My Vstrom is filthy. Look at the chain and sprockets with crusted on grease and dirt from the chain lube. There is still dirt on there from our Hell's Canyon trip last Summer
I brought out my container of Kerosene and some shop rags and started the dirty job of cleaning up the sprockets and swing arm. It's not a spotless job but it now looks presentable. I still have to clean the chain and relube it.
Soap would not remove all this grease but I have a container of hand creme somewhere
I also used kerosene on the wheels to clean them up
Then I got out the soap and water to finish the job
I also cleaned up the instrument cluster and windshield
and spent some more time on the rear wheel trying to get the wheel clean
With my Vstrom about 90% done, it was time to start work on my BMW R1200R. Being a shaft drive the rear components were not as filthy
It merely just needed a quick wash and soon enough it was gleaming in the warm Sunshine
I wanted to make sure that the rear wheel and shaft drive housing were clean
A couple of hours later, with both bikes more or less clean and ready for the road
I went for a virtual ride . . .
So that's what a clean V-Strom looks like...
ReplyDeleteAndrew:
DeleteThe chain and sprocket really looked grungy. I still need to clean the chain. I just lubed it so I didn't want to kerosene it yet Perhaps next week
Very nice Bob. I have yet to do more than wipe down parts of my GTS. It really is begging for some TLC. There is a hand car wash in the garage at the office. When I drive by it I find myself wondering if they would do a Vespa and what they would charge.
ReplyDeleteDavid:
DeleteYour engine is sealed within the Vespa bodywork so It doesn't get that dirty. My chain, sprocket systems has to be lubed every 1,000 kms and it flings everywhere. Cleaning that up is the hard part.
here's a video link which I posted a few years ago when I had my SV650
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxT7jFJ-ChA
There is another Flying Swan bike wash later this month.
You got that pretty new house all dirty. Did you do the windows after you were done?
ReplyDeleteMartha:
DeleteI tried my best to keep that area clean. I don't have many places where I can wash my bike, and the driveway is gravel which is hard on barefeet
Did you make vroom vroom noises when you took them for a virtual ride? I would have.
ReplyDeleteGreat job cleaning up the bikes. Ours still have winters road dirt on them and probably last summers too. We just think of it as a protective layer since Oregon doesn't use salt on the roads. Just don't look too close at my chain. Damn I really need to clean and oil it.
Trobairitz:
DeleteA virtual ride is better than no ride. My "R" is not yet insured, but soon . . . I still have to clean the chain, but I just lubed it and didn't want to waste more lube to do it again.
I think a clean bike goes faster, plus it gives you a good feeling to have it clean
Oh Bob, your Beemer really becomes you. I look forward to your ride reports, I am guessing you are going to take this baby on a long haul.
ReplyDeleteI hope Yvonne is doing well (she must have had her surgery by now, right?) Please send her my best wishes for speedy recovery.
Sonja:
DeleteThe "R" is more suited for highway travel because of the safety features, and excellent braking system, plus it has a shaft drive so no more lubing every other day. It has a shorter fuel range than the Vstrom and has to use Premium fuel. It also weighs a lot less than the 'Strom, which is very noticeable when pushing it around on the grass.
Very nice job. There are a couple bikes out here available for you to clean and wash...
ReplyDeleteI'm like the fence, grass, paving stones in the yard. Can't wait to see the finished laneway house. LOVE the windows in it!!! Lots of good light.
Lori:
DeleteIf you need to have your bikes cleaned, no problem-O. Just send airfare and make room beside the chicks on your back porch.
Yes, lots of windows. If you need a private tour then just "come on over"
Hi Bob, those babies look sparkling! I need to redo mine after all the riding this past weekend, the windscreen is covered in bug. I always find so much satisfaction in cleaning, polishing and waxing my bike. I know it is kind of mundane and drudgy at times, but a nescessary part of bike ownership. Looks like you are having the great weather we are too. I finally got to zip out all the winter layers and move into my mesh jacket, man I have been waiting to for this moment!
