Bath and cleaning

Washed and cleaned my bike today----probably 3500 miles on the last wash. Including salt roads in Michigan

I do not use power washer or car wash but as old style motorcyclist, I like to use Gunk, the old style petroleum based stuff, on engine cases, etc. This time some tree hugger fruit based crap= does not do as good of a job as the old stuff. Wash/clean/wax(pledge) bike and all panels= good way to find anything wrong/falling off.

Point: early morning cold days I have noticed panel shaking noise, first few minutes of operation....goes away for the most part after things warm up. LEFT SIDE front panel, goes near left glove box was loose.

Found tab broken off, the one under the allen head screw. From what--probably last year drop on left side. For me no need to try to repair tab/replace panel----had some tiny self tapping short sheet metal screws, drilled 2 tiny holes----screwed screws in= no more loose panel/noise. Honda had used some brittle plastic on these bikes.

Good wash with real Gunk gets the oil out of the tray it collects in after oil change

As they say,what ever floats your boat.I use Simple green and rinse with water on most of the body panels, engine and trans parts. A leaf blower works great for drying off and a little air pressure around the brake pads and calipers. Stay away from wheel bearings.
Good luck Howard

I liked the old Gunk which was a very dark colour, almost black. The modern Gunk is red and doesn't seem to work nearly as well. That's progress for you.
I know that things need to be environmentally friendly these days but it does seem to spoil their effectiveness.

I usually check the labels - if something has a skull and crossbones on the label or states 'harmful to health' you can bet it'll do a good job.