Motorcycle Cleaning - The Right Way To Wash a Motorcycle!
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- Опубликовано: 29 апр 2019
- Watch this before the next motorcycle wash!
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For many of you to clean the bike is the number one priority, I cannot say that it is the same for me, but I do it sometimes. In this video, I will tell you how often and what I do. Make sure that you watch the entire video because at the end I will give you 5 very important tips.
Last year on the way to Ireland and Scotland I stopped to see a friend in Switzerland. The first words he said to me were: “Man, did you ever wash your bike?” “Well… usually, the rain does this job for me, but it was not raining very often in the last months…”
With few words guys, I do it just a few times per year and it is usually when I come back from a long trip.
Now you can say: Pavlin, wait for a second, the title of the video was “The right way to wash your motorcycle”
Yes guys, and this is exactly what I plan to tell you now, the right way to wash your motorcycle. Not the way most of the motorcycle shops will try to sell you! So be patient and watch the entire video and I promise that you will have all the necessary information!
First and very important is to know that 99% motorcycle cleaners were made with lye, some kind of acid or de greasers. These ingredients may remove the dirt and provide more cleaning power, but they are detrimental to the plastic, rubber, vinyl and especially for the electric components of your motorcycle.
Even the simple water, without any chemical materials inside might damage your bike in a long term. At this point you might be confused a bit, but let me give you more details:
The bikes are made to survive in almost all weather conditions, hot or cold temperatures, rain or even snow, that’s right! All the electric components are sealed properly and the water cannot really penetrate and damage the important parts of the motorcycle.
So far everyone will agree with me, but I am not here to please everyone, the idea of my channel is to help you to take the right decisions, so this is what I plan to do now.
Let’s have a closer look on some of the important parts of the motorcycle. I will start with the control elements on your dashboard or handlebars. As I said already they are designed with the idea that the bike will be ridden outside in all weather conditions, yes they are robust, not waterproof.
Let’s check now some of the electric connections. You can see that they are even more open to the weather conditions. Yes, they will get wet during the way, but they will also dry quickly when the bike moves.
If you bandage it with electric tape with the idea to stop water going inside of the connectors it will have exactly the opposite effect, because soon or later the water will penetrate the insulation, but won’t be able to dry.
Let me make it even more clear and show you few more examples. This headlight is waterproof, it has rubber gasket inside and it doesn’t matter how long it will be exposed on the rain or even drop it in the water it won’t be damaged. The same with this GoPro it is waterproof up to 10m or 33 feet, but again you can see how it is designed.
So until this point I hope that you get the point that nothing last forever and more you expose all the elements to the water faster the wearing process will be. Now you have add on the top all of the chemical materials I have told in the beginning of the video and you should be able to see the whole picture.
More you clean it shorter it will last! It is so obvious and simple, but somehow most of you miss this important fact!
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Hi Pavlin, agree 100%. Wash only if it necessary, maintenance has absolutely priority! Ride safe, Hans
Thanks Hans!
I see your points, and I understand them. I also wash with bucket and a sponge... but I have a cord powered bike/car dryer by air force blaster, the sidekick model before I dry ride.
I use that dryer more often on my cars, because unlike my bikes, they are my rain drive vehicles. So, I wash them more often.
Thanks for your video bro... I agree.
I love this guy..... Always interests me what he's got to say !
Thanks man!
This is the kind of video I love to see in your channel. Keep up the good work and thanks for all the great content!
My pleasure!
Another excellent video filled with great advice which of course is what I have come to expect!
Thanks Ron!
Hi Pavlin. I love your commonness logic . When i was 15-16 I was working on car garage. Back then we used a regular diesel with the painting brush on the dirty parts of the engine, and soap and water the rest.
Today for my motorcycle i use once a year the same technique only under the fenders where you can pick up dirt, gravel asphalt and the bottom front of the engine ( Kawasaki versys) .
The rest of the bike i use just a glass window cleaner as many times as the bike needed, specially the front of the bike.
And all the time after good wash lubricant on all exposed mechanical parts of the bike , and chain.
Thanks for the beautiful and simple videos.
You are always welcome John!
Pavlin, nice one! Like a good old simple rider, you're always the best!!
I think you talk a lot of sense in this video. This is one of the very good things about your channel - you say exactly what you think and you provide strong arguments to back up your thinking. Many channels would have just compared various cleaning products and shared techniques for how to keep the plastic shiny. You're going into much more useful territory.