ReplyDeleteDar:
DeleteIt was so warm on Saturday but I managed a short errand ride over to North Vancouver to pickup my lost Garmin GPS, which I didn't even know was missing. That's what I need to do, zip out the panels and turn my jacket into full mesh. The Beemer is much easier to clean. We have some bike washes coming up put on by the Flying Swan Hot Chicks
Glad you managed to get out for a couple of rides too. Much better to ride in sunshine, than the alternative
Do you make house calls in your new bike cleaning service or do we have to show up at your new shop.
ReplyDeleteNew business opportunity after retirement, just saying...
Richard:
DeleteYep, just show up and I'll hand you the hose and bucket. If I show up "stranded" in Fairbanks, I'll grab the soap bucket and start cleaning without you having to ask, but not until after the morning coffee meeting
wow, clean bikes and the house/construction looks done! hows the construction going, hows yvonne?
ReplyDeleteHi Ms M:
DeleteThe construction is in its final phases but may take another month to complete.
Mrs Skoot has her operation today. I left her at the hospital this morning and all I can do is just think about it. It weighs heavily on my mind and I hope all will be well, and I find out later. I worry more than I show.
I have to be home when she is released, so I should have lots of time to refine my bike cleaning. I was thinking of not riding so much in the short term, as if anything happens to me, it would be a big problem
Bob,
ReplyDeleteI'm looking for tips, suggestions, anything you got re: this Virtual Riding thing. My goal is to be very good at it 7 or 8 months from now.
You may or may not have inspired me to clean mine up; we'll see which one wins out. There's one that needs a very thorough cleaning and if it happens at all, that one will be first.
Coop:
DeleteVirtual riding sometimes involves a bit of real engine noise. I have already started my Beemer twice, but it is not yet insured.
I don't usually worry about getting all the dirt off, but the chain drive system/sprockets look better when shiny. If I leave it too long it would become a chore. I still have to clean my chain and sprockets a bit better
Bob it appears my zipping down to mesh today was a little premature, it was warm standing beside the bikes butmi was frozen when I got home. Putting the panels back on the pants and wearing the full textile tomorrow. I am elated with the weather right now, it just makes me realize how miserable it is to ride in winter. Hoping for more hot & sunny! Glad Nu2u is easier to clean. Scarlet is a shaft drive too and I love not having to deal with chain oiling and cleaning.
ReplyDeleteDar:
DeleteDon't be fooled with the sunshine. It looks warmer than it is, especially when riding a bike.
It was nearly perfect on my commute to work this morning. It doesn't take much time to lube the chain, it's just that the oil flings everywhere, and I usually do it after I have parked it for the night, to let the oil soak in
Bob - Virtual riding? I'm all for virtual cleaning! Hope Yvonne's surgery went well today and that you are prepared to be at her beck and call.
ReplyDeleteKaren:
DeleteThis week is peaceful, like the calm before the storm. I think things will be better tonight, she was still feeling effects of the drugs. Anyway, it's done and it's uphill from here
Bob, I always wonder who is taking your picture while you are doing all these chores and things.
ReplyDeleteDo tell?
Anyway, when you're done my little Met could use a wipe down! LOL
Deb:
Deletebring your Met over for some soap and caressing the body panels. When we had our Vino it took more time to drag out the hoses, bucket/pail and soap, than it was to actually wash it
I have remote controls for my camera(s). I don't think I could rely on a 10 second timer.
I wish I kept my bike cleaner. Still, somehow, any time I can get near my bike and get my hands on it, is still better than being away from it.
ReplyDeleteSteve:
DeleteRight now, I'd rather be making my bike dirty, just the way you are doing it now. safe travels and see you on the road
If you're going to clean the bike, might as well be when it's a warm day. Your house looks great! So do the bikes.
ReplyDeleteSorry I've been away. As of yesterday evening, we're Washingtonians.