Hi John
I am sure you will get lots of usefull tips, here are mine.
When it comes to washing the main aim is to avoid 'swirls' in paint, chrome etc. Method I use was picked up from visiting many vehicle detailing sites over the years. I have a 1994 Springer which still looks like it just left the showroom, it has a few minor swirls on the chrome but after 14 years is only to be expected.
1) Rinse bike with hose to loosen dirt(need to be careful not to get water in any electrics, my view on this is the bike is designed to be ridden in the rain so as long as you do not put direct spray pressure onto any vulnerable parts should be ok, note - I have never had a problem using this method). Use a spray head on the hose set fairly fine and let the water running off the bike move the dirt rather than using a harse spray to 'blow' the dirt off.
2) Always use the 'two bucket method' to wash(This is to ensure you are not getting dirt/grit into the wash bucket and putting it back on the bike). In case you are not familiar with this method a brief explaination. One bucket of clean warm water( this is used to rinse the washing mitt every time you are going to put your mitt back in the wash bucket). Other bucket contains a good quality shampoo diluted as per the manufacturers instructions. Do not use washing up liquid as it has chemicals to ensure clean plates that do not like automotive paints. Never use a sponge, always use a wash mitt, I prefer to use a lambswool mitt. The main cause of swirls is a sponge dragging dirt across the surface, usually by the corner of the sponge. I actually use two mitts, one to wash underside of the bike and the wheels(areas with most dirt usually), and one for the rest of the bike, if the bike is really dirty I wash the underside and the wheels first and then put fresh water in both buckets before doing the rest. I wash both mitts after every use.
3) Rinse off with hose as in step 1.
4) Dry using a 'waffle weave' cloth. These are far better than a chamois. They soak up more water and can be washed. I wash this cloth after every use. As this is being dragged across all the shiny surfaces to dry them need to be sure that there is no grit trapped in the cloth.
When it comes to polish and wax. In order for a polish to work it will contain abrasives, only very fine to bring up the shine but does ultimately 'wear' the surface of the paint/chrome/clearcoat.
I have never used a polish on either of my rides, they both left the factory with a good finish so I have only every waxed them. Only time have have used a polish is to remove an occasional light swirl mark in the paint. I would recommend a good quality carnuba wax. When used regulary the wax will build up on the surface and will gradually improved the finish(shine) to as good a level as a polish. It will also provide a protective layer on the surface.
Living in the UK with our weather I get a lot of practice washing my rides.
Hope above is some use.
Jon
Author
Topic: Cleaning tips/Washing ideas (Read 4610 times)