I've always used pressure washers. Big chunks of mud, slight "road film", dust, or mud.. doesn't really matter. I get the big stuff off, then spray down with Simple Green, then hose again. That's it

 

i use a pressure washer on mine i just keep it away from it amd keep it moving

 

yeah the leaf blower rocks...blasts the water out of the clutch lever,brake lever, radiator, out from underneath the engine, off the chain, etc. life changing stuff.

 

you sound as **** as i am with my z400 so i'll give you a tip
after your bikes all nice and shiny... spray a little Pledge (you know the stuff to clean clean wood furniture) on a rag and wipe down all the plastic. it sounds stupid but the pledge lays down a film the hepls prevent the mud from sticking...
and no i don't work for Pledge any brand of the same type product i assume will work and it's cheaper than that bike wash crap.
doesn't stain plastic or hurt stickers/fx kits

 

I installed a pressure regulator on my pressure washer to control the output. Also I used Armor-All Tire Foam before I go riding, Just spray on and let sit a few seconds and wipe off. The mud just slides off when you wash it.

 

the first time I washed my quad was with a power washer and I took off the stickers that were on the fenders. Didn't really care too much. Other than that, pw'ers do an awesome job and won't ruin your quad.

Usually I go to a car wash and use their power washers cause it shoots out soap too.

 

I don't wash my quad up all that often. I find that everytime I get it all shinned up and looking good I smash it up.