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Starting Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 5/8/2008 6:20:24 PM
Posts: 25,
Visits: 39
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| I've used the Mr. Clean thing, you're right about the filters getting used up quickly. Last year I upgraded to an inline water softener from Griots Garage http://www.griotsgarage.com/ I have used it all last summer and it still works (it will turn purple when it's done). Griots also has a lot of neat stuf for cars, bikes and the garage. Another option that might cost less would be to get a filter from the hardware store and try to rig up some hose fittings.
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Junior Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 11/17/2008 5:01:46 PM
Posts: 148,
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I lived in East Texas for many years and they have an annual "Love Bug" season. Don't know if any of you have experienced them but the stick to everything. The Cajuns figured out how to remove them from car, windshield, faceshield, etc. Soak shield with water, use a wet rag with a little baking soda on it and the wipe right off. Works with any kind of bug.
"Life's journey is not arriving at the gate safely in a well perserved body, but rather to skid-in-sideways, totally worn out, shouting...holy *...what a ride!"
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Average Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 11/14/2008 10:08:58 AM
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I remember hitting the love bug season in Florida years ago. I was on a naked bike so I took the full brunt of the bugs. My face shield became so gunked up with bug bodies I had to stop at a gas station. The attendant let me use a hose and I had to hose down my leather jacket, my boots and my helmet (very carefully). For some reason my jeans were fairly clean.
Anyone ever get hit by one of those big big flying palmetto bugs? At 70 mph it feels like a bullet.
Now, let me get this right - is it one down, four up?
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Senior Member
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Last Login: Yesterday @ 5:48:02 PM
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Rootie (4/5/2008)
Anyone ever get hit by one of those big big flying palmetto bugs? At 70 mph it feels like a bullet.
We have some sort of beetle thats about an inch long. The hard shell (carapice?) opens and wings come out. It looks like it violates every law of flight, but sort of flies anyway. I collected one with a naked upper arm at about 70mph long ago. It hurt so bad that I didnt want to look at my arm thinking that I might be sliced open and bleeding heavily. If you collect one with the cage windshield, it leaves a nice swatch of clear bug juice and the impact sounds like a big stone hit the glass. You swear that it will crack the glass. It stings pretty good right through the stich. I have taken one to the face cheek that hurt beyond description. My eye teared up right away and my nose ran for about ten minutes.
nobody rides half as well as they know how.
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Starting Member
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Last Login: 8/13/2008 8:23:17 AM
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We use Suzuki Wash and my hubby's worn out white t-shirts. We spray our bikes down (we have well water), spray on the wash (I'm sure any brand will do), and wipe gently with t-shirts soaked in hot water, then rinse off.
Our bikes look brand new!
For bugs on your helmet, I usually just use hot water on a scrap t-shirt.
I'm surprised no one brought up bug-removal-from-teeth since we all do so much grinning while riding! hahaha
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Starting Member
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Last Login: 11/3/2008 6:07:21 AM
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Rider33 (7/18/2006)
It started to become part of the early morning routine and is also and excellent way to give the bike a once over before heading out on the road. Exactly, except I do it at the end of the day when the bugs are still reasonably fresh. I don't bring anything with me other than a micro-fiber towel while on the road, but when giving my motorcycle that thorough final wash of the year before parking it for the winter, I use Bug-B-Gone spray cleaner which I recently came across. A bit expensive, but it does work and its good for at least 3 or 4 thorough washes. A clean bike is a sign of pride in ownership! 
All the best,
Alex Alex's BMW Motorcycle & Global Touring Page
Euro & North American Travel & Technical Stuff for the R1150 GS & Adventure
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Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.....A. Einstein
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Senior Member
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BMWGS (8/16/2008)[hr ... A clean bike is a sign of pride in ownership! This has been up here for a bit and no one jumped on it. So. I will offer the long distance riders' retort for everyone's laid back amusement. "Like a clean desk, a clean bike is the sign of a sick mind." I washed my bike this saturday past. I detest the chore. And it never fails to sadden my heart. Its an anual event. Sometimes, I can bring myself to do it twice in a year. The plastic side panels are scratched and cracked. The gel coat is coming off. The rear mudguard tip is broken off about 2-3 inches worth. The steel gas tank is still dented as the magic fairy that takes care of that stuff has bypassed my place for the last 10 years. The gas tank paint is scratched from the tank bag and assorted idiocies. The tank's decal is starting to let go. Try as I might to keep the vinyl seat covering from splitting, it has anyway. Amazingly, the chrome is holding up remarkably well for so much salt over the years. Some chrome on the edges of the mirrors is scratched from various tipovers. Alas, a little rust has blossomed there. The aluminum wheels seem to be holding up although a visit to the commercial polisher would brighten them a whole lot. I have polished them myself and the drudgery of the labor was not balanced by the resulting shine. The engine could do with a detailing. All in all, I am grateful that it is doing so well while in my possession. I have owned hammers that didnt make the end of the day that they were bought. Cosmeticly, it aint pretty but it still has some grace. On the other hand, its ready right the heck now for a chain and sprockets. I may buy them now and see if I cant limp through the winter before I have to put 'em on. Shedding a chain during the winter's commute is no big thing. Just stick another master link in there. I hate running more than three master links in a chain. A person can only generate so much faith before its spread too thin, especially in an election year. Tires. I should stock a set in the garage right about now. its difficult to say if the tires will make it through the winter. Putting new tires on in order to wear flats in the middle of the tread without hardly ever leaning them over in the dubious traction of winter really grates on my psyche. About three months from now, it ought to turn over 100k miles. I am wondering what I ought to do to celebrate the moment? Should I get new footpeg rubber or just turn them around to wear the other side? Maybe new light bulbs all the way around are in order? Better yet, a real oil change with filter instead of just topping it up once a year.
nobody rides half as well as they know how.
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