Bike detailing gurus. I know your out there and we have talked about this before, but there may be some new tricks of the trade. I have the Beast home for a bit and have been wringing her neck, but the project is not over and I don't want it to get away from me.
So, what are the detail freaks (like me) doing to keep it pristine?
after getting my first ride in a couple days ago i was left with something resembling a dirt bike... well i got out the hose, gave everything a good blasting, took a soft mit with a small a mount of carwash soap and hit the tank,cowl, and fender first. that keeps you from bringing dirt and grease up from the lower parts of the bike and onto the nice paint.I then took a soft bristle brush and hit the lower half of the bike (frame and motor) and get that really good i then move to the wheels using the mit again. Im rinsing in between so the soap dosnt dry and leave spots, after it all looks good i give it another rinse and dry it all off, first with air then with a shammy (dont know how to spell shammy). I then go over everthing agaain with a soft dry towel starting from top to bottom, i like to use a squirt of windex on the mirrors and my gauge clusters and also us mothers chrome polish on my exhaust "tips". I dont wax the tank or anything just keep it wiped down. I wonder what tire shine would look like....jk.
Be careful with water under pressure in the steering head and swingarm pivot areas.
You won't be happy in the long run.
agreed dont blast the sensitive areas or critical mechanical parts just the hard surfaces....
"Shammy" is chamois....for what it's worth. ;)
I don't use water on my bikes at all. I use windex, or PJ1, or other purpose specific cleaners, but not water.
I also live in a desert, so take that for what it's worth.
Cloner
ABQ, NM
S100 also works well!
i've used WD40 to clean the greasy parts of the motor after reading about it on here. (obviously staying away from the chain, rotors, etc.)
I wash it just like my car. I lightly rinse/mist to get every thing wet, then I go at her with a bucket of warm soapy water and a rag. I wash every thing not greasy first then use that rag for the areas that get oily build up. Then rinse and wipe dry. I'll also run the engine to get rid of any stand water.
for the wheels use a micro fiber cloth and regular rubbing alcohol, both cheap and leaves no streaks whatsoever.
For the engine casing, front forks and swing arm on my S4R I use the same if it's not crusted with road grime (fat chance since I clean it after every ride) but if it rains or something similar I use NON-CHLORINATED brake cleaner from Auto Zone and it dissolves that stuff right off. Notice I put non-chlorinated, just be sure and don't spray it on painted surfaces. For the paint a wet micro fiber with bug spray to get the crusted bugs off and then Zaino gloss enhancer spray. I've owned too many black cars and bikes and have found Zaino is the best on dark colors and you can put multiple caps of coatings without problems in no time flat. Check it out at zainostore.com
Anyone who knows me knows I'm very OCD about my bike being clean and in the end after thousands of dollars over the years found that cheap-ass alcohol did the trick for most things.
One of the best bits of kit that I've bought in years was purchased from Home Depot when I was on holiday afew years ago,
It's a $30 Homelite electric blower which I use to dry my bike after it's been carefully washed and rinsed, you'd be amazed how much water that it shifts, I then finish off with a damp chamios and polish with a micro fibre cloth... [thumbsup]
[coffee]
Quote from: geoffduc on February 20, 2011, 09:19:47 AM
One of the best bits of kit that I've bought in years was purchased from Home Depot when I was on holiday afew years ago,
It's a $30 Homelite electric blower which I use to dry my bike after it's been carefully washed and rinsed, you'd be amazed how much water that it shifts, I then finish off with a damp chamios and polish with a micro fibre cloth... [thumbsup]
[coffee]
Me too. But I just use my electric Black and Decker yard/leaf blower. I also wash it like a car starting at the top (windscreen, tank, fenders/bodywork) using sudsy car wash and a gentle water flow from the garden hose. I use ex-house bath cotton towels that have gone out of favor with the Mrs. for drying. Along with the leaf blower. I do the wheels last in the same fashion. Also a big fan of Honda's Spray Cleaner and Polish when a bath isn't needed.
Best types of small brushes to get at the nooks and crannies?
I've used long Q-tips and used baby bottle brush cleaners (the small ones) work great for nooks and crannies.
