I know this would fit better in the detail section, but figure I would get a lot more responses here
Really looked over my new (1998) FLRHC and man, gobs of built of grease underneath, really nasty looking man. I wiped some off with towels, but there is so much road gunk underneath. I don't think the previous owner ever really cleaned the bike other than simple topside washing.
So, could I use a basic degreaser for like car engines underneath? I have never had to deal with this type of stuff on a bike before. I didn;t know if it would damage, belmeish, or be dangerous, etc..
Any suggestions? I normally use S100 total cleaner, but I highly doubt it will fight this crap.
Any suggestions are appreciated.

 

I have used engine degreaser on cars before with good results, buy not on the bike. I wouldn't let it get that dirty.
I would think you could use one of the non-flammable ones with good results and it shouldn't hurt anything under the bike. You may want to take it to the car wash, they have hot water and more pressure unless you have a pressure washer. And you wouldn't have to clean your driveway off. [sm=goodidea.gif]
Read the directions because some of them you don't want the motor warm.

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if you have black engine, cleaning is no problem but if you have natural cases, bee real careful as some cleaners will discolor the engine. good luck!

 

Get a steam cleaner. I got a Steam Blaster on E-bay for $15. They sell new for $160. Let it warm up and all of that gunk just melts away. It's also great for the Barbque grill.

 

It's not the engine cases or anything, only underneath on the frame, etc. I'll check into a few different things, and try the lightest stuff first.
Got anymore details on that steam cleaner? I hate cleaning the grill!

 

Mineral spirits in a squirt bottle. If you have a air compressor get a siphon type blow gun and drop the siphon hose into the jug of spirits and blast the grease away. Follow up with Wesleys or simple green.

 

Anyone try that Superclean stuff? They have been running a ton of commercials with a greasy bike...

Not just clean, Superclean!

Never tried it, but looks like it was designed for bikes.

 

*****NOTE******

Do NOT use this method when engine/pipes are hot!!!!


One of the best cleaners is plain Kerosene. Brush it on a cold motor and let it set soak bit. For real heavy greases build ups you may need to brush it in, and repeat. The Kero will not hurt the paint, and will do a great number on removing grease, road tar, bugs etc. Rinse well with water when you are finished.

 

get a couple of spray cans of brake cleaner and a hog blanket (to catch what falls) & blast it off. When you are done & it's still a little wet hit it with an air hose and blow the rest of the gook to the ground...

 

Take a brush and put hand cleaner on it. Scrub the belly and let it sit. Then wash it off.

PS Don't use anything with grit.