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Chrome cover

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Alan neill

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Jun 5, 2023
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Kilwinning
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Bmw r18 1st edition
Hi men can anyone tell me what's behind the big chrome cover in front of engine do I keep the hose away from it when washing cheers 😎
 
The air intakes for the breather and the alternator and a whole lot of empty ;)

I wouldn't pressure wash it (hell I don't like that in the first place) but a bit of water won't hurt ... People do ride in the rain too 😁
 
Some BMW owners manuals in the past show a pic of a guy pressure washing his bike. There is a large X covering the picture. I would never pressure wash a bike.
 
Using a pressure washer on a bike is asking for troubles because the force at which the water is projected can force water to places that are perfectly ok with rain water or a hose as they are insulated enough to withstand running water but not pressurised water. You may get away with a low pressure washer to wash the top, front and back of the cylinders but I much prefer using something like muc-off, leaving it a couple of minutes and then either rinse the cylinders or just use a bottle cleaner to agitate the product between fins and then rinse.
I have seen people washing their car engines with a jet washer. Unless you absolutely watertight all electrical parts, i.e, starter motor, fuse box etc , you are risking damaging delicate components with water pressure.
 
Agreed... I have used a pressure washer on my GS Adventure to clean the spoked wheels, under the fenders and the underside of the engine case; then, I would follow up with a simple bucket of water and car wash detergent and a soft brush on a broom handle and give the bike a good wash... rinse with hose pressure and never had an issue...

Knowing what I know now about my R18, I would NOT attempt to pressure wash the underside of the R18 B; I noted a LOT of electrical connections, ECU, etc..under the bike when I removed the Servo Motor...

Generally speaking, my bike is a garage Queen; I don't ride if it's raining, I don't ride if rain is in the forecast above 50% and I mentally find peace of mind when applying copious amounts of elbow grease, detailing spray and a soft towel cleaning my bike in-between weekend rides...
 
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