Topic: Cleaning Pipes...

[31rx7]

New to bikes so I hope this doesn't seem to be too stupid of a question.

I have a new set of pipes (unfortunately aftermarket) for my 1975 CB750 that I purchased off of eBay. They were pre-owned but never installed. Somewhere along the way, there were a couple stickers put on the pipes and the adhesive residue is left behind. I can get the adhesive off I am sure with some sort of solvent, but don't want to use something else that leaves a residue that discolors the pipes.   I was thinking of simply using a solvent and then washing the pipes with basic soap and water, and rinsing good.

My question is: is there a proper way to clean pipes?  I did a search and found a lot about removing rust and road goo, but never anything that directly answers this question. Thanks in advance.

[scunny]

I think(dangerous pastime) you should just use the solvent of your choice, clean off with soapy water dry them and hang them on the bike

[grumburg]

WD40 is excellent for removing advesive, even on plastic.

[dagersh]

WD-40 is great, Goo-Gone is also great.  If you don't have either one, use Mayonnaise - yes, Mayo!  Works great for removing adhesive, and it will definitely not mar the finish on your pipes.  As for cleaning the chrome on your pipes, I swear by the S-100 products for all bike cleaning needs.  If you are going to be storing your bike for a while, put some automotive wax (i.e. Turtlewax) and leave the haze on until you pull it out of storage.  Then just wipe it off, and they will have been completely protected from moisture.

HTH

gersh