Ducati Monster Forum

Moto Board => General Monster Forum => Topic started by: Mac_48 on April 10, 2009, 07:35:55 PM

Title: how to clean the wheels
Post by: Mac_48 on April 10, 2009, 07:35:55 PM
while I like the white wheels on my s2r, they look bad after the shortest ride.....that isn't really a massive problem cause I bought the bike to ride.  The problem lies in the front wheel and it's dual rotors......how the hell do you clean the wheel in between those rotors? I haven't been able to figure out a way to clean that sucker well [bang]  thanks for the help!
Title: Re: how to clean the wheels
Post by: fastwin on April 10, 2009, 08:01:37 PM
I know there are plenty of anti-Simple Green folks out there but I have never had a problem with it. I put the bike up on front and rear stands. Spray the wheel while turning it and wipe it off with a clean paper towel. Repeat on both sides if needed. I like to hit both rims with Honda spray polish after they are clean. I think the spray polish finish helps with the next clean up. I have even waxed the rims with Mother's Carnauba wax after cleaning but I was bored and it seemed like the right thing to do at the time. [laugh] [drink] White rims do suck in that respect, but damn they look killer for the 5 minutes they are clean! [thumbsup]
Title: Re: how to clean the wheels
Post by: desmodue on April 10, 2009, 08:19:39 PM
(http://www.organize-it-online.com/images/oxo-scrubwand.jpg)+
(http://industrial.simplegreen.com/images/ind_prod_all_purpose_lg.jpg)+
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/4184cLQgEIL._SL500_AA280_.jpg)+
(http://www.wise4living.com/hgblower/images/electric_leaf_blower.jpg)
Title: Re: how to clean the wheels
Post by: DuciD03 on April 10, 2009, 09:13:34 PM
Quote from: desmodue on April 10, 2009, 08:19:39 PM
(http://www.organize-it-online.com/images/oxo-scrubwand.jpg)+
[/img]

WTF? ... ok I knida get the idea; but at first glance ... sheesh ...

wd40 works; then I use a a bit of bio chain cleaner; works well; if theres stubborn stains in the paint;  I'll use break cleaner; but you have to be carefull; it will eat through the finish ... then wax; and carefull not to get it on the rubber or it leavs a stain on the tires ...
Title: Re: how to clean the wheels
Post by: Snips on April 11, 2009, 03:20:10 AM
Quote from: DuciD03 on April 10, 2009, 09:13:34 PM
wd40 works

I'd be wary of spraying WD40 on the rims, as centrifugal force would send it to the tyres, with bad results.
Title: Re: how to clean the wheels
Post by: amcloud on April 11, 2009, 04:18:57 AM
You don't spray WD-40, a small amt on a rag and wipe.  Anyway, here is an extensive wheel cleaning discussion.

http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=18973.0 (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=18973.0)
Title: Re: how to clean the wheels
Post by: DuciD03 on April 11, 2009, 11:51:45 PM
Quote from: amcloud on April 11, 2009, 04:18:57 AM
You don't spray WD-40, a small amt on a rag and wipe.  Anyway, here is an extensive wheel cleaning discussion.

http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=18973.0 (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=18973.0)


wd 40 application tecnique correct .... never direct spray near rubber ... whats up with the "centerfugial force ?"... [cheeky]
Title: Re: how to clean the wheels
Post by: Popeye the Sailor on April 12, 2009, 10:01:50 AM
You'll find that after a short period of riding in the rain, the dirt will become one with the rim, thus forming a protective barrier, aka a "permacrud" which protects the rim from rock chips and other wear commonly encountered while riding. This aids in maintaining resale value because upon their first cleaning prior to sale, the wheels are revealed to be defect free and "as new". It's food for thought.
Title: Re: how to clean the wheels
Post by: He Man on April 12, 2009, 02:12:31 PM
try using paint stripper.
Title: Re: how to clean the wheels
Post by: CETME on April 12, 2009, 02:40:19 PM
I use WD40 as well. The wheels always come out pretty. I spray it directly on the wheel with the Wide Spray WD40 can, or I just spray it on one of those Blue Paper Towels

I've tried lots of products, but to me WD40 works best.  Some examples:

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i158/fmhipower/Bikes/Picture106.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i158/fmhipower/Bikes/DSC01246.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i158/fmhipower/Bikes/Picture047.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i158/fmhipower/Bikes/DSC01258.jpg)

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i158/fmhipower/Triangle/2.jpg)
Title: Re: how to clean the wheels
Post by: yoreese on April 12, 2009, 03:33:28 PM
I use Eagle One All Wheel Cleaner says it's safe for coated wheels.  Spray it on, use car wash soap and bucket, rinse and dry with towel.
Title: Re: how to clean the wheels
Post by: gOoIe B on April 12, 2009, 04:18:28 PM
like others have said, Honda Polish (or the rebadged, but looks-exactly-the-same-because-it-is stuff) is great.  excellent at breaking through chain grease, brake dust, tar blots, you name it.  I spray both wheels generously, wipe gently once with a clean red shop towel to remove the nasty, then buff to a wonderful shine with a clean microfiber towel.

great stuff  [thumbsup]
Title: Re: how to clean the wheels
Post by: alligator on April 12, 2009, 05:32:00 PM
I used to use Simple Green.  No complaints.  I like the WD40 idea though.

Better yet, I wish they would make Teflon covered wheels so the dust doesn't stick!
Title: Re: how to clean the wheels
Post by: El Matador on April 12, 2009, 09:20:55 PM
I drool over your bikes and bike adventures CETME. When I graduate, I doing Austin - Ushuaia or die trying.
Title: Re: how to clean the wheels
Post by: duc996 on April 12, 2009, 09:50:59 PM
WD 40 it is for me!
Title: Re: how to clean the wheels
Post by: sugarcrook on April 12, 2009, 10:46:21 PM
Clean wheels? 


Sissy.
Title: Re: how to clean the wheels
Post by: ROBsS4R on April 12, 2009, 11:25:08 PM

This stuff works wonders.

Believe it or not the can came from MrIncredible aka Someguy

(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2322/2507264318_ee3dc513bf.jpg)
Title: Re: how to clean the wheels
Post by: gearhead on April 13, 2009, 09:20:30 PM
Simple Green and along flexible brush.
Title: Re: how to clean the wheels
Post by: corey on April 14, 2009, 11:05:01 AM
man i don't know what is going on here?
i just use the same meguiars gold car wash that is in the bucket, and the same microfiber glove that is on my hand.
i get down on one knee, and i scrub it clean.... it takes like 1-2 minutes per wheel... what the hell are you guys riding in?!
Title: Re: how to clean the wheels
Post by: CETME on April 15, 2009, 05:57:12 PM
Quote from: corey on April 14, 2009, 11:05:01 AM
man i don't know what is going on here?
i just use the same meguiars gold car wash that is in the bucket, and the same microfiber glove that is on my hand.
i get down on one knee, and i scrub it clean.... it takes like 1-2 minutes per wheel... what the hell are you guys riding in?!

I actually don't ever get my bike wet.  I clean it with WD40, and the body work I use the Meguiars spray clean, and just wipe down the bodywork with a towel. I suppose I clean them often enough that they don't get dirty.

With the whole bike minus the wheels and bodywork, I just spray it down completely with WD40, and use compressed air to blow it off. It comes out shiny and clean as a whistle.  I clean the wheels by hand, WD40 on a rag of course.