power washing.
Wheel bearings don’t like water. Neither do fasteners and other hard parts. The center stand takes a beating and subsequently, rust. I try to limit water of any sort on the bike. And when I do, I dry it. Even then, rust will appear, I’m just trying to stave it off for as long as possible.
@@ridenwithrick3771 I wonder why so many riders don't understand that. I see people at the car wash or spraying their bike using the jet setting on a hose. Let's not even talk about those notorious bikini bike washes. Eye candy for sure but that's all.
A buddy of mine schooled me years ago on the subject. He had a 2002 Valkyrie and never allowed water to touch his bike. Cleaned it with nothing more than Final Inspection. 19 years later when he sold the bike, it looked like the day he rolled it off the showroom floor. Took meticulous care of it and it has rubbed off on me.
I just watched your video. Very good. Would like to ask about your seat. It looks very nice and comfy. I have a 2021 dct tour and the seat is terrible fr any distance. What kind of seat do you have. Also do your mirrors indicate when someone is in your blindspot. That's something I would really like to have. Thanks for your time. Mike in VA.
Rick, which passenger armrest/backrest did you install on your GW. I have a 2019 DCT with the CORBIN High capacity trunk lid, and I'm seeing what options I have available THX Don
I'm the same way absolutely no power washing any of my bikes except for my dirt bike. I use meguiars waterless wash and wax on the bike, dawn/water on the wheels, cycle care formula 4 on the seat, and slipstreamer windshield polish/cleaner on the dash and windshield. And as a spot detailer for quick cleaning I use mother's spray wax detailer. Sure bike will get rained on from time to time, it happens but why use forceful water when you dont have to...
@@ridenwithrick3771 It works great. Kinda expensive considering how small the can is but I haven't used anything that works as good. Sometimes I let the polish sit on the windshield for a couple minutes to soften up the bugs not necessary though. I also use rainx plastic rain repellent, mainly if I know there is a possibility of getting rained on.
I like the products that chemical guys make/sell, but you would have to pry the Meguiars Final Inspection from my cold dead hands as it’s really a “do all” product. If they ever decide to stop making it, I’m SOL.
Hi Jeffrey, its the Mustang seat and passenger backrest. I really love the seat. Its a bit of a pia to obtain one at the moment as Mustang is apparently back logged (and has been since releasing the seat). If your interested in the seat, I did a in-depth review on the product compared to the OEM seat w/wing soft upgrade. here's a link and turn up the volume. Didn't have a decent mic when I shot the vid. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_PZ1ODmnn0g.html
I used to wash them but the Costco brand yellow towels don’t hold up well to a washing. Now a days I just use them until they are too dirty to use even on my rims. I sort of “down grade” them as I go. I have a pile in my garage that have become too dirty to use on the bike but are good for mopping up oil or whatever. But, I carry a couple of towels on the bike. If I take a stop I and the bike is all bugged up or my face shield is dirty, I use the Final Inspection and towel over and over again. Eventually it gets tossed into the can’t use for anything else pile.
