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153 Posts
Its been filthy from the previous owner. Do I just hose her down..., do I use any wax. do I need to treat the tires or plastic with anything. My wheels are suoer dirty, what do I need to get all the Brake dust and crapo off
How The *&^ do I clean this thing
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39,300 Posts
Ok... standard car wash soap will do for the body and such.
Use some degreaser on the rims if they're really bad. I have some Castrol degreaser..purple spray bottle. Its not too harsh but strong enough.
DO NOT! DO NOT use a pressure sprayer on the bike!!! :nonod:
Use some degreaser on the rims if they're really bad. I have some Castrol degreaser..purple spray bottle. Its not too harsh but strong enough.
DO NOT! DO NOT use a pressure sprayer on the bike!!! :nonod:
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153 Posts
So Do I just hose the thing down them, or should I use a bucket and sponge. How about wax and taking care of the paint on the tank
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20,176 Posts
I agree to never use a pressure washer on a bike. You get water in places it was never meant to be. It can also push dirt under seals instead of cleaning it off.
Never wash a bike while the motor is hot. The heat will dry your cleaners and destroy the finish.
Wash and polish the fairings and tank the same way you would hand wash a car.
I would be careful with degreasers on painted wheels and other painted surfaces. Some will strip or fade paint. Wash them with soap and sponge rag first. Then you can see where the trouble spots are. I use WD-40 to get the gunk off the back wheel, chain and sprockets.
Never wash a bike while the motor is hot. The heat will dry your cleaners and destroy the finish.
Wash and polish the fairings and tank the same way you would hand wash a car.
I would be careful with degreasers on painted wheels and other painted surfaces. Some will strip or fade paint. Wash them with soap and sponge rag first. Then you can see where the trouble spots are. I use WD-40 to get the gunk off the back wheel, chain and sprockets.
I use those Mr.Clean sponges on the wheels and frame. I can't lie, my bike is normally dirty. So when I do clean it is way past due, kind of how you described your bike. Last time I cleaned I think it took me two sponges. One on the back wheel, and one for the front and the frame. However I don't have much frame showing.
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39,300 Posts
Yeah I DID say a mild degreaser.
Simple green is a great example that everybody knows.
Here's another tip for SG... Jeeps will like it... spray it on your clothing if you get fuel on it. This is a big problem for diesel. But spray a bit of simple green on it, wash it like normal and BANG no more smell!
Simple green is a great example that everybody knows.
Here's another tip for SG... Jeeps will like it... spray it on your clothing if you get fuel on it. This is a big problem for diesel. But spray a bit of simple green on it, wash it like normal and BANG no more smell!
I have this spray, i think it's called "Protect All" or something, but it's a mild cleaner/wax that i spray on the plastic whenever it's dirty. I do it maybe twice a week to keep my bike extra-shiny.
As for an actual wash, i just do it by hand with carwash soap and a spongue.
As for an actual wash, i just do it by hand with carwash soap and a spongue.
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893 Posts
Shan man is 100% correct. Simple green is perfect for this job. That's what we use at the track to clean all of the grease and brake dust off of our wheels. Does a great job.
Laura
Laura
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