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[skydiverbob]

I'm looking for something to brighten up the rubber on my tires and keep them from looking dull.  I know there are products that make them them look shiny and wet.  I know not to use Armor All because that kind of slick can kill you.  What can I use safely? 

[DICKW]

slick can kill you.  What can I use safely? 

That's why I don't use anything.... 

[09S/E roadglide]

Ive never used anything eather. just cleaned the tire with soap and water. If there is something out there it would be cool

[Fired00d]

I use Black Magic Tire Wet Foam. Put it on w/a small sponge avoiding tread, then spray some window cleaner (w/ammonia) over it and wipe off excess. The window cleaner helps dry it, and also cleans the chrome rims from any smudges.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[LarryB]

here's a little secret. Aerospace 303, get it at boat/marine shops

[DICKW]

here's a little secret. Aerospace 303, get it at boat/marine shops

Rocket Scientist.....

[LarryB]

the more you use it the less you need it.

[DCFIREMANN]

If you are going to put your bike in a show, that would be the only time I would put ANYTHING on my tires. Remember you only have 2 and corner on the edges!

Be Safe

THE DAWG 

[Wanna ride]

You remember that old product, Scrubbin' Bubbles? That works awesome on cleaning them to a new look, without adding anything slick to them. They won't look shiny or glossy, but they'll be clean, like new tires.

[skydiverbob]

Thanks guys for all your helpful suggestions.  I'll try one of them and let you all in on the results I find.  Peace...

[spydglide]

You remember that old product, Scrubbin' Bubbles? That works awesome on cleaning them to a new look, without adding anything slick to them. They won't look shiny or glossy, but they'll be clean, like new tires.

Is that some kind of 'super soap'?    spyder

[skydiverbob]

Black Magic also has a product "Titanium Matte Tire Finish".  They have a video on their website promoting this stuff.  From what I saw this looks like the best thing to use.  It doesn't have that phony looking wet-plastic shine.  I'm trying to get more info from the company over the phone.  As soon as I do I'll pass it on.

  

[Fired00d]

Black Magic also has a product "Titanium Matte Tire Finish".  They have a video on their website promoting this stuff.  From what I saw this looks like the best thing to use.  It doesn't have that phony looking wet-plastic shine.  I'm trying to get more info from the company over the phone.  As soon as I do I'll pass it on.

  

I just checked the video out I'll have to try some of that. One of the reasons I was using the window cleaner w/ammonia was to help dry the tire foam. According to the video this dries all the way and doesn't sling any of it off.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[skydiverbob]

I just checked the video out I'll have to try some of that. One of the reasons I was using the window cleaner w/ammonia was to help dry the tire foam. According to the video this dries all the way and doesn't sling any of it off.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

I just checked the video out I'll have to try some of that. One of the reasons I was using the window cleaner w/ammonia was to help dry the tire foam. According to the video this dries all the way and doesn't sling any of it off.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

That stuff looks pretty decent.  It makes the tires look smooth and looking like new.  I just want to know how safe it is to put on "two wheel."  I tried their email but the mail came back undelivered.  I'm going to call them on the phone and talk to a live person.

Thanks for keeping up with this.  I appreciate that.

[skydiverbob]

Guys and gals,

Here the scoop on Black Magic products.

Shell finally got back to me via email and this is what they had to say:

Thank you for writing to Black Magic.  The Black Magic Tire Wet
products are not approved for use on motorcycle tires or any two
wheeled vehicles (I.e. bicycles, etc).  The products are only
approved on automotive (4 wheeled) vehicles avoiding the tread area.
I reviewed the "technique" the person from the blog was using and
this is NOT endorsed by Black Magic.  Again, our Tire Wet line of
products, including the Black Magic Matte Tire Wet are not approved
on motorcycles.  We do appreciate your interest in our products.  If
you  ever have a technical question, please feel free to e-mail or
call us at 1-800-237-8645.

Regards,

M. Van Rossen - Technical Services

The technique being referred to is the one using an ammonia based spray to wipe off any excess.  Personally I would think any caustic chemical would be bad for the tires in general.  The idea that Black Magic was PH balanced appealed to me at first.

