Probably "Reverse Osmosis" aka filtered water. Distilled water will work the same

 

Same one I have. I also use zero TDS water and since you are not drying the bike with a towel way less swirls and scratches in the paint.

your not kidding about the recoil, thing can throw some air. Make sure you don't have any dirt on the ground near where you wash the bike, it will just kick it up and onto the paint.

 

Yes, RO is reverse osmosis water. All soluable solids are removed, so no water spots. The idea is to rinse off the water with the minerals, especially in places that aren't easly reached. Them blow that off too because water will trap dust etc.

Look at the drinking water at Sams, Costco or your favorite grocer. But be sure it is RO.

Paul

 

I just go for a short blast up the highway to take most of the water off after washing. Then again I only wash the bike maybe twice a year anymore.

 

This^^
And make sure it's parked somewhere clean, not where you've just washed it. Sounds obvious but it's an easy mistake to make when you just want to get the job done.
I have a dedicated Bruhl bike dryer. It has a filtered intake and nozzles that concentrate the air blast. And of course it's heated air. I wouldn't be without it.
But whatever you use, blow drying a bike is a good idea. No water marks left for a start. You can stand a washed bike in the sunlight, start the engine, get it hot, take it for a ride in the wind and you'd think it was bone dry but take a blower to it and it's amazing how much water still lurks. Usually where you least want it, like electrical connections and around the seat of wheel spokes.

 

i have a ryobi 18v and it BLOWS in a good way .. have never had it run out of battery while drying the bikes

 

I use my milwaukee blower to dry off the bike and it's the most convenient way to do it. Especially around the engine and fins. It's nice to just blast it away and cuts drying time down significantly. Mine also has a soft rubber tip so if I were to ever accidentally hit the bike with it, the risk of dents and scratches are minimal.

 

My micro fiber cloths get used on painted and chrome surfaces, once. That way I do not mix chemicals and ruin paint or stain chrome. I have done both in the past.

Then they may be washed and placed in the rag box for other uses besides paint and chrome. Like oil wipes and non automotive uses. I do not dry them.

I am going to order some better/best microfiber clothes from Griots or someplace like that for washing my bike and truck.

 

I keep a old corded blower at the front corner of my garage ( and ear plugs ) to dry my bike and cars prior to drying with a towel. Can't imagine washing them without a blower! Helps cut time and is fantastic for spoke wheels!

 

Been using a leaf blower to dry my bikes since the late '80s. And microfiber towels aren't absorbent enough for me. They're fine for the final wipe of the chrome though. I've actually seen some microfiber towels scratch the clear coat on the paint.