Thank you!
I'm an auto detailer by trade, and I agree on most points that you made. Many chemicals used for cleaning have acids in them and are harsh on the finish of vehicles. The worst offender would be chemicals used at a car wash. I would never recommend taking your bike to one if you didnt have to. The chemicals especially made for motorcycles are certainly the better choice, or use a mild dishwashing soap instead. Do not use a pressure washer, as you said, because it can damage seals and bearings. After washing with clean water, you can use compressed air to blow the water out of the places water sits, and that you cant reach with a towel to dry. Once your bikes engine is warm, and you begin riding, that should take care of any remaining water. I dont like to spray down my instrument panel with chemicals or water. Just wipe it off with a damp cloth and dry it. No need in saturating your electronics. A very well done, informative video. :)
Thanks for adding!
I use a gas leaf blower. Never dry with towels or chamoi.
Great Tip thanks.
Pavlin, I like you man! 😁 There are so many rubbish on you tube about motorcycles, but you deffinetely make a very positive difference! I ride for 25 years but I'm always learning or agreeing with your wise advice. Keep on! Just subscribed! Congrats from Portugal!
Thanks man!
Finally someone with a brain. I've had my bike 2 months and just wiped it down as it's never been to dirty. But I will in future and watched some vid's on how to clean properly. Not one mention about electronics and switches, they just drench it with high pressure or hose the whole bike down then wash then hose again. Everyone knows water and electronics isn't a good match. When it does come time to give my bike a good wash, I will be covering switches with plastic bag and rubber band and covering ignition. Good video :)
Well, I am really surprised to find someone who is waching his motorcycle less than me :-) :-) :-) and of course personnaly I fully agree ;-)
Great! We can make even a small group very soon!
Same here
My "Ellie" doesn't get terribly dirty but still, it's nicer to be riding a clean scoot. 😉
One of the bestest and the most underrated adv tips channel in the tube. Cheers !
Well... for me to bring value is the number one priority, but thanks!
Just want to show my love for your channel, your great adventures and a dormant "riding wish" made me take my motorcycle driver license on last December and getting my first bike this week!! Hope to have some nice adventures!
I wish you all the luck!
Thanks man! Good luck to you as well!
Same here , I wash the bikes when i feel they need , summer very rarely , winter more often due to salt and I tend to use ACF50 to help delay any corrosion or colour fading .
More than happy to watch your videos in full and always leave a like , after all you are a person who do loads of miles and don’t change bike often , for me it’s a big sign of experience 👍
Thanks man!
I agree with use of ACF-50. I ride through winter which includes salty spray from road. It is a bit like a thin oil but it can work well in a spray bottle if I warm it up first in a tub of hot water.
Keep the spray off the brakes, but you can use a tiny brush to paint the pins and small parts other than the rotors and pads
Great video!! You have lots of good tips.
Thanks!
I agree. For the tank, plastic, etc. I use a waterless cleaner/wax. Just spray where I need it. A friend of mine uses a leaf blower to dry his bike from 4 feet away. It works great... Just like wind and no heat like a blow dryer... Great vid... Thanks
Thanks for taking the time Stephen!
This guy is just super. I enjoy his tutorials very much. His presentation and knowledge is top notch👌🏼
I appreciate that!
Pavlin has good advice's as always, the informative channel.
I appreciate that!
I've always washed my bikes. Never had any issues of pre mature deterioration. Moisture can rest in dirt. It sucks it up like a sponge even from the air and sits on your bike rusting out nuts and rivets. Mild soap and water with a spray on wax to protect the paint will keep your bike looking good for years
Just go really fast through a big puddle.
Very informative video. Thank you my friend 👍❤
You are welcome!
I clean my motorcycle with baby wipes! It can remove dust, water stings and dirt quite easy, fast and simple. Just think of it this way: if it can clean baby crap, it can clean your bike! Try it out, it's easy, simple, inexpensive and does not harm the quality of the paint or electric components. ☺
Of course, when dirt is too much, I use a soap, water and a bowl, but that doesn't happen to often.
Thanks for all your videos, Pavlin 👌💪👏👏👏
Nice to see u after a long time.
I used to wash my motorcycle very often. Then I bought a brand new BMW R1200GSA and I suddenly did not wash so often anymore.
However, if I wash, I first water down the whole bike, then shampoo (usually use a spray on like S100) and then I hose it down with medium-power jet spray (avoiding damaging the sensitive parts on moto). Then I wipe dry and apply wax/polish/detailer (Meguiar).
