Wiktor Wise
Harley-Davidson motorcycles are designed to get wet, but there are some things to keep in mind when washing your Harley Electra Glide. Firstly, avoid using high-pressure water or spray around the wheel bearings, instrument cluster, and electrical connectors, as water infiltration can cause problems. Remove the bags and seat, and use a hose without a nozzle to rinse away soap. Use a damp rag to clean the fairing, radio, and handlebars, and be cautious when washing the gauges, speakers, and other electronic components. Some owners recommend using a foam cannon, bike/car wash products, and a blow dryer, while others suggest using a chrome cleaner, glass cleaner, or biodegradable boat wash. Regular maintenance between washes can also be done with products like Bike Spirits to remove bugs and prevent them from sticking.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Use a hose without a nozzle and avoid high-pressure water
When washing a Harley Electra Glide, it is important to be cautious when using a hose, especially one with high-pressure water. While a hose with a gentle spray nozzle is generally recommended to rinse off your motorcycle without damaging sensitive parts, it is important to note that high-pressure water can be forced into bearings, seals, and electrical components, causing potential damage, malfunctions, or corrosion over time.
Therefore, if you are using a hose without a nozzle, it is crucial to avoid high-pressure water. Here are some tips to help you effectively wash your Harley Electra Glide while considering this:
Firstly, start by soaking a cloth in water and gently wiping down the bike to remove any loose dirt, mud, or grime. This initial step helps to avoid the need for high-pressure water later on. You can use a soft sponge or wash mitt, ensuring it is non-abrasive to prevent scratching the motorcycle's surfaces. Pay extra attention to areas with dead insects, as scrubbing them off aggressively can scratch the finish. Instead, soak these areas with a wet cloth for a few minutes to soften them, and then gently wipe them away.
Next, fill a bucket with soapy water and use a soft-bristled brush to scrub away any remaining dirt and grime. Choose a brush with soft bristles to avoid scratching the paint. If you need to clean the wheels, consider using a specialised wheel cleaner to remove stubborn grime, and use a dedicated wheel brush to reach tight spaces without scratching.
After scrubbing, use your hose without a nozzle to gently rinse off the soap and remaining dirt. Keep the water pressure low to avoid any potential damage to sensitive parts. Ensure you are not directing the hose at electrical components or areas that are sealed, as this can cause issues.
Finally, dry your Harley Electra Glide with a microfiber cloth, which is perfect for both drying and polishing. Additionally, some people choose to use an air blower to dry off their bikes. Remember to consult your motorcycle owner's manual for specific recommendations and guidelines on cleaning and maintaining your bike.
Plug-in Air Fresheners: Are They Safe for Your Home?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$22.99 $24.99
Cover the radio, speakers, and handlebar with a damp cloth
When washing a Harley Electra Glide, it is important to take extra care when it comes to the electrical components, such as the radio, speakers, and handlebar. While these parts are designed to be water-resistant, it is still recommended to take precautions to avoid any potential damage.
Before beginning the wash, cover the radio, speakers, and handlebar with a damp cloth. Ensure that the cloth is only slightly damp, as you do not want excess water dripping onto the electrical components. The damp cloth will act as a protective barrier, preventing direct contact with water and soap during the washing process.
It is advisable to use a low-pressure hose or a hose without a nozzle when rinsing the motorcycle. Avoid directing high-pressure water at the radio, speakers, and handlebar, as this can force water into sealed areas and cause issues with electrical connectors. If you intend to use soap, be cautious and avoid excessive soap usage near these electrical components.
After rinsing, carefully remove the damp cloth from the radio, speakers, and handlebar. Use a dry microfiber cloth to gently wipe down these areas, absorbing any remaining moisture. Ensure that you dry these electrical components thoroughly to prevent water infiltration, which could lead to potential malfunctions.
By following these steps and taking a cautious approach when washing your Harley Electra Glide, you can help ensure that the radio, speakers, and handlebar remain in good working condition. Remember to pay extra attention to these electrical components during the washing process to maintain the optimal performance of your motorcycle.
Electric vs Acoustic Piano: Can You Tell the Difference?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Use a foam cannon, scrub, then rinse with a hose
To wash your Harley Electra Glide effectively, a foam cannon can be a great tool to use. This method is especially useful if you want to avoid any manual scrubbing or hand-washing, achieving a hands-free wash.
Firstly, connect your foam cannon to a hose, as you want to avoid using high-pressure water directly on your bike. Cover any electrical components, such as the radio, speakers, and gauges, with plastic bags or trash bags to protect them from water damage.
