[LSCYCLING]

OK my bike is a pig. Daily commuter in Seattle, so it rains a bit here and there. How do you all keep your shiny bike....all shiny? Is it that spray and go stuff, do you scrub, shoot degreaser all over it. What's the secret?

 

[silversx80]

Don't ride it :nana:

 

[nyc rugby]

OK my bike is a pig. Daily commuter in Seattle, so it rains a bit here and there. How do you all keep your shiny bike....all shiny? Is it that spray and go stuff, do you scrub, shoot degreaser all over it. What's the secret?

The dirt forms a protective coating, like the shell of an M&M, don't clean it off.

 

[Chan]

I've always used Optimum No Rinse Wash and Shine to wash my cars, continue to do it with my SV.

 

[amg]

Pressure washer?? Or you could wash it the same way you wash your car, with a bucket of soapy water and a rag.

 

[Looni2ns]

Zip wash, warm water, and elbow grease. Use diluted Simple Green on wheels w/wheel brush. After it's clean, you can use Plexus to polish, or even a good car wax like Zymol.

Sometimes, she even gets to go to the carwash.

 

[JmySly]

Ride it through your local car wash. Cleans bug guts off your leathers too.

 

[LSCYCLING]

The dirt forms a protective coating, like the shell of an M&M, don't clean it off.

I always thought of it more like an oyster shell with a shiny pearl inside.

 

[LSCYCLING]

what about the really grimy stuff from the chain spray?

 

[doxiedog]

"what about the really grimy stuff from the chain spray?"
Use the same kerosine on the wheels,as chain.

 

[Trambo]

what about the really grimy stuff from the chain spray?

Simple Green FTW. If you don't have any, Formula 409 works too. (Any good degreaser will work, I guess)

I recommend Maguiers Wax & car care products. I use the spray on/wipe off detailer stuff between good cleanings.

Windex works well on the chrome bits. (An old H-D bud passed that one to me) Simichrome polishes & shines great, but very expensive.

Don't forget to Armorall your tires for that 'detailed look'....




































:hiding:

Yes, the Armorall thing was a joke. Do not try this.

 

[Lost1888]

Well this is my typical routine.
Spray it down, wash with whatever car wash soap I have, Tar remover where needed, WD for degreaser and a toothbrush, Towel dry, wax everything (including rims, frame, exhaust) 2-3 times a year witch includes in order Nu Finish scratch doctor, Liquid Glass Polish, Meguires ultimate wax, then spray down with Meguires Final inspection. After every ride spray with Final inspection and wipe down. On a monthly to bimonthly basis I will spray the motor down with WD and wipe clean. I turn it on in the drive and let it smoke for a while till it dies down then take it for a ride. The WD on the motor trick is something I learned when I used to ride in the dirt. It just helps the dirt to wash off easier at the end of the day.

Mind you I'm overly anal! Plus it gives me something to do when I am at home with the kids when Mom is at work. The boys love to help and gives us some bonding time.

 

[Nexus242]

Suzuki Bike Wash, pot and pan scrubber sponge, microfiber mit, a hose, 30mins and some hard work.

 

[lnmcas02]

If I have the time or the bike is really dirty I use the ol' soap and water method with Meguiars car wash. If I want to do a quick cleaning or detail I use this stuff:

 

[RD350]

+1

The lazy man's product for a superior shine ... and great protection.

I buy this by the case.

 

[Nexus242]

If I have the time or the bike is really dirty I use the ol' soap and water method with Meguiars car wash. If I want to do a quick cleaning or detail I use this stuff:

Lance isn't at the touch up phase just yet. He's got winter salt, sand and dirt which only comes off with soapy water. I really suggest Suzuki Bike wash as a great method, it really eats away dirt, grime and chain fling. And you just hose it off afterwards.

 

[doxiedog]

Take it in the shower with you.

 

[Trambo]

it really eats away dirt, crime and chain fling.

Cool!!

Just what he needs to catch those kids breaking in houses!!

 

[Iakayak81]

 

[Nexus242]

Cool!!

Just what he needs to catch those kids breaking in houses!!

It's pretty useful all the way around.