Avoiding the Obvious
Almost any chore can be undesirable or oppressive. The difference between that and something that done with ease, or better, an action that provides a reward, is attitude. At least I like to think of it that way and not just a matter of laziness.
Washing dishes, mopping a floor, raking leaves — just some of the activities that can provide, when my head is in the right place, a quiet meditative experience.
Not so washing my Vespa scooter. I never enjoy that chore. In a post titled Annual Vespa Wash I confess to a “…pathological disinterest in maintenance…”.
I can’t remember the last time I washed the scooter.
Why Clean When You Can Ride.
Riding is the important goal and there are enough things that intrude (health, weather, work) that I have no control over that I don’t want to manufacture more things that will keep me off the scooter. At least that’s the delusion which animates my spirit. And I accept the genuine possibility that it is a profound character defect that exacts a price in dollars.
But so far, I just don’t care.
On some machines, it’s the rust, dirt and grease that holds things together. I’m not saying that applies to a Vespa…
There’s not much rust save for the muffler (which was recently replaced so it’s nice at the moment) and the underside after many years of abuse. Mostly it’s tarnish and a dim patina of neglect. If I washed it good and put some rubbing compound and wax to it the Vespa would shimmer.
But surprisingly, the Vespa looks good with a coating of use. To me anyways…
I have friends I call “rubbers”….as opposed to riders.
They have what appears to be an incurable need to clean and polish their machines even during prime riding time.
Bikes become accessory bling…..got over that long ago.
Preventive Maintenance on the other hand can be a rewarding chore for me.
I’ve met a few rubbers. Or they want to protect their investment. But you’ll never find me rubbing during prime riding time!
“Rubbers”?!? LOL.
One of the reasons I LOVE my F650GS is it’s supposed to look dirty and well-used. In my opinion, anyway.
A few days back you claimed not to look like your father ( the snake hunter with high boots )..
Don’t fool yourself my blogging friend, your appearance suggests the same DNA. And, a fortunate thing.
Keep blogging, it is my vicarious Vespa that I have forsaken for a new travel trailer. Decisions and compromise are not in sync.
There’s a long story of the extended family and aunts and uncles along with no pictures of me until 8 weeks old and none of my pregnant mother that had me wondering if I was adopted. But yes, I do look a lot like my pop!
A travel trailer — there is a time everything under heaven…
You continue to give me hope.
Now do the same for yourself. Take a hold of your diet and you will live longer ; you already know the secret to happiness.
Namaste
Diet — what a simple thing but a terribly daunting task. So easy to lose control with so much “junk” everywhere.
Endure the good struggle!
I only clean my bikes for others sensitivities. Otherwise bugs stay on the front, road grit piles up and oxidation on aluminum turns gray. I’d rather ride than clean.
I think I’ll steal your comment Jim — “I’d rather ride than clean.” Seems perfect for a scooter rider like me!
That’s why I ride in the rain. Because we were in a drought it got really dirty.
Absolutely. I’ve definitely used a good rainy ride to clean the scooter.
think of the layer of caked on road grime and such as a protective layer against the elements…. 🙂
I tend to wash off the mag-chloride from the shiny bits on my rig, the rest of the rig doesn’t get much besides a quick spray with the hose when its warm enough outside…
I should probably take the hose to the scooter more often. Just to knock off the big chunks…
The problem with a new (as in my case about a year back) or restored-to-look-like-new (as in your case recently) bike is that you’re almost afraid to take the damned thing anywhere for fear of mucking it up. I was reminded of this when I took Melody in for her first service last Summer. I’d been giving the bike a modicum of cosmetic TLC (Detailer-in-a-Can…who knew?) which took care of the more obvious dirty bits, but when I picked up my bike the following day I witnessed the difference between a casual touch-up and stem-to-stern, hardcore detailing: the thing shone like the day I first rode it off the lot that previous September. Yowza.
Just looked at the bike a half-hour ago. Doesn’t look awful, but needs a wipe-down and the wheels need a good washing. Sig. Other finally got her Honda CR-V (Harriet…I fell even less silly about naming my Vespa now) to the car-wash a few days ago, and she’s showing Melody up. :-;
So far I’ve not been swayed to not take the scooter out for fear of getting it mucked up. I have a healthy desire to use rather than protect when it comes to machines. Same went for my dear Leica M6.
Hardcore detailing works magic indeed. Yowza is right!
The TW gets hosed off (almost) every time I come home. Too much caked on mud is bad for an air-cooled motor.
The other two get washed and waxed twice yearly whether they need it or not.
..And apparently the sportbike could use washing a bit more often. Last time my I had it out my sister came over and while she was visiting asked me when I got new silver rims for on the poor beastie. Had to tell her they’ve always been silver, I just don’t wash them very often. /sigh
Air cooled…yup…hose it.
Chain drive…clean properly and lube.
Tires…inflated to ride intended.
Clean mirrors, cause of the arse hole that is slidin sideways behind you at the stop light cause he did’t see you….
Clean licence plate to keep the bored cop from a joy ride to harass u.
Clean license plate — check.
Mud on the fins of an air-cooled motor definitely needs some attention. To me that’s more like checking the tire pressure or oil level. It’s a task to perform so you can ride!
Sounds like you’re riding Heather — not fussing over the cosmetics of machinery. That’s a good thing.
Hose it when it cools off
Probably the easiest, simplest approach.
I don’t think of bike washing as a household chore, but I don’t like doing that either. Way too many nooks and crannies.
When I think of some motorcycles to acquire, especially those with chains, I get discouraged at the thought of more maintenance…