Post bike washing advice

Today, it was warm enough (36 deg) to wash my bike, but the roads were still too slippery to ride. So I washed, blow dried (via leaf blower), wiped, blow dried, and wiped, waxed, stared at the clean bike, etc.

Now for my question: I didn't start the bike. Normally, I will wash, then start the bike and go for a little ride to get the bike warm/lubed, shake any leftover water off, clean the brake rotors, etc. Did I do bad thing by not starting it?

I keep reading about folks that say they start the bike in the driveway for a few minutes every 2 weeks during Winter. And then the responses are that you introduce moisture into the engine, etc. and it's a bad practice. Perhaps I should just take it for a spin around the block instead of just running the engine. So how long/how far should I go to call it a healthy "run"? My neighborhood has a nice quiet 2 mile loop I can drive but it'll be 30 mph tops.

The brake rotors don't look orange and I did roll the bike around to avoid brake sticking.

Tomorrow, I'm hoping for dry roads (Mother nature gave us rain last night followed by today's warm temps, sun, and wind). Tomorrow should be sunny and a balmy 38deg :) .

Thanks and Happy Holidays everyone.

May Santa bring you some bike stuff tomorrow!

Dennis

I start my bike at least once a month in the winter (unridable) months. I have a climate controlled garage though so I really don't have to worry much about the condesation thing. That happens more from freezing/warming. It never gets below freezing in the garage. I really doubt you would have hurt anything by washing it when you did. I would keep moving it around to insure you didn't catch any water in the brakes etc. that sits there for weeks on end and does allow rust. Does your bike have to endure freezing weather??

Blow drying with a leaf blower! That is just too cool! I always like to run mine after a wash, too. Mainly to make sure that nothing in the ignition got wet and needs further attention. Be careful you don't have soapy water in the tire treads - it can get squirrelly! If you ran it long enough to get up to operating temps (7 - 10 min) I wouldn't worry about it. Ride it everytime that you can. By the way, if you're not busy, mine can use with a bath...

As far as what your thread wants though, I always start with the worst first. Up on the center stand she goes. Worst is the chain, under swingarm, underside, and back wheel. Then I continue from the top down for a good surface wash. Just like the manual says - there are places to avoid. Learn those places for your bike. A low pressure rinse from top to bottom, front to back. Then I towel dry; or go next door and ask to borrow the leaf blower ! Than a good coat of wax. I really like the Eagle One nano-wax (spray on - wipe off). Then the glass/plexiglass gets cleaned with Sprayway glass cleaner (non-ammonia - I ruined a windshild because I didn't know better - gotta better windshield anyway :D ). When I am happy with the appearance I do a very anal retentive inspection of the chain (link to link, 2 trips, 1 for loose lay other for climbing on sprocket, tension right, running true, masterlink in good condition, axle nut locking pin in place - I use a QR instead of a cotter pin), inspect rear tire and front tire (every inch for cuts, punctures and foreign objects) air pressure and tread wear, look at the brake pads and rotor condition, check all fluid levels (don't forget the back brake master cylinder, I change my fluid every spring) and look for leaks, check all lights and signals. Then, and it is my duty, I go out and find more bugs to kill.

Blow drying with a leaf blower! That is just too cool! I always like to run mine after a wash, too.

S100 and a leaf blower, even my Harley is clean in 15 minutes.

Thanks for the replies folks. I ended up doing a 2 hour ride yesterday (38deg). I did get some salt dust on the bike and I'll probably do a little riding again today followed by a quick wash.

When I started it up yesterday (after sitting a day after washing), it was fine. I'm thinking that I agree that wide swings in temperature would cause moisture.

Yea, leaf blower is great. I use it for the cars too (gets water out of these places where you cannot use a towel). I wash, blow dry, but still use a synthetic towel to get the rest of the water off and avoid any water spotting. It can be a very quick wash/dry with a leaf blower.

Dennis

ya I have been using it too it works great, keeps your crome from spotting,
and dry everything quick I got the idea from a car wash I did some work at ,the owner told me about it works. gaeat .he also told me about a spray on wax you blow it as well it's not as good but if your in a hury it works ok !
then like you say use a shamy to buff out . Bob :D

If you just have a little bit of light dirt this time of year and don't want to worry with the hose, try some of that detailing spray. It works pretty good and you don't have to worry about soaking the bike, rust, etc.

I try to not wash mine too often. After washing with a wash n wax I use a spray polish and it helps to keep dirt or bugs from sticking. I do use a clean cloth every time to dust it off. I've seen too many people ruin their windshields trying to wash or polish them or any plastic. Never use paper towels on plastic for anything. If it is made from trees don't use it. Clean soft towels or rags work well and I wash them after each use.

If you just have a little bit of light dirt this time of year and don't want to worry with the hose, try some of that detailing spray. It works pretty good and you don't have to worry about soaking the bike, rust, etc.
Yea. I do this most of the time -- esp. in Summer (so I can spend more time riding than cleaning :-) ). But these days, it's hard to get that salt dust off -- it's everywhere and in places I can only see. Plus, it feels good to get soap/water all over the tires/rims/fenders and watch all that salt just fall off.

Dennis

Good ideas here but I need a few more bits of info.
How in the heck do you get to all those cracks and crevices that are visible but not reachable. I've seen bikes that have been ridden for years and look in showrom condition because of the way the owner kept it clean.
If I choose to detail mine real good what kinds of tools, cleaners, polish etc will I need??????? (Heck, I've always used prell dishwashing liquid.)

CD