Cleaning...

[38 OFF]

I realize this has been discussed ad nauseam, however, just want to be clear on what's ok and what's not.

Apparently S-100 is king. Can I spray that on everything, engine, brakes, cables etc.

Do you just spray it on, let it sit, then spray it off?

[Danny S]

S-100 (sold as HondaBrite also) is tough to beat.

Obviously it's a solvent.. I try to stay away from cable ends, go as lightly as possible around seals, etc.. but I have yet to do, see, or hear of any damage 1st hand from using S-100.

Little chain maintenance is due after you rinse the bike off (volumes posted about chain care, take your pick there, they all work pretty well as long as you pick one and stick with it).  Compressed air is handy to dry your bike off if you have a compressor.

Clean that bike up!

 

[JoDuc]

I'm actually still trying to figure it out myself....

I used the S100 and it left a residue everywhere on the bike. This weekend I bought some regular car wash soap and I'm planning on using that for the whole bike.

After I dry her, then I'll use only use the S100 on the tank, fender and cowl.

Nothing really gets too dirty except the wheels.... Maybe I'll put the S100 on there too? Not sure.... 

[ducducgooseme]

I use Macguire's quick detail for the cowl and tank.  For the wheels, I use Goo Gone liquid gel first, followed by the quick detail spray and a micro cloth.

[the_Journeyman]

I use regular car wash stuff on the tank & cowl & shine it up with express wax & such.  On the motor & wheels I use Simple Green or Go Green cleaner.  Squirt onto the grimy parts, rub the really dirty stuff, rinse good.  Seems to work good for me. 

JM

[A.duc.H.duc.]

I've heard lots of good stuff about s-100 but never really have been anal about cleaning my bike, mostly just soap and water, and a little watered down simple green on the really dirty spots on the motor.

Justin

[TJR178]

I bought some Motorex cleaner last time since there was no S-100 left.  I like it!  It's probably the same formulation, or damn close.

[corey]

I use regular car wash stuff on the tank & cowl & shine it up with express wax & such.  On the motor & wheels I use Simple Green or Go Green cleaner.  Squirt onto the grimy parts, rub the really dirty stuff, rinse good.  Seems to work good for me. 

JM

careful with simple green. something in the formula eats aluminum. the navy has outlawed it on carriers because of how quickly it rots aluminum.

[Bun-bun]

I wash the whole bike down, use Zymol car wash and a mitt, then hit the engine and the wheels with Zep orange cleaner, spray the whole thing off, and let it sit in the sun.

Question: Should I wax the painted bits? My bike is a dark, so it's not exactly "shiny" to begin with.

[Howie]

Wax will alter the look of the finish, different products, different results, but there will be some shine.

[mitt]

s-100 is overkill for 80% of the bike.  It is expensive, so why waste it?  I use it for brake discs, rims, and any oily grime on the engine and transmission.  I use automotive washing soap for the rest of the bike.

mitt

[raulduke]

it is getting to be time for a good wash....S100 only on the greasy bits...the rest just soap