This will keep your bike shiny and new (some people likes more than others).
Wash often if you are in salty areas / sea side. Washing quickly more often is better than waiting long time for a deep wash.
Thanks for sharing!
Wd 40 in switch gear.
Di electric grease your block connections.
Anti corrosion spray on the metal components.
Personally I like to wash fairly regularly as I can spot things wearing out and needing maintenance.
Another good video mate keep them coming.
Happy travels
Thanks!
Pavlin, As always common sense combined with good sound advice put across in a straight forward and clear manner.
Thanks for taking the time John!
Very, very interesting. In the military many years ago we were directed to keep the equipment sparkling clean while the same equipment in the private sector was allowed to get dirty and only cleaned when it stopped working. The equipment in the military, although very clean, broke down more often due to residual cleaning solvent issues.
I know what you mean.
😁😁 maintenance over washing.. brilliant. Great stuff Pavlin
Always prefer maintenance.
I agree. I have owned and ridden motorcycles for over 50 years and usually keep my bikes for 10 to 15 years. I clean them occasionally, except that I make sure I keep the mirrors, lights, reflectors, screen and registration plate clean when conditions are bad. I just clean my bikes enough to make sure that the important parts are properly maintained. Usually riding in the rain is enough to keep the worst of the muck off. When the roads are salted, I gently hose the bike down. My cleaning kit consists of a bucket and a couple of cloths and a couple of soft brushes. When I sell my bikes on people say, "It looks like new, how do you keep it like that?". I don't say anything. I just smile to myself, and think what a good protection a little layer of dirt must be.
Cool!
Another great vid from the handsome bugger lol funny as I’ve just finished washing my bike lol
Better is late than never...
Great tips, thanks alot
You are welcome!
Great video !
Thank you Catalin!
Such good common sense for bikers, not so good for manufacturers of proprietary products. That's why Pavlin is so good!
Thanks!
Very good information 👍
Thank you!
Bedankt voor de video!
Any time!
Excellent points about the not trying to cover up the electrical connections, better to let the water go in and have a way to drain out. I had never thought about it in that way but it makes a lot of sense. The other thing that makes total sense is facing the reality that nothing lasts forever, sooner or later electrical connetions and in some cases even the wiring will have to be changed due to oxidation. Thanks for the tips and great advice.
My pleasure!
Thanks for another great video. Have always used bucket and sponge as you can feel if any components are coming loose or broken whilst cleaning. This possibly says more about the types of bike l ride ha ha.
Could be...thanks for taking the time Doug!
I totally agree that washing your motorcycle really increases the risk of corrosion damage. As a "fair weather" rider (no rain) the only part of my bike I've actually washed in 3 years is the rear end (chain lube). I like Gunk engine degreaser with a paint brush for the wheel and swing arm. I've found that one good way to blow off the water after a wash is with a leaf blower or even a shop vacuum cleaner in blower mode. This lets me get residual water out of the nooks and crannies that don't get much wind during a ride. A damp towel does the shiny parts well enough, although I do soak dried insects. At the end, a drop of motor oil spread over the exposed fork tubing helps keep bugs from sticking here too.
Thanks for adding!
Very useful tips, even though I don’t own any bike currently, I just watched your complete video just to support you.
Thanks man!
Cheers Pavlin, another great vid!!!
Just looking at your xt660z, have you got a vid in your catalogue, of when you swapped your forks to USD forks? Any further info on any of this, would be greatly appreciated.
Stay upright & see you in Aus.
Check my website: rtw-adventures.com/the-bike-1.html I have few videos and detailed info about the parts.
I completely agree with you. Κeep the parts that touch your body clean, keep the oily bits oiled, that's my motto. If the bike gets muddy I use a sponge and a bucket.
Simple
Lovely 🌹... 5 tips Saint BABA😇
Nice tips pavlin !!
Thanks Sujoy!
That's definitely what I think. There are electronic components everywhere, and I am really afraid to wash it at the carwash, because I've always thought it could be dangerous for the bike's health! I'm planning to follow your advice.
Good!
I told you already in another video, that you are a magicien, I'm serious.
Every time I start any of your videos, you manage to keep me watching, really dangerous :)
Please ride safe we need you ;)
Thanks for taking the time again!
The less often you wash your bike, the better! I always learn something new from your videos. Do you know about ACF-50 (available from Amazon)? It was developed by the aircraft industry to preserve electrical and metal components on airplanes and, from what I know, does an excellent job on motorcycles as well.
