Topic: Bike Cleaning Supplies

[Loudpipe]

Given that it hasn't been ridden in 2 years before I bought it, my bike is pretty dirty.  Basically every piece of the bike could use shining up, including the engine itself. What are some good brands and types of cleaners, as well as techniques to use when cleaning a bike?

[putnaja1]

Here's what I use..  Not sure if this is the usual for everyone or not, but I've used to good effect for a long time:

WD40:
Man I love this stuff- it's gotten to the point where I even love the smell!  Yikes!  This stuff is an excellent solvent- I spray it on everything and wipe off to clean and to leave a little bit of rust protection.  Just don't get any on your brake rotors!  I personally use WD40 instead of a soap-n-water bath, as I don't like to get water where I might not be able to easily get it out.  WD40 is good with rubber too, and also plastics.  But for cleaning a nasty grimey/greasy frame- good old WD40 is magic.

Novus 2 & Novus 3:
These are plastic polishes that I first found out about while fixing up old pinball machines..  3 is course, 2 is for fine polishing.  Use them kinda like wax- wipe on, and rub them while they are wet to take advantage of polishing agents.  Then let dry, wipe off.  They work wonders on plastic lenses of turn signals and brake lights, gauge bodies, side panels, etc.  I even used the #3 as a compound on my gas tank- I hand polish only so as not to burn up any paint.  Then, anywhere you used #3, go back over with #2 to polish..  Finally, I will go over with a protective carnuba wax on the tank and side panels.

Kerosene:
For the chain.  I use a non O-ring chain, as I've heard that the 550 may not have enough clearance for the added thickness of an O-ring chain.  Also it's cheaper, and if well maintained will last.  To clean the chain, I take it off the bike, and immerse it in a tub with some kerosene.  Using an old toothbrush, I scrub and move the links around, then when I'm done I pull the chain out and let it hang a bit to dry..  Then I heat up some 90-weight gear oil in a metal pan.  Once the oil is hot, I put the chain in the oil, and again work the links around, ensuring the oil penetrates the links/rollers of the chain, and that the chain is covered.  Then hang the chain to get the excess oil out (or blot with clean paper towels)..
**EDIT**-> Not sure if you'd want to use this if you have an O-ring chain, as it might eat up the seals?  I always used WD40 and a toothbrush to clean o-ring chains, and then a chainlube made for o-ring chains (since you still need to lube the rollers where they contact the sprockets..)

Turtle Wax Chrome Polish (Or sometimes Brasso):
To polish/restore the chrome bits on the bikes.  This includes the chrome rings on the gauges, the passenger grab rail, the chrome megaphone on my exhaust.  Also would probably work well on the rims, but I haven't tried that yet. 

**I DON'T USE**  Armor all.  Especially not on the seat or tires, as it makes these things slippery.

[cbjunkie]

Simple Green for the grummy parts - it breaks down the oily grime and leaves a clean surface and the run off won't add to the destruction of the environment (so they claim)

and - use it to clean your hands - it is a well-known fact that the scent of oil, grease, gasoline, sweat and Simple Green are an aphrodisiac!

(...just don't blame me when "Bubbah" gets a little rough...)

 

[scott_cb650]

Simple Green Extreme is also great for greasy stuff and it's easy on the aluminum.
(SGE is made for airplanes)

Ditto on the Turtle Wax chrome cleaner.

I like Mother's Aluminum polish for the engine parts I'm trying to keep shiny.

Regular Turtle Wax is great for the windshield (if you're a non-purist like me with a windshield).

[ProTeal55]

1."Foamy Engine Brite" for de-greasing/cleaning nasty parts.
Also great for getting the crap outta the fins of the motor.
2. "Just Once" is a armour all type product that can be used on seats/tires/etc..
Gives a great shine, but becasue it contains no silicone, it is non-slip.
I was heastant about this before I bought it - but it does work, and I am a fan for life...
3. WD-40 and Simple Green as stated above..
4. Elbow Grease 

[MikeDeB]

Um, don't want to cause an argument but WD-40 on rubber parts is a no-no.  WD = Water Dispersant.  If you have any dry checking on any rubber parts WD-40 will exasperate it (it will suck the moisture out of the rubber).  For rubber use some rubber/vinyl/plasitic protectant such as those from Armorall or McGuires.

[putnaja1]

Um, don't want to cause an argument but WD-40 on rubber parts is a no-no.  WD = Water Dispersant.  If you have any dry checking on any rubber parts WD-40 will exasperate it (it will suck the moisture out of the rubber).  For rubber use some rubber/vinyl/plasitic protectant such as those from Armorall or McGuires.

No worries about an argument- we're just talking ship 'tis all! 

I got this from wd40's website (http://www.wd40.com/Brands/wd40_faqs.html):

"WD-40 can be used on just about everything. It is safe for metal, rubber, wood and plastic. WD-40 can be applied to painted metal surfaces without harming the paint. Polycarbonate and clear polystyrene plastic are among the few surfaces on which to avoid using a petroleum-based product like WD-40."

Of course, this could be marketing hype..  But, my own thoughts of use on rubber are as follows:  I think (I'm not positive though) rubber has oils in it, not water.  WD40 displaces water, so it is my theory that it won't dry up rubber.  But, I will conduct an experiment using an old innertube.  Your point might be saving me from screwing up lots of rubber parts!

[MikeDeB]

Um, don't want to cause an argument but WD-40 on rubber parts is a no-no.  WD = Water Dispersant.  If you have any dry checking on any rubber parts WD-40 will exasperate it (it will suck the moisture out of the rubber).  For rubber use some rubber/vinyl/plasitic protectant such as those from Armorall or McGuires.

No worries about an argument- we're just talking ship 'tis all! 

I got this from wd40's website (http://www.wd40.com/Brands/wd40_faqs.html):

"WD-40 can be used on just about everything. It is safe for metal, rubber, wood and plastic. WD-40 can be applied to painted metal surfaces without harming the paint. Polycarbonate and clear polystyrene plastic are among the few surfaces on which to avoid using a petroleum-based product like WD-40."

Of course, this could be marketing hype..  But, my own thoughts of use on rubber are as follows:  I think (I'm not positive though) rubber has oils in it, not water.  WD40 displaces water, so it is my theory that it won't dry up rubber.  But, I will conduct an experiment using an old innertube.  Your point might be saving me from screwing up lots of rubber parts!

Why take a chance?   

[putnaja1]

Why take a chance?

Well, don't you like that WD40 smell too?!   

[cbjunkie]

i'm telling you man - the smell of WD40 is augmented to Chanel level by the addition of SiSG (Secret ingredient Simple Green)

if you haven't sniffed of this goodness your life is a shard.

[nickjtc]

Simple Green. I was introduced to it by a fellow who had a BMW bike rental outfit and used it on the bikes when they came in off rental. Works like a charm. It's kind to the environment, although I'm not sure the crap I clean off the bike is!

[Ernie]

i'm telling you man - the smell of WD40 is augmented to Chanel level by the addition of SiSG (Secret ingredient Simple Green)

if you haven't sniffed of this goodness your life is a shard.

thats freakin classic