Possibly the dumbest question ever posted, but I honestly don't know the answer. 
The important thing is that you're asking now. Not later when something has happened.
I'm guessing I don't want to take a bucket of soapy water to it because the soap will degrease parts that want to stay greased and I need to keep all the wiring dry, right? The extent of my knowledge right now is "put gas in it and hope it runs." I realize I need to learn basic--REALLY BASIC!--upkeep stuff. Please be gentle in your replies.
Degreasing on some parts is desirable. More grease doesn't mean better. Things like your chain, etc should be cleaned properly, then re-lubed. We use the chain lube from Honda here, but a lot of the others will work as well. I believe there was a thread to this effect in the B6 and 12 forums somewhere. Make sure that you get a chain lube or wax that's safe for O-ring chains.
As for the wiring, you don't want to spray the plugs, the Regulator, the starter or any of the other exposed electrical or wiring with a really concentrated spray (i.e not directly and definitely not with a pressure washer.)
That said, I do wash both of our bikes with a pressure washer, but I do stand back a lot. Not to mention that our pressure washer has significantly less pressure than a car washer washer.
Do all y'all merely use a damp towel to clean your bike? How often do you put wd-40 on the chain (or is that a no-no and I should use something else)? What else do I want to look at when my bike's gotten exposed to dust? How often should I check the oil level, tire pressure, and what the heck else should I be checking?
I use a dry microfiber cloth to dust the bike off, (think swiffer) I have been known to use a "waterless" carwash soap to clean light dirt, but I use a car wash soap (Dish soap will work in a pinch)in a bucket with a sponge to clean most of the bike. I also use a stiff brush for the wheels ( especially the back wheel with all the brake dust and chain lube that gets flung from the chain. (Fling doesn't seem to be as much of a problem though since we changed to the Honda lube from the "Chain Wax" that we were using.))
I also keep two sponges. One strictly for the paint, and one for the rest.
Get a good wax for your paint, it will keep it shiny, and protect it somewhat.
Think of a bike as washing a baby. You start at the cleanest parts and your way to the dirtiest. That way you don't risk spreading the gunk to places that weren't dirty to start with.
WD-40 is not the proper tool for the job. Soap, water and a stiff nylon brush will clean the chain.
NOT a metal brush, it will wreck the o-rings in your chain.
If you ride in really dusty conditions, check your air filter more often. You may need to clean and oil it, or change it more often, (depending on whether it's a foam filter that you keep and clean, or a paper one that you replace) If the bike is just sitting in the dust, then it just needs a cleaning.
The oil and tire pressure should be checked every ride according to the manual. I check it often, but likely not that often. Also, when you check the oil, make sure the bike is standing upright, not leaned on the side stand. That's not accurate, Have a friend check while you hold the bike up, or put the bike on the centrestand and push on the front or back to get it as close to level front to back as possible, then check it.
Check the tightness of your chain. A chain that's too tight will wear parts (sprockets, bearings, etc.) A chain that's too loose may jump and usually wad up into the engine ( and input shaft area) or lock up the back wheel. Often there's a crash to go along with all of this. With or without a crash, if can be very expensive to fix. Also check your chain for kinks or obvious damage. Any of this damage usually leads to a chain breaking, with the above mentioned as possible outcomes. If you find any of this damage, the chain needs to be replaced.
I realize I should be reading some sort of manual but I bought my 2001 600S used (just 4,000 miles so I guess it's been sitting around more than riding around) and I can't find an owner's manual online anywhere.
Thanks in advance!
G
If you can't find a owners manual under your seat (usually the passenger seat) with the tool kit, then try downloading one for the B12 or the B4. They will cover the basic things that you should be taking care of and not be -that- different than your B6.
Topic: What do I do when my bandit needs a bath? The carwash?! (Read 7661 times)