Unfortunately I cannot say anything about it.
It is awesome stuff 👍🏻 I use it on my Harley.
My desire to saw when you wash your motorcycle 🏍️😉
Awesome! My gut instinct told me not to wash the bike so much. Now I know it's correct after your explanation. Many thanks.
Glad it helped!
@@motorcycleadventures Yes it was great advice.
Good!
I agree! Keep it simple. On the rare occasion I wash the bike with a chain I lube the chain when warmed after the short ride to dry.
True
You can also spray electrical cables with water resistant spray (must be oil based without acid in it)
True
I agree with you . I have a Honda XR 650L and have riden it 26,000 miles in the last 6 years. I just returned to the U.S. after a 3,000 mile trip to Mexico.Throughout these years I have cleaned my bike by wiping it down with a damp cloth.
Simple, but works.
I never clean my bike, except for the windscreen and the headlights. A dirty bike is a loved bike, and I love my bike :D
@Basara - that's so awesome :D
Had a Shadow for 16 yrs. road the sh** out of it and also cleaned it regularly, even using chemicals. Looked as good 16 yrs later as it did on show room floor 🤔 i ridem hard, but keep them clean!
Personally, I like to see a FEW "bumps & bruises" on a vehicle. It shows that it is riden/driven and not a "trailer queen". Our machines are meant to be used & enjoyed, not just looked at like museum pieces.
Edmund Konkolich agree. I Use and enjoy...and keep it looking good at same time!
A few big washes a year and spray the bike down with ACF50. Display, lights, and windshield usually get a wipe down after every few rides to keep them visible. Keep the license plate dirty haha
Thank you
Hi Pavlin.thanks for the advice.I live nearby The sea and is necessary to wash regularly to remove the salt water because it oxide faster
Do whatever is good for you.
*SAFETY is number 1 priority, but we love you, Pavlin!!!*
Thanks!
Thanks!
No problem!
agree, I wash the headlight and windshield only if its dead-bees-mash on it, that´s all... yeah, off road can make your bike dirty, but it will get dry and fall off .-)
True
Finally somebody who knows how :D
I know what I need, for some would be different.
ac50 spray will protect many elements from rust and it works, you tube it pavlin!!! Great infomative video
Never try it, thanks for adding!
Motorcycle Adventures spray that 3x a year and you’ll bike b very protected from corrosion , was used on American aircraft to stop corrosion on sea carrier, and no need to wash frequently either
He was 100% true.Everything in the planet gets older and is affected from the oxidation process. Respect !!!
Thanks, man!
I'm like you. I 'wash' mine as often as it rains. It's worked for me so far with only occasional work required for the windscreen.
Agree, especially if you are short guy and need to watch through the screen.
@@motorcycleadventures Plexus works great for cleaning and polishing the windscreen, but I'm not sure if that's available where you are.
My mechanic actually shares your opinion, deep cleaning once in a while it's good but cleaning all the time it's pointless and I can tell you he's not a noobie, main mechanic of nacional enduro ktm/husqvarna team
Good mechanic!
Pavlin, do you have any thoughts on treating the bike with an aviation specification (ACF50 or equivalent) product. The stuff works on aircraft electronics and components and seems effective at corrosion prevention. A school of thought in UK is to treat the entire bike (excluding tyres and brakes etc) before the winter time when salt is used on the roads. Cheers, Ray
Unfortunately Ray I cannot tell you anything about it.
It works wonders, man! I use it on my Harley in the UK 👍🏻
Good video
Thanks!
I wash my bike once a seasonwith pressure wash,cold engine, from around 1 meter distance.Also I never splash dashboard and exhaust.After washing I go for a ride to dry it.Then I use silicone spray in large amount.In my opinion silicone spray (especially Valvoline) is a must.
Do whatever works for you.
I've never had an issue with cleaning degrading the bike, but then again, I find leaving the bike parked outdoors (where I live) does much more to deteriorate the condition of the bike. So, first step to to keep your bike in a shed or garage to help protect it from the elements.
I use basic car wash soap and hot water. Hot water does wonders to break loose bug goo and oil-based debris on the bike. Rinse with a hose using a "gentle spray" setting. It's not applying any more water than taking a ride in the rain.
Sometimes I'll apply something to shine the plastics, but often I don't.
Agree about the garage.
