Rode my 06 XL1200C home from the dealer after getting a stage I done today. Of course it started to pour rain. By the time I got home, the bike was pretty filthy.....rode through a couple of dirty construction zones. About a half hour after I got back, I couldn't stand it anymore and went out to wash the bike. I noticed some steam comming off of the engine and primary durring the washing. Is this ok? Just want to make sure I don't have to worry about thermal shock with the engine. Thanks guys.

 

If you use a cleaner like S100 or simple green you need to allow the bike cool off; if cleaners, including regular soap, dry on the bike it may stain.. I am sure you didn't hurt your bike, but the reason it was steaming and won't steam most times in the rain is that the water you applied was cold. Probably not a good idea.

 

Cool the bike off, COLD... Disasemble bags side covers tank etc, wash by hand with car wash soap for 3 hours, rinse with
soft spray GENTLY, and completly, blow dry (I use a leaf blower) then get out the detail spray and shine, shine, shine...

Then repete, if caught in rain again.

OH the plrasure of owning a HARLEY...

On honda's, take it to the car wash...