Wheel cleaner?
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,930
Likes: 400
From: NJ
Wheel cleaner?
I thought I had read somewhere that you’re not supposed to use automotive wheel cleaner on a motorcycle. What do you guys use because soap and water just isn’t enough. Not only has it been getting worse and worse, I just got back from a long trip, and my wheels are horrendous. I want to use something more than just soap and water, but what says you guys?
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,439
Likes: 856
From: The High Plains, USA
The wheel cleaner doesn't know what type of vehicle the wheel it's cleaning is attached to. Use something gentle and scrub with brushes rather than using an aggressive cleaner and hoping to spray and rinse off with no agitation. If you want something fancy, P21S Wheel Cleaner Gel is excellent, as is Ammo Plum, any of the three or so Griot's Garage options and the same with Adam's Polishes.
P&S Brake Buster is another good cleaner I've used recently.
P&S Brake Buster is another good cleaner I've used recently.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 8,036
Likes: 6,933
From: NC
Use the wheel cleaner appropriate for your wheel. Is your wheel clear coated? Painted? Bare aluminum? THey make many products for the different wheels.
I use S100 on the entire bike and follow th direction on the bottle. Using a wheel brush helps. Rinse thoroughly! Do not let dry on the surface.
I use S100 on the entire bike and follow th direction on the bottle. Using a wheel brush helps. Rinse thoroughly! Do not let dry on the surface.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 460
Likes: 308
From: New Zealand
I've just got a bottle of Carpro wheel-X cleaner and will use it to clean my car wheels tomorrow I'll let you know how it goes- https://detaildepot.co.nz/products/w...711582b5&_ss=r
Last edited by NZLowrider; Jul 3, 2025 at 11:12 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 11,241
Likes: 3,064
From: St.Louis Mo.
I just hit mine with detail spray after every ride. Spray and wipe them down.
If washing the entire bike i use the same soap in them as on the paint.
If washing the entire bike i use the same soap in them as on the paint.
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Advanced
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 61
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The recommendation to not use automotive wheel cleaners is the fact that the wheel cleaner will ultimately come in contact with the drive belt. Many auto based cleaners are highly acidic. Just use care and common sense.
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 460
Likes: 308
From: New Zealand
Good point I'll use the WheelX on my car only (although i might try front wheel only which gets most of the brake dust anyway), wheel's are easier to clean if you wash your bike regularly not letting the grime build up in the 1st place