Great advkice. Whats the best chain lube? Some say gear oil, others dry chain oil from aerosol can? I
I use simple dry lube. Watch this video if you haven't already: ruclips.net/video/J9JpN1F6QFo/видео.html
Great video. I just subscribed. Im usually anal about keeping my vehicles clean etc. There are also some good waterless cleaners that work well. Once waxed your bike or vehicle is protected. I use NuFinish as its petroleum based and lasts a long time. It also comes off in direct sun unlike most waxes. You can also get a dry shamois to remove dust and the dirtier it gets the better it works.
Thanks for taking the time!
I like the idea of not washing my bike very often but the winter roads are often covered in salt. So I wash the bike regularly to stop it building up.
Whatever works for you.
I have a 3 bikes which get the same treatment you suggest. More out of lazyness than rational thinking. I also have a Valkyrie 1500 wich rides only in dry weather and gets polished more regularly than the 3 other bikes together. so I think it also depends on the kind of bike.
True, if you have nice chopper with a lot of chrome it will be completely different.
I have the same opinion. Thanks
My pleasure!
I have to agree most of your points. But unfortunately in tropical countries, sometimes humidity is so high. Its like raining, especially in the morning
Do whatever is good for you.
At last, someone who thinks the same as I do.
Great! We are not alone!
i use concentrated windscreen cleaner, apply it on a cloth and then wipe the bike with it. it's very good for removing hard dirt. after i use half a bottle of water to wash it off, not pressurised, just pouring gently from the bottle
Do whatever works for you!
I agree that high pressure washers are bad. Had to replace clutch cable and clean front brake master cylinder due to water. Also it will remove coatings. Tap, garden hose and water pistol is just fine as pressure from tap is low compared to machine with pump. I like to detail bike as hobby and leisure but point is to be balanced. What i suggest, every 4 months to wash bike in detail, and apply wax on paint coat, plastic extrerior protectant and overall. It will protect bike from aging, will look better and grime will not stick to much on it. After treatment its enough just to shower with water and dry with clean rags. Contact spray is cheap and it should be used in meanwhile other jobs are done to spray reachable connections.
But hey, im guy who turn bike detour when i see workers washing street or puddle :D
Thanks for watching and adding this info!
Good !
Thank you!
I usually just take a nice clean damp cloth and wipe it down.Hardly ever give my bikes a full wet wash.
Right decision!
I once washed my bike with the pressure washer, needed a new starter motor and a battery 100km later. At least i got it running by pushing it to start so I made it home. Never using it again and now i just clean the bike before I need to do some work on the bike, so i can see if its leaking anything from anywhere. Other than that, I don't bother anymore.
Learned the hard way
It's a common thing to drive with fully heated engine over the river. Water is splashing on the engine and I have not heard for any case where water would crack a cylinder head. Temperature of cylinder is nothing compared to temperature of exhaust manifold and also the manifold doesn't bend or crack. In summer thunderstorms when weather changes from dry hot to rain monsoon, there is nothing to worry about. It is a motorcycle, not a butter.
Also, I don't recommend to drive in the winter time and not washing the motorcycle. Salt will destroy aluminium.
Do whatever you think is right, but you cannot beat the laws of physics.
What about the dust on the fuel tank and on the speedometer after every trip should i use a dry or wet cloth or other as i don't want to scratch my baby she doesn't like that and i can't see her dirty?????
Than keep it in the garage!
@@motorcycleadventures she hates that too. Your bike looks pretty clean. Do you clean it with just cloth before going for a ride
Actually I never clean it, okay maybe once per year. Usually the rain do it for me.
Could you a make video about chain cleaning and lubricating?
Here you are: ruclips.net/video/J9JpN1F6QFo/видео.html
As i ride all winter l do have to wash my bike often cause of the salt...it eat the mettal so fast. I do cover exposed parts in w40 afther winter wash and so far this keeps the bike perfect. I do wash my bike 2 til 4 times a month...
Whatever works for you!
Salt is the worst chemical you can expose to your bike. It's impossible to aviod in winter time 😵
@@kaikaiser2156 yeah.. Life of a commuter bike.
My friend spends more time washing than riding, I spend more time riding !! All I do is clean the bugs and I am good to go !!
This is the whole point, because in the end it is just a bike!
Hi my friend, can you give us a video about yamaha tracer gt 900,
Thank you
I might do it later in the year.
When are chemicals necessary? If water can not remove the dirt anymore?
