| The sort of trips we do you can't really get away without a proper wash down afterwards so water it has to be. Auto Glym is one of the best polishes IMHO, Mer nearly as good. I use a Muc Off spray to loosen the worst of the dirt, Comma cleaner in 5 litre cans for the chain oil on the rear wheel and brake dust on the calipers. Also use a pressure washer but not on full blast, only have to use a bit of sense around the bearings and electrics and it works fine.
One trick for drying the bike: get an old vacuum cleaner and you'll be amazed at how it gets water out from awkward places like those orrible little fins on the crankcase just behind the top cylinder and inside the heads of cap head screws.
Be careful with some of the "intensive" cleaners as they can be a bit aggressive and shouldn't be left on the paintwork for too long ! |