Now, spray your Harley Electra Glide with the foam cannon, ensuring that you cover all areas of the bike. Let the foam sit for a few minutes—this will help loosen up any dirt, grime, or bugs.
After the foam has been given time to work, use a sponge, mitt, or soft brush to gently scrub the bike. Pay extra attention to areas with more dirt buildup. Once you're satisfied with the cleaning, rinse the bike with a hose, ensuring that you remove all the foam and any remaining dirt or residue.
Finally, you can use a blaster or leaf blower to dry the bike, and then apply wax or a sealant to protect the paintwork and chrome. Your Harley Electra Glide will now be clean and shining!
The Electric Bass: Fretting About Frets
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Avoid liquid soap and water. Use a cloth to buff and chrome cleaner
When it comes to washing a Harley Electra Glide, there are a few different approaches you can take. Some people suggest using a hose with a gentle spray nozzle to rinse away dirt and grime, being mindful not to direct the spray at sensitive electrical components. Others prefer to use a simple damp cloth or rag to wipe down the bike, ensuring that water doesn't come into contact with electrical parts.
If you're looking for an alternative to liquid soap and water, one method recommended by some Harley riders is to use cloths to buff the bike and a chrome cleaner. This approach ensures that you avoid getting water into sensitive areas, such as electrical connectors, while still achieving a clean and shiny finish.
When using this method, start by ensuring your Harley Electra Glide is cool to the touch before beginning the cleaning process. This is important because washing a hot engine with cold water can cause damage due to rapid temperature changes. Once the bike is cool, use a soft cloth or microfiber cloth to apply the chrome cleaner, gently working it into the surfaces of the bike. Pay particular attention to areas that collect dirt, brake dust, and road grime, such as the tires and wheels. You can also use a wheel and tire spray in conjunction with the chrome cleaner to help restore their shine.
After applying the chrome cleaner, use a separate clean, soft cloth to buff the bike. This will help to remove any remaining dirt or residue and leave your Harley Electra Glide with a sleek, polished finish. It's important to ensure that you don't use too much pressure when buffing, as this can cause scratches on the bike's surfaces.
By following these steps and avoiding liquid soap and water, you can effectively clean and maintain the appearance of your Harley Electra Glide while also protecting its sensitive components. Remember to take your time and pay attention to detail, as rushing the cleaning process can lead to missed spots or potential damage to your bike's finish.
Building an Electric Skeet Thrower: DIY Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Use glass cleaner, Bike Spirits, or biodegradable boat wash
When washing a Harley Electra Glide, it is important to be mindful of the areas where you direct your spray. You do not need to use a pressure washer, and it is recommended to avoid spraying water directly onto the audio system, radio, and speakers. Instead, use a damp rag to clean these areas.
For the rest of the bike, you can use a range of cleaning products, including glass cleaner, Bike Spirits, or a biodegradable boat wash. Here are some detailed instructions for each option:
Glass Cleaner
Harley-Davidson recommends using a glass cleaner to maintain your Electra Glide. You can spray the cleaner directly onto the desired areas and then wipe it off with a microfiber cloth. This method is suitable for regular maintenance when the bike is mostly clean.
Bike Spirits
Bike Spirits is a product that can be used to clean your Harley Electra Glide. It is important to follow the instructions on the product label and dilute it correctly. Fill a spray bottle with the diluted solution and spray it onto the bike's surfaces. After applying the cleaner, rinse the bike thoroughly to ensure no residue is left behind.
Biodegradable Boat Wash
A biodegradable boat wash is an effective and affordable option for cleaning your Harley Electra Glide. You can purchase a concentrated boat wash from Walmart for around $10. Dilute a couple of tablespoons of the concentrate in a spray bottle with water. Spray the diluted solution onto the bike and then wash it off.
By following these instructions and choosing the right cleaning products, you can effectively and safely wash your Harley Electra Glide, keeping it in pristine condition.
Electric Scooters in National Parks: What's the Rule?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Harley Davidson recommends using glass cleaner to maintain your bike. You can also use liquid soap and water, but avoid wax and polish. For denim, you can use soap and water, and for in-between washes, you can use Bike Spirits to wipe everything down.
You can use a towel to dry off your bike, or an air blower.
Avoid spraying water directly on the speakers. You can cover the speakers with a trash bag or large towel, or use a damp rag to wipe them down.
Avoid using high-pressure water on the gauges as this can cause fogging. Use a hose without a nozzle and be sparing with the amount of water.
You can use Bike Spirits to wipe down your bike and prevent bugs from sticking. You can also use peroxide spray to remove bugs.
