ATV Cleaning Tips

I got the below claaning tips from Yamaha...please take a look and let me know if you agree, disagree, or have any "inside" tips of your own that will keep the bike looking and performing great......

ATV Cleaning
"Frequent, thorough cleaning of your machine will not only enhance its appearance but will also improve its general performance and extend the useful life of many components.

1. Block off the end of the exhaust pipe to prevent water entry.
2. Make sure the spark plug and all filler caps are properly installed.
3. If the engine case is excessively greasy, apply degreaser with a paintbrush.Do not apply degreaser to the wheel axles.
4. Rinse the dirt and degreaser off with a garden hose. Only use enough pressure to do the job. Excessive water pressure may cause water seepage and deterioration of wheel bearings, brakes, transmission seals and electrical devices.*
5. Once the majority of the dirt has been hosed off, wash all surfaces with warm water and mild, detergent-type soap. An old toothbrush or bottlebrush is handy for hard-to-reach places.
6. Rinse the machine off immediately with clean water and dry all surfaces with a chamois, clean towel or soft absorbent cloth.
7. Clean the seat with vinyl upholstery cleaner to keep the cover pliable and glossy.
8. Automotive type wax may be applied to all painted and chrome plated surfaces. Avoid combination cleaner-waxes. Many contain abrasives, which may mar the paint or protective finish. When finished, start the engine and let it idle for several minutes."

its funny...with my new rhino..i catch my self after every ride around the 5 acres once parked in the shop..i clean the window,and shine the hell out of it with kawi clean LMAO..good stuff by the way..last night after detailin it what my mom said was 45 minutes..i didnt dissagree i put my stickers on, looks sharp sporting the dynojet,hl,and hmf. but yes your tips sound good. hope you feel like typing a ton for the polaris LOL after washing trying to figure out why it wont crank all of a sudden ROFLMAO

REDNECK

Shep's after ride cleaning tips

1. Unload from truck onto lawn
2. Hook up 1100 psi pressure washer
3. Blow off every last bit of mud that can be seen
4. Drive it back into the garage and let drip dry
OR
1. Leave in bed of truck till tomorrow cause my whole body hurts to damn much to deal with it today
2. After pot of coffee, smoke, Trucks and Extreme 4x4, get dressed and unload bike
3. Blow off every last bit of mud with 1100 psi pressure washer
4. Use car wash and soft brush to scrub entire bike clean
5. Dry off and stick back in garage
6. Have lunch and a cold beer

I typically start from the top of the bike to the bottom.

I always use a pressure washer, and pre-soap the machine first and let it set.

Greased Lightning is an excellent de-greaser and helps remove any oil or grease build up on metal components

Once soap and de-greaser has set for around 3 minutes I pressure wash it all off.

My wheels are chrome, so I use a fine steel wool pad (normally designed for furniture finishing, available from your local hardware store) to help remove any stains or rust that may have accumulated.

They are then parked in the shop and allowed to drip-dry for a minimum of 12 hours

Then I wipe them down with a damp cloth to remove any excess residue of soap or stray sand that didn't get washed off.

Then I use Turtle Wax "Wet'N'Black" to "HOSE" them down (literally) I spray a liberal coating on all fenders, tires, cv boots, guards, and undersides of fenders, seat and all.

I immediately wipe it back off of the wheels and then let it set on the rest for 12 hours.

Then I wipe off the excess and have another beer. (This process takes ALOT of beer, patience, and time... and usually isn't completed for at least 2 days)

I know it sounds like alot of work, but it makes them MUCH easier to get clean once I get home....none of that putting the pressure nozzle right against the mud to get it off crap.

Just my way of doing it...

Wait for the nephew to come over, he loves the pressure washer.