Cleaning ...

[slparry]

.. and ABS issues ...

As StewartH will testify, I like cleaning my bikes, in fact if they're dirty it bugs me

So today I thought I'd pop the QD fuel connectors to my GS and clean the rancid under tank wiring I'd noticed when fitting the Odyssey battery.

So tank off, QD's fitted, wiring etc all covered in Gunk and a toothbrush used to loosen the gunge before swilling with soapy water.

Then it all went wrong .... the ABS went tits up, obviously some connector did'nt like getting wet.

The GS911 reported that the Fr & Rr ABS piston was in fault ???? anyway dried off in the sun, and after a couple of failed resets it finally sprang back to life. Phew .......

Must remember not to get the rufty tufty bike wet again

 

[Stewart H]

I told you so you have cleaned the patina off it now

Stewart

 

[slparry]

I told you so you have cleaned the patina off it now

Stewart

I am the anti patina

 

[rockchunk]

what the fek is patina

 

[slparry]

what the fek is patina

http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=define%3A+patina&aq=f&oq=

 

[Sgt Bilco]

What the feck is cleaning

 

[MattW]

I've been doing my best to build up a protective layer of dead bugs on mine (it's going quite well - the nice hot weather last weekend brought the bugs out nicely).

Recent research by NASA indicates that a sufficient thickness of dead bug is more effective than those expensive ceramic tiles that keep falling off the space shuttle.

 

[ogri-nic]

personaly I feel that he just needs more pratice in cleaning a fine german made machine and to assist, he can clean mine and Emmas any time he wants to....

i said he cleans one, he gets another to clean free!!!

 

[slparry]

personaly I feel that he just needs more pratice in cleaning a fine german made machine and to assist, he can clean mine and Emmas any time he wants to....

i said he cleans one, he gets another to clean free!!!

Trust me I get MORE than enough practice cleaning the "fleet"

 

[David Nimrod]

I firmly believe that cleaning bikes is bad for them (except in the case of salt).

They should just be covered in something oily (WD40 or whatever's cheaper),

And left to get on with it... How can soapy water be good for 'em..?

 

[motobiker]

I've always considered cleaning the most basic of 'basic maintenance' cleaning the bike means getting up close and 'perhaps' spotting a potential problem and nipping it in the bud.

I never use a power washer, simply a bucket and old tea towel with a very simple car wash liquid... and a rinse off afterwards with clean cold water. More necessary at this time of year due to the amount of 'road kill' splattered all over its front.

But then my bike is a keeper. Its not a 'toy' its use is not a 'hobby' - Its been used daily since the day I bought it in all weathers and all year round and has thus far been faultless (apart from those it came to me with which were quickly dealt with - thanks to advice from this forum and most recently the death of its Hall sensor)

If you're content with your bike being dirty then thats fine. However if (or when) it develops a problem due to some part seizing or otherwise developing a fault because you were never aware of it in its early stages then I promise not to say 'I told you so'.

Having said all that I'm as aware as anyone that a large proportion of faults that people experience are due to over enthusiastic cleaning. Usually with a power washer. seems obvious to me that these bikes don't like that and it never ceases to amaze me that people continue to use them.

 

[Stewart H]

Yup nothing like a jet wash to get water where it does not need to be, mine gets the occasional wash but I dont polish the thing, car shampoo then a hose off.
Stewart

 

[davegs]

Cleaning?

I've always considered cleaning the most basic of 'basic maintenance' cleaning the bike means getting up close and 'perhaps' spotting a potential problem and nipping it in the bud.

I never use a power washer, simply a bucket and old tea towel with a very simple car wash liquid... and a rinse off afterwards with clean cold water. More necessary at this time of year due to the amount of 'road kill' splattered all over its front.

But then my bike is a keeper. Its not a 'toy' its use is not a 'hobby' - Its been used daily since the day I bought it in all weathers and all year round and has thus far been faultless (apart from those it came to me with which were quickly dealt with - thanks to advice from this forum and most recently the death of its Hall sensor)

If you're content with your bike being dirty then thats fine. However if (or when) it develops a problem due to some part seizing or otherwise developing a fault because you were never aware of it in its early stages then I promise not to say 'I told you so'.

Having said all that I'm as aware as anyone that a large proportion of faults that people experience are due to over enthusiastic cleaning. Usually with a power washer. seems obvious to me that these bikes don't like that and it never ceases to amaze me that people continue to use them.

Well a very sad case, you have my sympathy I rode my 1150 into TT in Santiago (Chile) , both lights smashed, the front tied togeter with gaffer tape and battered and filthy. The chap who ran the outfit (who's name I've forgotten) said with d
feeling " I like that, that's how a GS should look like"!, and no, he wasent getting any work out of it either.
Dave GS.

 

[motobiker]

Well a very sad case, you have my sympathy I rode my 1150 into TT in Santiago (Chile) , both lights smashed, the front tied togeter with gaffer tape and battered and filthy. The chap who ran the outfit (who's name I've forgotten) said with d
feeling " I like that, that's how a GS should look like"!, and no, he wasent getting any work out of it either.
Dave GS.

I'm sure that if I was riding through Chile I wouldn't be wanting to wash the bike either dave. Just as it never gets a wash when I go away on it.

It would get a damn good clean when I got home though so I could properly assess any damage or problems.

 

[King Rat]

You mean you actually RIDE a GS?

I thought they were meant to be put into one of those cryogenic bubbles and cherished forever.