Do you clean under the panels - frame and bare bike

[Mike_KC]

I am looking for suggestions and/or methods for cleaning the "underneath" of my Goldwing. I keep the visible parts and panels clean with regular wipe downs with Pledge and an occasional water and soap wash.

But I currently have my bike down for front seals replacement, (which led to Progressive springs and shocks and bearings) so I currently have all the panels off and the layer of just dirt and grime that is stuck on everything from the actual frame, to the the top of the inner fender under the seat, to just the light grime on every electrical connection, wire and hose. Most of what I am trying to describe is located from the gas tank area and back, the area under the front cowling and under the front pockets are pretty clean.

I know no pressure washer, and I was going to wrap the connectors I have unplugged like the CB connection and cornering light plugs with plastic bags before I got anywhere near the bike with water.

This is normally my daily driver to work (80 miles roundtrip), but I am also planning a trip from Kansas City to Destin, FL in early June. For the most part I keep it in the garage and if it has to be out for any given time (like during the work day) I put a windshield cover and seat cover on to protect it best I can.

Just curious of anyone else cleans the hidden parts and locations and if so what is your method?

Thanks

[WingAdmin]

I typically clean the hidden parts when I have those hidden parts off for one thing or another. For instance, when I pull a saddlebag off to get to the rear wheel, I'll take the time to thoroughly clean the bottom and the inner part of it (the part that goes next to the wheel). Same thing when I have other body panels off.

I will do maybe a light spray (Honda Cleaner or brake cleaner) and towel-down of the filthy under-seat area, but I definitely don't go in there soaking it down with water. Same goes for frame areas or anything else I happen to expose while working on it.

[flogger]

I clean every inch of my cycles... Like WA, I don't go crazy with water and watch sensitive areas... I clean undersides, insides, bottom, wheels, rims, tires, all of it... get rid of sprayed oils, road grime, dust, dirt, etc... The Honda spray cleaner is awesome!

[dingdong]

I also can't stand a dirty scoot. Inside or out. I know this goes against the flow but I occasionally (once or twice a year) remove the seat and side panels and lightly go over everything with a brush and mild soapy water. Rinse with with slow water flow from the hose (no sprayer). Then blow dry with my blower. Been doing this for umpteen years. When I have the bags off I clean and polish the inside of the exhausts too. No rust.

[robb]

I don't use water pressure but instead use a spray bottle and roll of shop towels. Gets things clean without soaking electrical components.

[redial]

When I have the bags off I clean and polish the inside of the exhausts too. No rust.

No dirty stinking exhaust on your GW, DingDong! I wonder what else needs polishing - perhaps air inlet valves on the tyres

[deanbw]

I just put my bike back together last june. I have twice now removed the bags, side covers, shelter and fairing lowers to clean. It's easy, you can check for other potential problems. If your going to just hose off the easy stuff you may as well have a side of the road car wash run by kids spray water at it and smear the dirt around.

[waituntilthebeep]

DOn't get me wrong, I like a clean bike... HOWEVER... living in the great Pacific Raingutter known as the "Seattle area", detailing your bike when it's your daily driver is nuts. I do give it a bi-monthly wash with bucket and mitt and a couple times a year I will polish and wax the black painted parts of the bike. To do much more than touch up the windshield weekly just means it WILL follow up with a rain storm in the next couple days thwarting all of the hard work. If I take something apart, I will for sure clean but not if I don't need to.

[walker70]

I have my 86 Goldwing torn down and getting ready to put new parts on it so I will be cleaning those hidden spots on it and checking for any thing to fix that you don't see when it is together.

[wing in atlanta]

I wipe under the panels with shop towels and spray cleaner like windex.

[maintainer]

On new bikes I get pretty anal about cleanliness under the tupperware and all. On the older stuff I clean up generally unseen areas that I service or maintenance, otherwise just the exterior chrome and painted pieces. When I do clean up the hidden areas I use Simple Green, it is an excellent degreaser and cleaner and will clean with very little if any scrubbing. Great for oil change cleanup or brake dust on wheels.

[redeyerebel]

my wing was rusty and crusty to the abuse the jackass before me. id advise keeping her clean underneath just leads to rust.and after your done you just feel so good inside. well till you hit a muddy pot hole i miss my dirt bike really dig my wing but loved my 1986 xr350r rest in peace my love

[ekvh]

A one or two gallon yard sprayer gives a little more control on the volume of water and direction of the spray. I used it this spring once. I hadn't put it away and was using a spray cleaner when I literally tripped on the thing.----Duh, why not, I thought. It actually works well.

Needs to be thoroughly rinsed of course. Yard chemicals could be harsh.

[mightymousesr]

Gads reading all the different ways you guys clean made me tired. For Years whenever I have the seat, tank or everything including the engine fairings (wing) and side cover, seat area of my bikes. From my Hondas CB/L, V65, Customs, Triumphs and wings 1200 thru to my 1800 trike. I just disconnect the battery and have at it lightly with my power washer (wide spray fitting) even in heavily wired areas ( NOT in the fairing area), around the engine, transmission I use Purple Power degreaser get all the grease off. Blow dry it with a blow gun 20- 30 pounds of pressure wipe the frame and anything that I don't want left water spotted. Let the bike sit uncovered for a few hours after moving it so water can drain out of hidden areas, hook up the battery start engine and let it warm up and dry things then I recover every thing. I have NEVER had a water caused problem EVER! Just remember if you're caught in a storm for any length of time while riding pull your seat and covers take a look under there Oh my god its wet! they are built to be able to handle storms. While blowing the water off blow front towards rear those black covers over wire bundles are usually pointed to the rear to assist in repelling water intrusion. Just be careful how hard you power wash everything!

[Rusty Bike]

I have mine down right now for timeing belts, front fork seals, calipers ect... i am also cleaning. Using Barkeepers Friend on chrome and kerosene then Simple Green on grease. For rinse I have a 5 gal bucket of water with a 3/16" siphon hose set up. Very controllable water flow, works great. Using a short brissel paint brush on the shelter harnesses with SG and water rinse. Follow up with the air line. Afterwards I will use CRC on the electrical connectors, air out, then a shot of Deoxit.

I also feel a pressure washer used sparingly would do no harm. These are three season machines and with a hack you could ride in the snow! Yea, I have seen it done! The road salt is hard on them though, just ask my old 750 Special...Rusty