I noticed that there was some question on how best to keep chrome shiny, clean and protected so I did some searching on the internet and came across this from a chromer. Thought people might be interested in what she has to say.

"I am the female owner of Custom Wors Plating and Polishing. I noticed this question and couldn't resist answering. I get this question a lot from my customers and people on the street. Chrome is not anything more than a clear coat over your nickel to keep it from oxidizing. Using ANYTHING abrasive will cause you to literally rub the chrome off. The best thing to use on chrome is just plain old SOAP & WATER or GLASS CLEANER. You should always keep it waxed with a CARNUBA wax. This is non abrasive and will protect your chrome. Keeping chrome clean will preserve it for a long time. If your chrome is showing rust you should have it rechromed because if not it will continue to rust. This just means there is nothing covering the bare metal and will continue to rust. If you would like to see the true chrome process go to www.customworksplating.com or call me and I will help you as much as possible."

 

That's interesting. I use the HD chrome stuff and it works great. Soft, easy to use and give the chrome a nice shine. Doesn't 'seem' very abrasive. I've never thought of using a Caranuba wax. I'll try it tomorrow!

 

hmmm thanks for the info.. I hate cleaning chrome I am constantly waxing my bike's chrome

 

Can you wax the chrome on the exhaust?

 

No you should not wax the exhaust it'll discolor.

 

Best product IMO for chrome is S100 polishing soap. Simple to use, cleans and polishes at the same time.

I. Wet the bike.
2. Scrub the chrome with the provided sponge and polishing soap.
3. Rinse and you're done.

Watch this . . .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3Iw631UsbI

 

I like using simple green concentrated with a 1-10 dillution ratio, I usually mix 20oz of water with 2oz of simple green in a spray bottle, this cleans the entire bike, it works great, smells good, and doesn't hurt a thing, my dealer put me up on it. I use wesley's bleach for my white wall tires, simple green cleans them up really good, but it just seems like wesley's bleach gives a little deaper cleaning.

 

I use this: http://www.autogeek.net/16ozsucigadi.html Best stuff for chrome I have found. Water spots and calcium rub right off.

 

Thanks for the info

 

I use PLEXUS on all my chrome and it works awesome. It's promoted as a plastic cleaner but it is great on chrome. I know a lot of dealers who use it on their showroom bikes. Get a small can for under 10 bucks and try it out. It's also great to bring on trips to clean up your bike and windshield. You won't be disappointed.