most of the time its just a hose rinse, airfilter swap and chain lube and go-go-go, from 10 feet away or more the bike looks good and after 10 minutes its dirty anyway.......
Simple Green Extreme works fine. I avoid the standard Simple Green as I'm told it is acidic and will etch exposed aluminum surfaces. Simple Green is great for plastic parts and a chain soak before re-lubricating.
I grabbed this stuff the other day to wash my bike and was pretty freaking impressed with it. It is for "all" wheels and tires too so should be fine on exposed aluminum / rubber parts. Works better than most stuff. http://www.eagleone.com/pages/products/product.asp?itemid=1003
I use to use tire cleaners some years back and always though they worked really good. If these Huskys were aluminum frame I'd probable still use it.
I intend to wash mine someday but I've only had it for a year so I don't want to rush it, besides that's what creek crossings are for.
This stuff is great for the plastic after it's washed up. Look it up...A good coating of this helps keep the mud from sticking in the first place. You guys with the street/dual sport...this is right up your alley. Although it works for all...
I like my bikes clean and shiney, pressure wash first tooth brush and greased lightning when needed, then spray down with maxima clear coat polish,(sc1 think). Leaves bike very shiney and helps keep mud from sticking the next time. Always used the Plexus on the race boat windshields, blew the water off real well better than rain-x so you could see again after getting in someones spray. now I use the plexus on my goggles, mud doesn't stick, (easy to wipe off). GP
Simple green won't etch aluminum, but can stain it if you let it dry on exposed surfaces. I used to use the industrial Simple Green & it worked pretty good. Now I use the pre-soak used in touch free car washes. It works better & costs less.
Mr clean multiple surface cleaner for me, then maxima SC-1 to keep he dirt from sticking next time. Plus SC-1 gives your bik the new car (bike) smell.
Simple green in a spray bottle and some type of brush, rag, or sponge and then a good spraying with mop n glow.