Now that this subject is moot I also want to add a little else that I picked up searching around.  A guy using this on his car said that if this stuff gets on anything else it's almost impossible to get off.  It's like when you use a spray wax and the wind blows it all over your windshield but you don't see the million spots until sometime later when you want to kick yourself.

I'm still looking around for something good for the tire rubber.  When I find it, and find it I will   I'll pass it on.

Thanks folks for all your replies.  

[DICKW]

That's why I don't use anything.... 

I'll stick to my previous comment.

[skydiverbob]

I'll stick to my previous comment.

You're absolutely within your rights.  The whole thing was something to mull over anyway.  Thanks!

[Fired00d]

Guys and gals,

Here the scoop on Black Magic products.

Shell finally got back to me via email and this is what they had to say:

Thank you for writing to Black Magic.  The Black Magic Tire Wet
products are not approved for use on motorcycle tires or any two
wheeled vehicles (I.e. bicycles, etc).  The products are only
approved on automotive (4 wheeled) vehicles avoiding the tread area.
I reviewed the "technique" the person from the blog was using and
this is NOT endorsed by Black Magic.  Again, our Tire Wet line of
products, including the Black Magic Matte Tire Wet are not approved
on motorcycles.  We do appreciate your interest in our products.  If
you  ever have a technical question, please feel free to e-mail or
call us at 1-800-237-8645.

Regards,

M. Van Rossen - Technical Services

The technique being referred to is the one using an ammonia based spray to wipe off any excess.  Personally I would think any caustic chemical would be bad for the tires in general.  The idea that Black Magic was PH balanced appealed to me at first.

Now that this subject is moot I also want to add a little else that I picked up searching around.  A guy using this on his car said that if this stuff gets on anything else it's almost impossible to get off.  It's like when you use a spray wax and the wind blows it all over your windshield but you don't see the million spots until sometime later when you want to kick yourself.

I'm still looking around for something good for the tire rubber.  When I find it, and find it I will  I'll pass it on.

Thanks folks for all your replies.   

That's "Lawyer" talk there... They are afraid they would be held liable for someone that would drench the tire in their product... treads and all. Who knows what "caustic" things tires are subject to just by there intended use. Who's to say what the run off on the roads are we ride thru on a daily basis.... could be most anything.

I'll stick to my previous comment.

Me too... I've been using some type of tire shine product on my tires since owning H-D's and have had no ill effects to the sidewalls. To each their own, but for me I'll keep using them.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[spydglide]

That's "Lawyer" talk there... They are afraid they would be held liable for someone that would drench the tire in their product... treads and all. Who knows what "caustic" things tires are subject to just by there intended use. Who's to say what the run off on the roads are we ride thru on a daily basis.... could be most anything. :nixweiss:Me too... I've been using some type of tire shine product on my tires since owning H-D's and have had no ill effects to the sidewalls. To each their own, but for me I'll keep using them.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

Yeah, but if you 'rode' them, you might have a problem.    har!  spyder

[Fired00d]

Yeah, but if you 'rode' them, you might have a problem.    har!  spyder

They have been replaced due to wear and not from rotting so I guess I'm riding enough to wear them out. Matter fact that may be a testimony in and of itself... that might be the reason they are lasting so long when I don't ride that much... preserving them from dry rotting.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[spydglide]

They have been replaced due to wear and not from rotting so I guess I'm riding enough to wear them out. Matter fact that may be a testimony in and of itself... that might be the reason they are lasting so long when I don't ride that much... preserving them from dry rotting.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[skydiverbob]

Yeah, but if you 'rode' them, you might have a problem.    har!  spyder

Are you saying that the bike is just being polished all the time and never sees the pavement flying by?

[Fired00d]

Are you saying that the bike is just being polished all the time and never sees the pavement flying by?

Heck no!!! It's a rat bike with shiny/preserved sidewalls.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[skydiverbob]

I've decided to to go with the Aerospace 303 Protectant.  They sent me a sample packet for $6.00.  Their tech facts about tires and vinyl seem to clear up any questions I had.  No other company has been this responsive.

When using this or any other product on your tires I would suggest avoiding application to the tread, or any part of the rubber that is going to make contact with the asphalt.  Other than that I don't see a problem.