Quote from: sisca77 on February 20, 2011, 10:34:17 PM
I've used long Q-tips and used baby bottle brush cleaners (the small ones) work great for nooks and crannies.
I ain't got no linoleum lizards. :D Where do I find baby bottle brushes?
Mr. Clean Washer thing. then Plexus and a lint free rag
Hmmm....I use my daughter's used ones. Other than that....try Walmart or Target ;D.
Quote from: sisca77 on February 20, 2011, 10:53:47 PM
Hmmm....I use my daughter's used ones. Other than that....try Walmart or Target ;D.
[thumbsup]
i found electric toothbrushes work really well in hard to reach spots around the engine and brake calipers, and i use rainex on the mirrors.
Quote from: hadesducati848 on February 20, 2011, 11:17:34 PM
i found electric toothbrushes work really well in hard to reach spots around the engine and brake calipers, and i use rainex on the mirrors.
Good idea, mine just sit on the charger anyway. :D
i always found that standard washing with soap and water was fine, and when rinsing off just spray it as a fine mist and its fine, sort of like if you rode the bike in the rain, obviously i'm not power washing or even own a powerwasher and aiming it at pivot points, but i think the misting to get all the soap an such off wont' get into the bearings.
Quote from: kopfjäger on February 20, 2011, 11:20:00 PM
Good idea, mine just sit on the charger anyway. :D
lol you could or you can just pick up the five dollar ones from walmart
between that and the citrace clean my 848 and 696 look like they came right off the show room floor
I use what used to be " Honda spray cleaner & polish " now called ORIGINAL bike spirits, spray cleaner & polish.
You can buy it at any bike shop for less than $10.
I spray it on all body work , windscreen, forks, brake monoblocs, engine, and also wheels after they have been cleaned w, ZEP Heavy-Duty citrus DEGREASER sprayed on w, the fine spray setting, available at auto parts stores for about $10.
The " Polish " you just let set for about 5 minutes , then use a micro fiber towel or cloth and wipe it and the bugs and grime off and it should leave a shine like wax or polish like the name implies .
I buy a bag of red shop rags and use them for lower down on the bike and on the engine and exhaust, available at the auto parts store for maybe $5.
ZEP Degreaser, spray it on the wheels and the exhaust system.
Let it set for about 3 minutes but don't allow it to dry .
Flush it off w, cool clean water.
Take a blower of some sort and try and blow all the water off the bike parts that have water on them
You can put the Degreaser on the engine if it has cooled down.
Once the wheels are dry , spray some of the polish on them and shine them up.
You can use the polish on the mirrors also and the gauges and their mountings.
By no means use any tire shine on your tires unless you want to end up on your ass.
You can put the Degreaser on your rear sprocket and clean it , just leave it on for 3 minutes and wash off w, clean , cool water and blow dry, and then use the polish on it.
I know this sounds like a lot to do maybe but hey, I do it every time I come back from a ride.
I guess that's why my bikes always look like new !
Dolph [moto]
Quote from: kopfjäger on February 20, 2011, 11:20:00 PM
Good idea, mine just sit on the charger anyway. :D
does that mean you dont brush?
I take it you're British?
Quote from: kopfjäger on February 20, 2011, 11:20:00 PM
Good idea, mine just sit on the charger anyway. :D
Quote from: gregrnel on February 21, 2011, 07:20:24 AM
I take it you're British?
And what the F**k is that suppose to mean... ???
[coffee]
This thread is funny. Q-tips, baby bottle brush cleaners... [laugh]
I'm so glad I am not cursed with the affliction of wanting a pristine motorcycle. I get it, but luckily dirty motorcycles make me happy.
I guess no one has heard the old adage "a clean motorcycle is a sign of a sick mind"?
I'm just propagating the old British have bad teeth stereotype, you know, like Austin Powers. [clap]
Quote from: geoffduc on February 21, 2011, 08:30:46 AM
And what the F**k is that suppose to mean... ???
[coffee]
Quote from: hadesducati848 on February 20, 2011, 11:17:34 PM
i found electric toothbrushes work really well in hard to reach spots around the engine and brake calipers, and i use rainex on the mirrors.
