Cleaning

[SM93]

I am giving my bike its once in a lifetime clean!!! fitting some new bits and pieces but its need a good clean before i put it back together.

Need some tips on wat products to use for cleaning engine & frame.

I am a newbie to cleaning so go easy.

[Martyd]

I am giving my bike its once in a lifetime clean!!! fitting some new bits and pieces but its need a good clean before i put it back together.

Need some tips on wat products to use for cleaning engine & frame.

I am a newbie to cleaning so go easy.

Dont get it dirty in the first place... :shrug:

[Ash007]

Truck wash and the careful use of a pressure washer.

[gytr_r1]

Meguiars make a range of products for plastics through to hard removal of grime stuff... Worked really well on getting the chain fling off of the R1 with minimal effort... Don't spray their EZ Clean spray stuff on anything iridium coated though

clicky (http://www.meguiars.com.au/product_2006.php?category=MOTORCYCLE&subcat=Wash%20and%20Maintain&show=5)

[SM93]

thanks, the main areas of concern are the engine and frame

[shane]

cant beat FAB :-} it does a great job of cleaning

[Daws]

Jov, I've recently started using CT18? (I think) for general cleaning, it seems to do the job well. Bucket, sponge, hose and a couple of brushes is all you need. I sometimes use a pressure washer but it's not really necessary unless there's muck hanging off it and they can do more harm than good. Stay away from Washing up liquid, it sometimes contains salts and these will obviously cause the bike to rust. Also stay away from abrasives (scotchbrite, autosol etc.) on aluminium unless the finish is really fucked, you'll be polishing it forever. Although red and green scotchbrite pads are great on stainless steel and titanium.

Use a degreaser for any oily muck but make sure you keep it away from any bearings etc. You can also use brake cleaner for this... I'm a big fan of brake cleaner, when all else fails, brake cleaner will shift it. Metho is pretty good for removing chainlube from exhausts etc.

I usually take the plastics off the bike and clean them in the sink... or bath! Obviously be careful if you are hosing your bike with no plastics on.

I use lots of silicon type spray to protect afterwards, I use a spray designed for printing rollers as it has no kerosene in it and goes on pretty dry (compared to WD40 or RP7). Edit, silicon sprays are great for waterproofing electrics too.

I'm a big fan of having a clean bike so I tend to spend a bit of time on cleaning. I'm sure there are a few things I've missed but if you're bored one weekend bring your bike up to the coast and I'll give you a hand.

[SM93]

the ironic thing is my crf250 i use for MX/Flat track is alot cleaner than my tard...............

once all my goodies arrive i will get my clean on. I have an unopened bottle of ct18 in my room.

[SM93]

does riding through soapy water work?

[Martyd]

We use to let CT18 "soak in" on car engines...worked a treat... - can be used un-diluted

[SlickNCGhia]

i just use degreaser, sometimes turps.

you just goto be carefull not to leave it on the metal too long as it might take away some of the finish.

but if you saw any of my bikes you would ignore my cleaning advise :)

[HyperGez]

I use ct18 also, can't beat it.
The good thing about a big clean is that it usually reveals a few things that need attention, that's how i came across buggered swingarm linkage bearings.
But it's a painful first ride after a clean, i dirtied mine today:cry::)

[SM93]

maybe i shouldn't clean my bike then

[kakoii]

jif is brilliant for white plastics.

[ozz]

I use lots of silicon type spray to protect afterwards, I use a spray designed for printing rollers as it has no kerosene in it and goes on pretty dry (compared to WD40 or RP7). Edit, silicon sprays are great for waterproofing electrics too.



hey supa, are you a printer by any chance?

[skinnywhiteguy]

I think someone already said brake cleaner, very good stuff for hard to move grease, or carby cleaner as a good alternative, same job, same smell different name. If you have any shiny bits or bits that should be shiny, meguairs metal polish

[skinnywhiteguy]

how about u just do a ride threw a brush-less car wash?

they sense where u are so u wont get touched and all u have to do is sit on the bike (goggles on) and let it go around you.. the best part is the air to dry you off, it would be like being in a wind tunnel but not :p

dont forget the helmet cam and then youtube it ok.

:lol: do it

just like this YouTube - Motorcycle in Car Wash

[Fazio]

will do it for small donation. haha

[ApatheticEnd]

I use brake cleaner on really stubborn stuff on metal surfaces.

[MarkeeMark]

K & H wax and grease remover goes alright too!

[Daws]

hey supa, are you a printer by any chance?

Nope, I used to share a house with a sparky who worked for a printing firm and he sourced a "few" cans for me :D

[Dyer]

on the hondas especially, certain types of dirt and grime will stain the motor and frame really quickly, and washing using some kinds of water will cause the same type of damage.

i use ct18 on the whole bike with a pressure cleaner, then degreaser over the motor and chain. then if there is any stubborn marks on the cases and frame, i use a mild acid (cant remember what it is, will check tonight) in a sqirty bottle directly on the marks then quickly wash it off.

brings them up real nice.

[ozz]

Nope, I used to share a house with a sparky who worked for a printing firm and he sourced a "few" cans for me :D

too bad... I could do with some help.

any printers or finishers out there?