As soon as I get a chance I'll be using it, and I'll let you all know what I think.

 

[skydiverbob]

here's a little secret. Aerospace 303, get it at boat/marine shops

I've decided to go with this.  This company sent me a whole bunch of info and some samples.  Keeping any product of the tread and edges seems to be the best suggestion I could pass along to anybody.
Thanks for the tip.  I'll let you know what I think after I've given it a try.  Thanks!

[CVOTequila]

I've decided to go with this.  This company sent me a whole bunch of info and some samples.  Keeping any product of the tread and edges seems to be the best suggestion I could pass along to anybody.
Thanks for the tip.  I'll let you know what I think after I've given it a try.  Thanks!

Bob-

Maybe you can get in good with the folks in the sales dept. for a little CVO discount?!         

[LarryB]

I tied that and tried to setup a distributorship with them, they're not eager by any way shape or size to do it, they sell a huge amount of this to the Boating industry.

[Chains]

I'll stick to my previous comment.

DICKW is right, I have always used some type of tire shine on all my bikes, so what the  heck, a few weeks back I cleaned the bike to ride to work and show off to all the other bike riders.  Stood back, looked it over and said wow the tires need to shine to make it perfect, so out came the spray can of a leading mfg. clear tire shine.  Man they looked great.  Left for work got on the main drag and some jacka%% cut in front of me so I had to do a panic diversion along with a lot of braking.  Was quite an interesting ride, held it up, but sure got into some weird angles and tires squalling.

NO MORE TIRE SHINE FOR ME, LESSON LEARNED, SOAP AND WATER ONLY>

[martys]

DICKW is right, I have always used some type of tire shine on all my bikes, so what the  heck, a few weeks back I cleaned the bike to ride to work and show off to all the other bike riders.  Stood back, looked it over and said wow the tires need to shine to make it perfect, so out came the spray can of a leading mfg. clear tire shine.  Man they looked great.  Left for work got on the main drag and some jacka%% cut in front of me so I had to do a panic diversion along with a lot of braking.  Was quite an interesting ride, held it up, but sure got into some weird angles and tires squalling.

NO MORE TIRE SHINE FOR ME, LESSON LEARNED, SOAP AND WATER ONLY>

I had a similar "joy ride" after applying some spray on tire cleaner a few years ago  I won't name the mfg but it rymes with "Darn it all"    Well ever since then all I use is good old fashioned Fantastick spray cleaner and a toilet brush and the tires always look clean, they may not shine like before but they look good.

[AZ SESG]

  Vinylex for plastic, vinyl and rubber. Lexol Cleaner and Lexol Conditioner for leather.

  I have used Vinylex and Lexol for nine years on show cars, hot rods, bikes, boats, etc. There are no substitutes, in my opinion.

[marshall10]

Not that I condone anything unsafe, but would shoe polish work? Either the old school kiwi black wax, or the liquid edge dressing stuff work?  Haven't tried either, but seems safer than petroleum based tire shine products.

[Chains]

Not that I condone anything unsafe, but would shoe polish work? Either the old school kiwi black wax, or the liquid edge dressing stuff work?  Haven't tried either, but seems safer than petroleum based tire shine products.

Back in the 60's we used D&L handcleaner on a rag and rubbed it in till it was dry, have never tried it on a radial tire, would probably give the same result as tire shine, too slick and dangerous.

[skippy]

I got some H2O based tire dressing from a friend in the detail business that dry with on greasy residue it works great and last a few washings

[GregKhougaz]

According to the OEM, Dunlop, "No, you should never use protectants, cleaners or dressings on your tire sidewalls. These may degrade rubber and remove the inherent ozone cracking and weather checking resistance put into the rubber by the tire manufacturer.

Use a mild soap solution to clean your sidewalls, white striping or lettering, and rinse off with plain water."

I have used ProtectAll for years.  Works great on just about the entire bike.  Great for the seat and sidewalls without making them slippery.  I've seen guys at shows use it on the entire bike, including tire tread. 

[lvse110se5]

I will put the tire shine on the cage tire sidewalls, but no way on the scoot, You never know when you need the rubber to grip, and I need grip, not slide. Dull is better than down. Enough said!