Kopf, you will appreciate this. I always rotate my old (manual) toothbrushes to the garage tool box and/or gun cleaning kit when I get a new one. Toothbrushes are great for getting to small nooks and crannys on scooters and firearms. Got my shooting buddies to take up the same habit. Believe it or not your basic Oral B type toothbrush will not even be fazed by aerosol Birchwood-Casey Gunscrubber spray!! And that shit is tough on everything!! When the brushes get nasty from bike or gun crud I just spray them clean with Gunscrubber. Gave me a whole new appreciation of toothbrushes. [thumbsup] ;D
Leaf blowers work great for getting water out of the nether regions.....
These are great for cleaning all those pesky chain links.
(http://www.rabbitlaserusa.com/images/supplies/DentalPicks.jpg)
i'm surprised no one has mentioned this yet.
my secret....Mr Clean's magic eraser.
(http://thecraftydollar.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/mr-clean1.jpg)
i don't use it on painted surfaces as i'm not sure if it would take away the clearcoat or even possibly the paint.
i use it to clean up metal surfaces after a wash. basically like a clay bar but on the frame, forks, swingarm, engine and such. removes dirt, grime, tar, wax and all pretty easily.
for those who are unfamiliar with the product, its basically a sponge and that's it. no chemicals or anything. just wet, squeeze then use. it works b/c it has millions of extremely tiny holes that dirt and grime attach to. i guess kinda like activated carbon for drinking water...
I used it to clean up a scuff mark on my car's bumper and maybe i scrubbed to hard or something but the paint become dull. so i had to polish after using it and all was good again. however, on the bike, i just keep to metal services to save myself the trouble. not saying it would ruin your tank, just saying i dont know and haven't tried.
by the way, it's great on scuff marks on walls, to clean athletic shoes, clean up the last bit of a sticker you removed, etc.
Usually go with any kitchen degreaser around the engine area to get rid of the black stuff. And I always make it a point to go for ride after a wash, making sure i gather enough speed to wick water away from hard to reach areas.
Quote from: jc.cyberdemon on February 21, 2011, 02:22:46 AM
does that mean you dont brush?
Ha. :D Yeah, just the old school way. ;)
be careful with the magic eraser it is a slight abrasive, if you rub too hard on the walls too much with it it will take off teh paint on a wall. its probably good for dull metal or uncoated metal but i wouldn't use it too much on painted metals or other things that have a very smooth finish or a clearcoat, never use it on a painted surface.
also what is with leaf blowers and such to dry the bike, the fastest way to dry the bike is to go for a ride on the highway and get it up to about 60-80mph and it will dry off real quick everywhere.
Quote from: sbrguy on February 21, 2011, 07:17:58 PM
also what is with leaf blowers and such to dry the bike, the fastest way to dry the bike is to go for a ride on the highway and get it up to about 60-80mph and it will dry off real quick everywhere.
Yeah, then all the road dirt you kick up sticks to the water as its drying and you're back at it again. ;)
sc1
Quote from: bobspapa on February 21, 2011, 08:42:52 PM
sc1
Quit pimping. :D I know you got more than that, I've seen your bikes. ;)
Quote from: kopfjäger on February 21, 2011, 09:01:31 PM
Quit pimping. :D I know you got more than that, I've seen your bikes. ;)
garage+beer+car soap+a Frank Sinatra cd+time+a lil sc1= a clean scoot [beer] ;D
just keep it off the seat/tires and hand grips 8)
Quote from: kopfjäger on February 21, 2011, 08:18:09 PM
Yeah, then all the road dirt you kick up sticks to the water as its drying and you're back at it again. ;)
ride faster and the dirt won't even have a chance to stick on. [laugh]
Quote from: bobspapa on February 22, 2011, 08:36:49 PM
garage+beer+car soap+a Frank Sinatra cd+time+a lil sc1= a clean scoot
[thumbsup] I am trying to avoid wet washing at all cost. I'm down with the beer and Frank though. ;)
Quote from: sbrguy on February 22, 2011, 08:54:44 PM
ride faster and the dirt won't even have a chance to stick on. [laugh]
[laugh] [thumbsup]
Griot's Garage makes waterless Carwash liquid that you spray on and wipe off.
griotsgarage.com
Dolph [moto]
I've had my 01 900ie for 9 years now and I've rarely washed it with water. I live in a townhouse survey so no hose out front.
