Topic: keep it looking like new

[aptech77]

Just finished cleaning my ride (gosh I love the smell of Honda Pro Cleaner&Polish) after a nice day of riding, and though this might be an intresting question to ask my fellow riders.

[Jugghead]

I just clean with soapy water, and rinse with a clean water dampened cloth. low budget.  what products can you recommend to clean chrome, wax tank/side covers, and brighten up the seat?

[aptech77]

I had a friend turn me onto Honda's pro cleaner & polish spray. It does it all. Cleans bugs,road grime, grease. polishes paint,chrome, glass, plastic.  protects vinyl,plastic, rubber. Blocks UV rays. Repels water. Anti-static reduces dust build-up. All @ $5 bucks a can. A can lasts a long time. I love it!

[nickjtc]

Simple Green. Cleans the dirt off, loosens and gets rid of bug guts, degreases oily bits. And it is kind to the environment.

I mist the bike all over with water then spray on SG, then attack the grime with a sponge or whatnot dipped in a bucket with a splash more SG. Rinse with more water and dry with a clean soft cloth and you're good to go.

[Ibsen]

"how often do you clean your machine?"

Only when it is dirty.    And that depends of the weather conditions I have been riding in. 

[david 750f]

Just had my bike painted with the factory sulphur yellow but added a layer of clear-coat..The paint guru that did the tank and tail piece stated to me that "the most important thing to prevent fine scratches in the paint is to use a micro fibre cloth to dry"..Costco carries the micro fibre cloths in bundles of 15 for around $10.

[Hop on a Honda]

Now this is some thing which every one should read.
Never never use "elcheapo" spraypack degreaser as some of the Chinese crap is full of acids which can do mucho damage. Not only do they make the day for you they will eventually drive you nuts as the damage still keeps on keeping on as they contain a substance which is near to caustic soda.
This stuff just will not take prisoners.
Good soap and warm water .
Kero or diesel to clean the greasy bits. Clean the garage floor before the wife gets home.
Dave

[Jim Shea]

To avoid swirl marks on paintwork, always wash and shamois in straight lines, not in a circular motion...

[dusterdude]

clean?...would someone explain that concept to me please?

[Jonesy]

I only clean it if it's going in a bike show (twice a year...)

S-100 is awesome... spray it on, hose it off.

[ProTeal55]

S-100 is prob. THE BEST for cleaning cycles.
They have a foam product now that you can actually see "pull" the crap outta the little
corners/crevases of your bike. Pretty nifty...

As far as cleaning my CB goes, I really have never "cleaned" it so to speak.
I go over the metal parts with a scotch-brite pad once in a awhile, does that count ? 

[Ibsen]

For a quick clean up, try Pledge. Cheap to buy and easy to use.

[aptech77]

Just don't use lemon Pledge. It is acidic.

[Ibsen]

Just don't use lemon Pledge. It is acidic.

You are right.
I have never seen the one with lemon in the store here in Norway where I buy it, so I didn't know it existed.

[DrMark]

Another vote for Simple Green. Almost everyone I know uses the stuff. Spray onto a warm (not hot) engine, let soak for a few mins...spray with hose....works wonderful.

[Rushoid]

What is "S-100" and where do you get it?

When I first got my bike it was filthy. I used Castrol degreaser on the engine, rear shocks ("oh, they're not supposed to be black?") rear wheel, etc. Did a fine job. Didn't stain or damage anything. For routine washing, I just use Turtle Wax Car Wash soap and water. Then wipe everything down with a micro-fiber towel.

A co-worker said to never use micro-fiber on plexi-glass (windscreens, visors) because it leaves tiny scratches.

[ProTeal55]

What is "S-100" and where do you get it?

S-100 products can usually be found at most (if not all) American V-Twin shops , and other high-end bikes stores.
http://www.s100.com/
They sell all different forms of cleaning agents - sprays - creams - etc. The foam cleaner is the BEST for getting a nasty bike clean...