Bike Detailing

[NorDog]

These are great for cleaning all those pesky chain links.

[live2ride]

i'm surprised no one has mentioned this yet.

my secret....Mr Clean's magic eraser.



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.

[chixstrip]

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.

[Kopfjager]

does that mean you dont brush?

Ha.    Yeah, just the old school way. 

[sbrguy]

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.

[Kopfjager]

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. 

[Grampa]

sc1

[Kopfjager]

sc1

Quit pimping.    I know you got more than that, I've seen your bikes. 

[Grampa]

Quit pimping.    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

just keep it off the seat/tires and hand grips

[sbrguy]

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. 

[Kopfjager]

garage+beer+car soap+a Frank Sinatra cd+time+a lil sc1= a  clean scoot

 I am trying to avoid wet washing at all cost. I'm down with the beer and Frank though.  

[Kopfjager]

ride faster and the dirt won't even have a chance to stick on. 

[DoubleEagle]

Griot's Garage makes waterless Carwash liquid that you spray on and wipe off.

griotsgarage.com

Dolph      [moto]

[pitbull]

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.

[live2ride]

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...