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Pinned How to Clean Your Pride and Joy.

Discussion in 'Maintenance' started by aky141, Aug 17, 2015.

  1. aky141

    aky141 Well-Known Member

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    Hi all, Al Here, I shall be hopefully be writing you all a informative guide, To cover the basics eg. wouldn't know what a sponge was if it hit you in the face, To the more advanced stuff for our motorcycle vets on here.

    Before I even get started,
    ALWAYS. Not sometimes. Not occasionally. ALWAYS READ THE INSTRUCTIONS. If you damage your bike, you will have only yourself to blame

    I'm a Detailer on HD Motorcycles at a Reputable shop. I can't be responsible for any damage you cause to your motorcycle. But take comfort in the fact i will never advise the use of something i wouldn't happily slather all over my pride and joy without a second thought.

    CLEAN Microfibre is your best friend.

    Your Bike will only looks as good as the amount of effort you put in.
    Spending 20 minutes with the best products in the world will never look as good as 3-4hr loving.



    Part 1. Your basic wash.
    I'm sure the majority of you have had a go at washing your bike(If not, Do it ya slacker).
    Depending on how dirty your bike is, there is two types,
    A "Dry" wash, and a "Wet" wash.

    A Dry wash as the name suggests, is well, dry. It involves the use of chemical cleaners and are only really to be used if you take it for one 20 minute ride and want to tidy up again or it's got dusty from sitting in the shed. I use a Meguires Spray Detailer,(Most spray detailers are good too but some can damage perspex and windscreens, Consult your can!) It smells good and leaves a decent shine for a spruce up to brush the dust off. ONLY Used with CLEAN Microfibre.

    A Wet wash Involves water and is what you do if you motorcycle is dirty or too dusty for a dry wash.
    Pick a Good Car wash for your bike I use Armour All, but as long as it's quality, it should be ok,
    Grab yourself a decent sized bucket, and follow instruction on container, Is generally 1 or 2 lid-fulls per bucket.
    Fill it up with clean water.( Pro tip: If using a hose or a fast flowing tap use your sponge the slow water flow, by sticking hose into sponge, so you don't end up with a bucket of bubbles)
    You should have a few bubbles and the Wash fluid should be mixed nicely with water so they become one.
    Pretty Easy right?

    Next, I would recommend some degreaser for chain lube affected areas, it works ok on brake dust too, Try to avoid the chain as O-Rings can be damaged by such abuse.
    For your wheels and tyres, I use Harley Davidson Wheel and Tyre Cleaner. It's pretty Cheap and it's the best thing they make In my opinion Motorcycles included :p. It Leaves a Fresh Rubber look. Rather than a Cheap Car yard silicone Shoddy shine that tyre shine does, and as a added bonus, It wont make your tyres slippery :) (Follow the instructions on bottle)

    The above two are not required, but do look good and make life easier.


    To be continued.......As it's 12:30 am and i'm tired
    Until then, Hope you've enjoyed thus far
    Cheers
     
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  2. aky141

    aky141 Well-Known Member

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  3. aky141

    aky141 Well-Known Member

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  4. Th3_Huntsman

    Th3_Huntsman Senior Member Contributing Member

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    I can't unlock it but if you type out part 2 in a comment I can merge them and delete these comments
     
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