Bike care advice

[Victor c]

Just come across this cleaning advice by BMW, which surprised me somewhat, given many domestic washing up liquids contain salts.



When I was in discussion with my local dealer earlier this year, over some slight bubbling of the engine paint on my previous GSA, they were very insistent BMW only advise their products should be used for cleaning the bike. Bike was PX’d before I raised a case with them.

Full article here https://www.bmw-motorrad.co.uk/en/service/tips.html

 

[PWP]

Aldi Washing up liquid is probably best.

 

[Ash700]

I don’t use washing-up liquid on my bike but imagine that if it was properly rinsed off afterwards and dried, it wouldn’t cause any problems.

Storage of your bike is important… Whenever my bike is sitting in the garage and not being used for a period (yes, that sometimes happens ) I always make sure it is both, clean and dry. Luckily, I can then leave it without any worries, as my garage is always very dry.

 

[Santa-2512]

Washing up liquid will strip all
Waxes, and finishes /crud off the bike in readiness for a fresh application of wax

 

[Wapping]

….they (the local dealership) were very insistent BMW only advise their products should be used for cleaning the bike….

Quelle surprise.

I bet they also insisted that only a certain maker’s oil was to be used, too. It used to be Shell, before BMW Motorrad switched overnight to someone else. Thankfully, BMW Motorrad have never stipulated whose petrol to use. Which leaves everyone free to argue whether supermarket fuels are safe to use in an awesome steed.

 

[ilkleymoron]

this thread might run and run

 

[er-minio]

Thankfully, BMW Motorrad have never stipulated whose petrol to use.

Don't give them any ideas!

 

[hawkeye]

Washing up liquid will strip all
Waxes, and finishes /crud off the bike in readiness for a fresh application of wax

I agree with you Santa-2512 although the makers of modern day washing up liquids will tell you that their products no longer dull the paint as in the past as they have changed the formula and that modern days paints are not susceptible to washing-up liquid. Yeah right. I still won't let washing up liquid anywhere near my machine.

Rinse with cold water, then Snow foam followed by a hot soapy wash with Meguiars car shampoo, following by another cold water rinse and then blow dry, then its a quick once over with the acrylic detailer.

 

[littleade]

this thread might run and run

I doubt it, it's in the 1200/1250 GS section so it's bound to break down soon.....

 

[ilkleymoron]

I doubt it, it's in the 1200/1250 GS section so it's bound to break down soon.....

 

[the woodster]

Just come across this cleaning advice by BMW, which surprised me somewhat, given many domestic washing up liquids contain salts.

View attachment 353332

When I was in discussion with my local dealer earlier this year, over some slight bubbling of the engine paint on my previous GSA, they were very insistent BMW only advise their products should be used for cleaning the bike. Bike was PX’d before I raised a case with them.

Full article here https://www.bmw-motorrad.co.uk/en/service/tips.html

I had my cylinder heads and engine covers replaced in June under warranty after discovering corrosion. Sycamore in Witham inspected the bike thoroughly but no-one asked me a single question in relation to how I looked after my bike or what products I used. I like to think that the condition of the rest of the bike spoke for itself however, this hasn't stopped many owners receiving two fingers from the Mothership regarding corrosion claims. I am utterly baffled as to how they could recommend washing -up liquid with a straight face.