after ride washdown - good or bad?
 

Hello,
I was wondering, after a short 40 minute cruise on a muddy dirt road should one wait for the engine to cool down before getting the hose on to her? What's the deal there? I'm thinking it's best to let it cool down. Then again imagine if I went through a river after a half an hour ride, it would be the same stress wouldn't it. Hense my question. Anybody know about this, I would be interested in learning something new.

Thanks - Pat

I wash my XT when Hot....
 

In fact, i wash all my bikes when Hot, for the reason that it makes drying the electrics out easier.... obviously do not Power-wash the following items:

Wheelbearings

swinging arm bearings ( try to avoid high pressure water getting in the joins and forcing grit in where the dust seals are, a 'light' spray from several feet away is generally ok

Steering head bearings

Fork Oil Seals if there are no gaiters fitted be gentle round here too

Keep the pressure washer away from any electrical joining blocks, ignition switches, CDI, spark plugs.....

Where it says "pressure Washer" you can also read "hosepipe on full pressure" :nono:

martyn

Thanks Martyn, that's really cool of you to have answered so quickly. I squirted her down while she was still hottish, I started with the wheels and forks giving the engine a couple more minutes to cool down before giving her a blast, it's incredible just how far all that grit and muddy water can go. Thanks for the advice. You're tips ring true. - Patrick

No problem
 

Thats what we are all here for.... the sharing of Knowledge, and of course the pulling of legs, the ribald wit and the eccentricity that sets us apart from the clones in their cars!

M

Always clean off the bike if it's muddy or if you live in the UK and they have gritted the roads, as the crud bakes on your engine block and causes corrosion.