Newbie Question_SD wash

Hello all. I think its my 1st post here

I want to give my SD a "bath" tomorrow. I know that I have to cover the exhausts in order to avoid incoming water. But I don't know what else to be aware of. What's the most proper way to clean its chain? I read in the manual that the X-ring chain is not allowed to be cleaned with brush.

Last question. Any suggests of cleaning products (sprays, foams, etc...)

Thanks in advance

the few times i've used water to wash my bike i haven't had any issues. i dont bother to plug the exhaust i just mind my water spraying at the back. i usually just use a spray polish to clean all the bugs and grime off.

http://www.parkeryamaha.com/amrepsprayc ... ginal.aspx

i use this on my chain after every ride.
http://www.parkeryamaha.com/amrepsprayc ... ginal.aspx

get yourself a microfibre wash cloth and do not be tempted by a sponge, it will just scratch the paintwork/plastics. I use the 2 bucket method. 1st bucket for washing and 2nd for rinsing. Then a hose on low pressure for final rinse. Dry bike and then use Autosol polish on paints and plastic polish on plastics. Finally a thin coat of ACF-50 on engine and metal works. Fantastic protection.

Chain wise, I keep mine spotless and use Profi Dry Lube as a lubricant/protector. You can go after the chain with a toothbrush and chain cleaner with no problems. Avoid pressure washers as they can force water past the X/O ring and into the chain interior. Exhausts come up a treat with WD40, as do most things. This can be applied everywhere if you prefer it to ACF-50.

i have always used a bucket and sponge to wash my bikes, i bung up the exhaust and use a quality car wash like mothers or meguiars, i'm careful where i put the sponge though, and i degrease the wheels and spray crc on the chain before i begin. once done i blow water off the bike with an air line then chamois. I dress the engine and exhaust with CRC, add a quick coat of wax to the paint and then give it a warm up before putting it away.

paul.

It's not just picking up grit ect from putting the sponge down Loony, its the grit you pick up off the bike itself as you wash it. Due to the way sponges are made that grit stays in contact with the bikes surface. With a microfibre wash cloth/mitt this isn't such a problem. I use something like this one.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Orange-Yellow-N ... 370&sr=8-3

Stay away from the SD with high pressure hoses and the like. Despite KTM being a dirt bike company the SD doesn'tlike moisture.
Problems with dash, the big grey plug and other electrical bits may arise if you ignore this warning.

As Klinck recommends, that is probably one of the best methods to avoid scratches, rinse and dry after with microfibre cloth and all is good.

I often use the two buckets method as Klincky describes, but I have also used a jetwash on occassion to start the process off when it's really filthy (as it is today). I stand well back and avoid linkages, wiring, dash and zorst, and use it more to remove bulk dirt - then back to bucket and cloth.

Thanks for your replies guys. Really appreciated.
I am confused regarding the chain. The manual says to avoid brushes and to use water ("The best way is to use lots of water, but never use brushes or solvents.") So what's the best way to go.?

Cheers and out