I use WD40 and clean rags.......................it's always worked great and never damaged anything that I can tell.
Quote from: sbrguy on February 21, 2011, 07:17:58 PM
be careful with the magic eraser it is a slight abrasive, if you rub too hard on the walls too much with it it will take off teh paint on a wall. its probably good for dull metal or uncoated metal but i wouldn't use it too much on painted metals or other things that have a very smooth finish or a clearcoat, never use it on a painted surface.
also what is with leaf blowers and such to dry the bike, the fastest way to dry the bike is to go for a ride on the highway and get it up to about 60-80mph and it will dry off real quick everywhere.
thanks for verifying this. good thing i've been to scared to try on any painted surfaces. whew...
I kinda do a 'waterline' wash and detail. Meaning that I don't often hose everything off in the cluster / gauge area with H2O.
In a shaded area, I rinse the bike with cool water (garden hose) from the steering head down. Seat is off, wheels propped up on stands, etc. I know people freak when they hear Simple Green, but it does work really well, and I have yet to have any issue with it removing any finishes on any bike I have owned. I don't let it sit on the bike though. I do 1/4 of the bike at a time, and swab it into nooks and crannies with a 2" chip brush. Those are the really cheap 'paint brushes' you see at Home Depot for 79 cents or whatnot. If you want to get really retentive (hey, you asked about detailing), cover the metal part of the paintbrush with electrical tape so you don't ding your paint when swabbing tight areas. I also have a longer brush for deeper areas and cleaning.
Once I'm done with that area, rinse it well and move on. Front wheel and left engine, side cases and rear wheel, etc. Try to use different brishes for dirt (wheel spray area) versus paint and cosmetic areas. Once I'm done rinsing the last area, I'll dry it with a few 3M microfiber cloths. Like a chamois, but they are re-washable and soft every time. The wheels etc get shop rags. Then, to comPLETELY dry the hard to reach areas, I use compressed air and go around the bike 2-3 times. Follow this with a quick spritz of WD-40 on all pivots and joints.
Then if you want to go to the next level, get the microfiber cloths and wax the paint and frame. I do that 1 or 2 times a year. For black, use a synthetic sponge cut into a small 3" wedge, and use that to apply 'Back to Black' or something like that. the sponge evens out the silicone weirdness, and isn't as shiny. Never on the seat or tires.
Yeah, it's retentive as hell, but you asked. It takes me about 40 minutes to do it all, but I likes me a clean bike.
Quote from: live2ride on February 23, 2011, 03:00:47 PM
thanks for verifying this. good thing i've been to scared to try on any painted surfaces. whew...
the only reason i know that the magic eraser is abrasive is from taking the paint off the walls in a rental aprtment, its great for getting off small scuffs and such and most times its awesome but if the scuff is really deep you have a tendency to keep using the magic eraser in one place for a couple of scrubs and suddenly you are looking at the primer on teh wall, oops.
that is why i won' use it on any painted surface or plastic surface of a bike, now unpainted metal or bare metal that is a different story it might be good for stuff that you would normally use something like scotchbright or such on, such as the headers or what have you.
im still stuck in teh 1500s. Showers cause disease. So my bike stays dirty 24/7
Anyone speaks one joke about my bike and chicken grease and I will eat your first child!!!!!! [evil]
Quote from: He Man on February 28, 2011, 01:14:25 PM
im still stuck in teh 1500s. Showers cause disease. So my bike stays dirty 24/7
Anyone speaks one joke about my bike and chicken grease and I will eat your first child!!!!!! [evil]
My first child is 6'4...
I don't think you can do it.
Have never washed my bike, but it also stays in the rain. It's rough enough that the dirt makes it look better. I'm quickly approaching Mr. Incredible dirt levels.
