Best tire cleaner?
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Lockport, Il
Best tire cleaner?
Just got my 96 RK and was wondering what everyone uses for cleaning and dressing their tires so they dont look so dull... Everything out there seems like it would make the tires slick. Or is it just soap and water and dry? ???
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 173
From: Simi Valley, CA
Westley's Bleche-Wite has been around forever and is the best tire cleaner I've ever used. But only if you have chrome wheels. It will f-up aluminum if you're not extremely careful.
I've also used household cleanser and a brush. Works pretty good.
As far as dressings go - be careful. If you do use them, use them sparingly. Make sure to wipe off every bit of excess and then wipe it again. You don't want that stuff anywhere near the tire tread. I've gone as far as using compressed air to blow off any excess, then wiping again, and finally, wiping the tread with lacquer thinner. I've only done this a couple of times. Usually I'll just clean the tire and leave it at that.
Another choice for the sidewall is lacquer thinner. It will give the sidewall a deep, rich black look without any residue or shine. It may dry out the rubber a bit with repeated use, but my tires don't last long enough for that to be an issue.
I've also used household cleanser and a brush. Works pretty good.
As far as dressings go - be careful. If you do use them, use them sparingly. Make sure to wipe off every bit of excess and then wipe it again. You don't want that stuff anywhere near the tire tread. I've gone as far as using compressed air to blow off any excess, then wiping again, and finally, wiping the tread with lacquer thinner. I've only done this a couple of times. Usually I'll just clean the tire and leave it at that.
Another choice for the sidewall is lacquer thinner. It will give the sidewall a deep, rich black look without any residue or shine. It may dry out the rubber a bit with repeated use, but my tires don't last long enough for that to be an issue.
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Lockport, Il
I think Ill just stay away from dressing all together then.. I just got a rear tire due to a blow out.. and the front just looks so dull now compared to the new tire.. Ill try the bletche white, thanks guys.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 10,216
Likes: 224
From: Glendale AZ
Use the ol' standby....orange pledge...yup even on the tires, all areas of the bike including the windshield. Just buff the haze with a microcloth.
Trending Topics
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 517
Likes: 3
From: Cleveland
I thought I read somewhere on here about people using DOT-3 Brake Fluid?
What's everyone's opinion on this? Does it make the tires slick?
What's everyone's opinion on this? Does it make the tires slick?
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,291
Likes: 0
From: WireGrass, AL
I know some have not had success using Borax like I have but all you have to do is put some borax in a bowl, put a nice soapy mixture, I like dawn, with a little borax in a bucket half full or less. Use an old wash cloth wet it in the soapy mixture while it is wet wrap it around you index and middle finger dip in the borax and wipe the past on the white walls. Let it dry then wash it off. Sometimes I would have to take a nylon brush to the dried borax to get it off but I'm telling the tires where so white and bright. Now it didn't take any scrubbing just rubbing the soapy wash cloth borax paste on the tire waiting maybe one beer or so to let the Borax work then rinse it all off. 
This is after my once a month Borax cleaning on my dearly departed 95 FLSTN
This is after my once a month Borax cleaning on my dearly departed 95 FLSTN