Topic: Cleaning tips for neophyte cleaner (Read 3795 times)

Blazo · « **on:** July 02, 2009, 08:47:45 PM »

On my other bike, '03 RK, I never took a lot of time to keep it clean. I'd let bugs sit on it until they fell off of their own accord. Now that I have a SERG, I've vowed to change my ways. I intend to keep this bike looking new for as long as possible. I already bought Meguiar's Quick Detail stuff and some microfiber rags.

How 'bout some tips from you clean shiny freak.... er I mean all you fastidious types with the beautiful, spotless bikes? What's the best cleaner (I use Mr. Clean), best wax, best chrome cleaner, best way to keep the bike clean between washings and waxings, clean the wheels, etc. Thanks in advance and please excuse me if this has been covered already.

LarryB · « **Reply #1 on:** July 03, 2009, 06:38:17 AM »

the Mr Clean system works well if you need to put the hose to the bike, if so, I would first use some engine cleaner 1st, like S-100 or some green stuff, then wash the bike. I really like the soap from Glare. then rinse of with the Mr Clean filtered rinse,
If I dont have to hose it down, I put about 6oz of rubbing alcohol in a gal of clean water, microfiber the bike down, continuously turning and rinsing.
wax and polish, Glare wax, Harley chrome cleaner on the rest.
Im not saying any of this is best, just what I do, and since my SERG has taken 2- 1st places & 4 second places this year, I must be doing something right

DICKW · « **Reply #2 on:** July 03, 2009, 07:31:41 AM »

I am a freak to say the least about a clean bike.

I hose mine down all the time, I also take the seat off and side covers off and put it on a Jack when I wash it.
I spray the underside of the bike with a solution of Simple Green 25% to 75% water as well as the wheels and brake calipers.

To wash the bike I use "Ice" from Turtle Wax.

I use a nice clean cloth/Micro fiber as well as a good quality Nylon Paint Brush (2 1/2" angular sash).....YES A PAINT BRUSH. It gets in all the nooks and crannies no one can get to. If you try it you will never go back to the conventional way. Under $20.00 at Lowe's brand name "PURDY"

As far as a Wax goes, everyone is different, but for in between washes and waxes I use ACE-IT.
I like the product and have been using it for a few years now. Once again everyone is different.

mrmagloo · « **Reply #3 on:** July 03, 2009, 08:37:53 AM »

I'm pretty anal too, and wash and wax after every ride. I swear by S100, and buy it in the big jug and use it with the long reach sprayer. Works great.

bandit · « **Reply #4 on:** July 03, 2009, 10:27:25 AM »

S100 and Jemako-towels (microfaser) and all my neighbours
believe the bike is a new one. Hosing only after a more-days-run
or holidays.

Blazo · « **Reply #5 on:** July 06, 2009, 03:19:09 PM »

Quote from: LarryB on July 03, 2009, 06:38:17 AM

my SERG has taken 2- 1st places & 4 second places this year, I must be doing something right

Winning bike shows?!? What class are you entering?

LarryB · « **Reply #6 on:** July 07, 2009, 07:04:04 AM »

Sometimes they have a full dresser class, or a bagger class, and since I posted the last time, First place touring class.
why do you ask?

Blazo · « **Reply #7 on:** July 07, 2009, 09:47:22 AM »

Quote from: LarryB on July 07, 2009, 07:04:04 AM

why do you ask?

I guess I'm just used to seeing mostly custom built choppers at bike shows. While I have seen mostly stock baggers with bolt on parts at bike shows, I've never really considered them "show bikes." I don't know what you've done to your bike and I certainly don't mean to belittle your efforts. If you're winning shows, good on ya, mate!

LarryB · « **Reply #8 on:** July 07, 2009, 12:22:18 PM »

well, I didnt build it, but I tricked it out

Blazo · « **Reply #9 on:** July 07, 2009, 01:58:32 PM »

Quote from: LarryB on July 07, 2009, 12:22:18 PM

well, I didnt build it, but I tricked it out

Very nice... a show stopper.

sportygordy · « **Reply #10 on:** July 07, 2009, 09:50:54 PM »

Fukkenwax works well,

www.fukkenwax.com/

Buy early · « **Reply #11 on:** July 07, 2009, 10:20:08 PM »

The Grey Ghost - a legend in the making! Can't see enough photos of that bike! You going to Sturgis Larry?