[laugh]
Rode in rain, sleet, and snow/hail on Sunday.Somehow managed to clean and shine the bike with 6 micro fiber cloths, paper towels, sc1, original bike's spray cleaner & polish, and Q-tips. [moto]
Quote from: sisca77 on February 28, 2011, 10:58:11 PM
Rode in rain, sleet, and snow/hail on Sunday.Somehow managed to clean and shine the bike with 6 micro fiber cloths, paper towels, sc1, original bike's spray cleaner & polish, and Q-tips. [moto]
[thumbsup]
Thanks for all the input. As I said I'm trying to dry clean only, maybe the rims and tires will get wet washed. I have no plastic so no wax on the CF till Nate gets it to properly clear. (or he will hunt me down like a baby Seal).
I have been using some different S100 products, a little WD40 here and there. This bike will never get a lot of road grime, as its cleaned after every ride.
Got some great big fat q tips from the Harley dealer. They are great. Once again, the project is not done, so I don't want it to get away from me.
I keep my shit clean, that's a 92 Toyota in the back round. ;)
(http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa91/chiflado/IMAG0067.jpg)
Big fat Q-tips, huh? I gotta get me some of those.
dont use wd-40 on anything you want painted or cleared may cause problems for the painter later on....
Quote from: jc.cyberdemon on March 03, 2011, 11:16:21 PM
dont use wd-40 on anything you want painted or cleared may cause problems for the painter later on....
[thumbsup]
Quote from: jc.cyberdemon on March 03, 2011, 11:16:21 PM
dont use wd-40 on anything you want painted or cleared may cause problems for the painter later on....
Don't forget armor-all and anything that has silicone in it.
He already got the 'lecture'. [laugh]
Post ride clean up, using S100 products.
(http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa91/chiflado/clean002.jpg)
What rear sets are those mate?
Bike is sexy [beer] [thumbsup]
Quote from: Droopz on March 16, 2011, 10:35:08 PM
What rear sets are those mate?
Bike is sexy [beer] [thumbsup]
Cycle Cat, purchased before their demise. ;)
Don't jump all over me but what the hell are Q-tips??????.. :-[
Daryl the bikes looking mean and clean or is it clean and mean.. [bow_down]
And the truck looks badass as well... ;) ;) blimey did I say that.. 8)
[coffee]
blah, blah, blah...
Riding time >> cleaning time.
Y'all are anal!
;)
q-tips are the things used to clean your ears and possibly belly button.....
Quote from: geoffduc on March 17, 2011, 01:12:55 AM
Don't jump all over me but what the hell are Q-tips??????.. :-[
[coffee]
Originally they were called "Baby Gays" or maybe you've heard them called cotton buds.
Thanks guys, cotton buds it is then... :-[
[coffee]
Quote from: geoffduc on March 17, 2011, 01:12:55 AM
what the hell are Q-tips??????.. :-[
Geoff,
Also a term used to describe the old,old people that drive around Florida by the thousands...especially in Winter.
Dolph ;D
Quote from: DoubleEagle on March 18, 2011, 03:20:42 PM
Geoff,
Also a term used to describe the old,old people that drive around Florida by the thousands...especially in Winter.
Dolph ;D
Last visited Florida in 2009, stayed with friends and meet some really nice guys at daytona (CDC members), had a great time but felt like a teenager some days (I was 65 then) when out and about with all the really, really old folks, I know alot of you guys must get pissed off with them but hats off to them for keeping on keeping on... ;) ;)
[coffee]
Quote from: geoffduc on March 20, 2011, 04:01:14 AM
Last visited Florida in 2009, stayed with friends and meet some really nice guys at daytona (CDC members), had a great time but felt like a teenager some days (I was 65 then) when out and about with all the really, really old folks, I know alot of you guys must get pissed off with them but hats off to them for keeping on keeping on... ;) ;)
[coffee]
Glad they are still with us...but getting around down in Fla. in the Winter on the Gulf Coast , especially around " Wrinkle " City...that's St. Petersburg to the less informed , is like driving w. the blind w. Parkinsons.
Sort of like Mr. Grace on " Are you Being Served ."
Dolph [moto]