I'm a rider, not a polisher

[Old Steve]

I believe that motorbikes are to be ridden and not polished.  I couldn't own anything with spoke wheels and lots of chrome.  In fact the level of brightwork on the ST is just right.

But the slightly grubby white ST1100PY I found in my carport Sunday afternoon made me guilty so I got out the bucket, car wash, a couple of clean rags, polish, and gave her a good clean.

OK, OK, I know it didn't happen unless I post photos.  But I'm pleased how she looks right now.  Only trouble is that she'll just get dirty if I take her for a ride .....

[Wild Rose]

 
Good Job Steve 
I give my ST1300 a quick clean after most rides as I find the bugs come off much easier while they are fresh
That way it looks good and ready to go for the next ride 

[alans1100]

I'm with Steve on this.......apart from the screen the rest of the bike might get a rinse every month or so and twice yearly it might get a polish and maybe even the wheels as well.

[Biggles]

I'm with Steve on this.......apart from the screen the rest of the bike might get a rinse every month or so and twice yearly it might get a polish and maybe even the wheels as well.

Keeping the wheels clean is pretty important if you want them to keep looking good.  Tar and other stuff tend to stain permanently if left too long.  They're a buzz to clean- spray on your preferred cleaner as you spin the wheel.  Poke a rag into the gaps to clean them, and then hold a rag against the rim while you spin again.

[Couch]

I like to give my bike a quick wipe over after every ride, usually on the following day........I don't ride every day, and if I did then I certainly wouldn't clean it up after each ride, it's just a personal thing, I like my bike looking good, and I feel better about climbing on the bike and heading off if it's nice and shiney.

But for those that don't..........well, thats your prerogative!!

[HunterTodd]

I have to say that a big part of motor cycle life for me is the opportunity to own a beautiful piece of machinery and the accompanying pride of ownership. You would have to spend an enormous amount of money to get similar performance in a car and to seeing those sweet lines all covered in bugs and tar is just not right for me.

Each to his own but  I reckon that washing and maintaining my bike is all part of the experience.

[Marcus]

Photos or it didn't happen

[StinkyPete]

If I'm going fora ride with mates, the bike will always get a decent clean and polish before I go.  It's got to look the part, particularly since my mates ride Hardleys which they polish to within an inch of their lives, so the best bike needs to look it's best.  However, that's not the only reason, as I just like to ride a bike that looks good and is cared for.

[Nigel]

However, that's not the only reason, as I just like to ride a bike that looks good and is care for.

Must agree with that! Like to keep it clean! (so too speak)

 

[alans1100]

Keeping the wheels clean is pretty important if you want them to keep looking good.  Tar and other stuff tend to stain permanently if left too long.  They're a buzz to clean- spray on your preferred cleaner as you spin the wheel.  Poke a rag into the gaps to clean them, and then hold a rag against the rim while you spin again.

After 15 months at Port Hedland and another 30 months at Karratha and not all ways being able to park in the shade (not that that would make a lot of difference) the wheels have faded somewhat (40C plus in shade) from the sun. It has also affected some of the painted surfaces on the RH side case and the shelter panel.

The bike generally gets a quick clean before we go on decent ride somewhere but around town I generally don't bother. When I did the oil change last week the bike got cleaned in readiness for it's next trip. All good and two days after we got back home it rained and it's now worse than before I washed it.