Usually not, I like to keep the windshield clean and thats about it. On the other hand, my last 5k trip arrived in Rock Springs Wyoming from Sturgis, Yellowstone and the bike was so dirty just had to pull into a car wash and rinse it off a little
Well, I always clean my bike while on trips. I use Meguiars Ultimate Detailer Spray. The trick is to saturate your paint, windshield, and other parts, if your bike is full of bugs or road schum, then let it soak a minute or two then wipe off with a clean microfiber towel. Be sure and pop the microfiber towel in the air while cleaning so as to dislodge any bugs or solids the towel picked up. A second dry microfiber towel is used to finish buffing the chrome. This is how I clean both my 105th FLHX and the wife's Vivid Black '08 FLHX. No cleaning scratches so far, it's been two years. Takes me about 20-30 minutes to clean one bike.
No not while riding! While you're out on the open road.
I take long weekend and week long trips several times a year, and find when I get home, the bikes a wreck visually!
I usually have no space for bike wash stuff while traveling.
So who washes their bike and what are your techniques?
Seems pointless and like a complete waste of time while touring. Yes, I'm nit picky about my bike's appearance as well but I wait until the ride is over before I start my cleaning routine. I want to spend my time enjoying the ride and not fretting over every bug splatter.
I'm getting the impression most just let it go. My question was asked because I have a 19 day road trip to the western US in July. I don't know if I can take it being dirty for that long?
For all who posted cleaning techniques - thanks. I may just have to use them between patina's.
I always wait til I get home, During Outer Banks Bike week this year I would sit on the porch each morning with my coffee and watch everyone washing and cleaning there bikes. I used to be like that but just don't care anymore.