Jet washing bikes

[justjosh9]

What’s the general consensus on jet washing? Heard some people say it’s fine and some people say it can push water into places you don’t want water going in such as bearings. 

[hillary]

Never had a problem with pressure washing bikes, only way to get them really clean and I use 6t9 bike cleaner - still the best I've found. (Those in the know, know I am mates with the producer, but I BUY the product, it's that good).

[dan williams]

I haven’t had an issue either though I try not to spray it full pressure at bearings or gaskets. I have had it peel stickers off.

[martym]

A clean bike is a happy machine. You next wipe it down and see what needs maintenance. It's my procedure every time I ride.

[lineaway]

 Just remember you must run it after it dries. The same day, not next week.

[jonnyc21]

I agree with direct spray in barring sand seals is something to avoid, and run the bike up to temperature same day to make sure there isn't water in places it shouldn't be.  

[dan williams]

Yeah I start it too.

[faussy]

I actually dont start mine after i wash it, as im careful enough to know i havent got water in. Anytime i have condensation has formed on the slide, entered the carb, resulting in a carb dismantle. This was with a dry airbox and clean filter so where it comes from im not too sure. People will say im talking nonsense but its happened with me a couple of times now. I wouldnt leave it more than a few days though

Edited March 2, 2018 by faussy

[klonheadd]

Everytime I wash my bike (no jet wash), after i'm done I am drying it with yellow cheap Vacuum cleaner from Lidl (you can use it as a blower with hose attached to the back of it). It's the best method to dry your bike and drive water out from all crevices and hard to reach areas. No need to turn on bike after that. 

[lineaway]

I have seen main bearings rust from a bike not being started afterwards. The bike was washed hard after an extemely muddy event, driven 1500 miles home and parked for two weeks. When started it made a nice roaring sound. The bike was only 3 months old. I know this as I was the mechanic that fixed it. Start it aftwr a wash, or do not wash it.

 

[justjosh9]

Alright thanks for the advice we never start them after washing so we will now .. until the fan kicks in ? 

[jonnyc21]

I always go tell the fan cycles on and off once.  My 2 cents.

[turbofurball]

After jet washing I usually wipe down with a microfibre cloth, and spray light oil (usually GT85) on all the exposed bits; carb, forks, shocks, etc.  When I had the Gasgas I'd pop the air filter out too, both to clean it and to let the airbox dry, but the TY seems happy without that

[al_orange]

If you use an exhaust plug and block the airbox there is no need to run them up after a wash. I don't know what people are doing to be getting water in the engine! 

[jonnyc21]

In my experience it depends, if the bike is cold when you wash it should be fine as long as no water get in the airbox or pipe.  However I have seen pressure washing able to get enough water up vent tubes even when not directly spraying them it's worth a start.

there is also the consideration if the bike is warm.  You can cause moisture to condense with the cool cold water by a hose or pressure wash.  

Maybe I am just palinode because of a couple of edge cases I have seen, but I am not going to risk it when running the bike up to temp takes such little effort.