LarryB · « **Reply #12 on:** July 08, 2009, 06:30:35 AM »

Quote from: Buy early on July 07, 2009, 10:20:08 PM

The Grey Ghost - a legend in the making! Can't see enough photos of that bike! You going to Sturgis Larry?

so far, yes. going the week before, staying in Spearfish

DICKW · « **Reply #13 on:** July 08, 2009, 07:37:43 AM »

Larry

Is that a screw on top of your lowers?

And what type of material is that on the lower compartments?

LarryB · « **Reply #14 on:** July 08, 2009, 08:15:54 AM »

Quote from: DICKW on July 08, 2009, 07:37:43 AM

Larry

Is that a screw on top of your lowers? Not sure what you mean by screw on top.

And what type of material is that on the lower compartments? I covered the glove boxes with Grey Snake skin to match my seat, I have since removed the boxes and installed fiberglass speaker pods, painted the silver to match the bike.

DICKW · « **Reply #15 on:** July 08, 2009, 09:02:38 AM »

That black dot in the center?

Very nice job your doing on the scoot, very creative and quite the perfectionist I might add.

LarryB · « **Reply #16 on:** July 08, 2009, 09:11:43 AM »

I believe what you are looking at is the screw that attaches the glove box, came with black screws and I replaced with SS, as I did with all my fairing screws.

Ohio phil · « **Reply #17 on:** July 12, 2009, 07:09:25 AM »

Larry, What windowshield do u have on the Ghost and what size
thanks Ohio Phil

LarryB · « **Reply #18 on:** July 12, 2009, 07:17:36 AM »

Quote from: Ohio phil on July 12, 2009, 07:09:25 AM

Larry, What windowshield do u have on the Ghost and what size
thanks Ohio Phil

well thats a good question, I guess that depends on what day of the week it is.
the one you see in the Picture is a Cee Baileys 14". very nice for around town and some highway, but for long trips I prefer the Clearview GT stock w/recurve, excellent protection. I look OVER both.
I had the Klock works on way back, sold that for some paint work

Ohio phil · « **Reply #19 on:** July 12, 2009, 07:26:05 AM »

Thanks Larry, I just ordered a clearview gt small i'm 5'6" hope I can see over it !!! I also have a serg silver with 1000 miles ordered a corbin touring seat and thunderheader and will tune with sert.
Thanks and nice looking glide

LarryB · « **Reply #20 on:** July 12, 2009, 07:43:52 AM »

Quote from: Ohio phil on July 12, 2009, 07:26:05 AM

Thanks Larry, I just ordered a clearview gt small i'm 5'6" hope I can see over it !!! I also have a serg silver with 1000 miles ordered a corbin touring seat and thunderheader and will tune with sert.
Thanks and nice looking glide

you might have to perch up a bit going over hills to see over. if it's too tall you can cut it down.
just curious as to why you are going with the SERT and Thunder

Ohio phil · « **Reply #21 on:** July 12, 2009, 08:23:55 AM »

Need to get read of the cat in header pipe, also a tuner to over ride throttle, sert and exhaust will get u about 10hp 10tq

LarryB · « **Reply #22 on:** July 12, 2009, 08:32:48 AM »

Phil, you need to do some more research. I agree about the Cat and tune, many threads here on how to remove the cat yourself and change baffles. alot cheaper, also search TTS mastertune here. they are the coming that made the Race tuner prior to 09. they got it down. easiest way around all this is talk to Steve George at Fullsac.com

Ohio phil · « **Reply #23 on:** July 12, 2009, 08:33:40 PM »

Thanks Larry, I have used the 2in2-1 thunderheader on 3 bikes they work very good and sound like a Harley
as for the tune device we have a good tunner here in ne Ohio that uses the sert and all the dyno sheets show good # like 92hp 115tq, I will check out fullsac and see what kind of # he is getting.
Thanks Ohio Phil

Author Topic: Cleaning tips for neophyte cleaner (Read 3795 times)