When the motorycle is really dirty.
you can use a leafblower to dry it.I just wipe few pieces from dust here and there
Just ride it
Здравей, Павка. Много полезно видео отново. Само мога да добавя, че ако искаш наистина безвреден шампоан - може да се използва серията бебешката серия на Джонсън. Е, там вече наистина не би трябвало да има никакви смущаващи неща. Един дограмаджия ми беше казал преди време да не пръскам стъклата със спрей от бутилка, тъй като е силно канцерогенен. Той ме просвети на бебешкия Джонсън. Мисля, че и в този случай ще свърши перфектно работа с минимални поражения. :)
Благодаря!
ChanteClair Sgrassatore Universale Spray + wide brush + hand sprayer or high pressure cleaner = clean vehicle.
Ride in the rain = clean bike for me 😊
@@motorcycleadventures Можно и так 🤣
I endevor to "clean" my street bike when it is all dirty back by the chain and swing arm area, all dirty from the lubricants catching dirt and visibility a mess. I say "cleaned" instead of "washed" because everything is scrubed & wiped by hand. , . Except for that back area by the swing arm/chain area & the bottom 1/3 to 1/2 of my bike, THAT gets the "high pressure" hose treatment.
I try to get the most gentle cleaners I can, mainly because I'll use more "elbow grease" rather than rely on the cleaner's chemical reaction to do the cleaning. My pressure washer's working pressure is adjustable, so I'll put it on the lowest setting that will still get the dirt & grease off well, without using an excess/unnecessary amount of pressure.
After the pressure washing of only the bottom 1/3 to 1/2 of my bike, anything and everything that must be lubed gets the appropriate lubricant, AFTER being put out in the sun AND blowing dry. This has worked welll for me in the realm of general cleaning. Now, specific parts/components cleaning is done with appropriate, specific types of cleaners. Plastic bits get plastic polish, painted surfaces get wiped completely down & cleaned & then waxed thoroughly (2, maybe 3 coats), & the engine cleaned with specialized cleaners for each surface/system/component.
The rubber bits get protectant, to help shield them from prematurely aging, cracking or leaking from age & ozone. Exposed scews & threads, get WD-40 or anti-sieze, metal surfaces get WD-40 or metal polish that leaves a protective film behind when done. The electrical components get spray made for cleaning wires & connectors & then connections get dielectric grease.
Whew! I'm tired just thinking about all that work. BUT, after it's all done & you stand back and marvel at your spotless machine. . . you get all excited to ride again. Y'know. . . when you fail to feel enthusiasm & get excited by just looking at your motorcycle, it's time to put it up & get back in a cage.
Another fine & informative video from you, Pavlin. Keep up the good work, I love watching you & learning.
Ciao.
is it fine to wash my motorcycle with car shampoo? i have been doing it for a while.
It is made from exactly the same substances.
But Pavlin. You didn’t tell me which designer shampoo and deodorant to use on my GS! 😬 Seriously though, you make some very good points. I have a pet dryer (like a motorcycle dryer except half the cost) and it’s really good at getting all the water out of the electrical components and connections after a wash.
Great, than do whatever works for you.
I pack all of my electric plugs with dielectric grease.. also WD-40 is great for your engine and other stuff.. Robert Jr NJ here and xr650 owner..
Whatever works for you.
I wash my bike when needed, maybe 1 per year maybe 4 times per year. but maintenance is often but not fixin just checking. And one is a 2001 year Fazer the other is a 79' oldie. I just wont serve a machine that must serve me, but care for it i will.oh and i dont use any special product, just a low pressure hose and a dishwashing cleaner.
Good decision!
seems like we have something in common and to be honest dirty our bikes just look better ;-)
my bike is always quite dirty especially during monsoon rides. Then i just clean off mud and clean what is important. Actually it got wash completely only at service center. After that everything is sticky and smell a bit like diesel fuel. Dirt forever! Poor guys with chrom bikes aka harleys and similar. They must shine always. :D
It really depends from the bike.
Interesting...I was sometimes ashamed because we wash our bikes like...every two to three years. I always wondered why they still work absolutely fine. Now I do not mind this non-cleaning habit that much because Enduros do not look that bad a bit dirty. But imagine that with a chrome-clad Harley...one reason why I decided to keep my old XT. As much as I liked to look at brand-new bikes on a local bike exhibition, I still prefer my own old bike (even if it is technically also really old, but I know everything works even not shining).
True, it depends from the bike.