Cleaning & Maintaining your HD
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,243
Likes: 14
From: Right where I belong!
I am really interested in hearing about synthetic oil if anyone is using it. Is it worth the extra money? What about Purple?
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
I agree with shimmon on the paint brush Idea. Here are my steps in cleaning
step 1 spray bike with simple green/water 50/50 mix to stretch it. Let it soak for a couple of minutes
step 2 scrub areas with non abrasive materials. (paintbrush scrubbing in between the engine finns is a good idea)
step3 rinse with water
step 4 leaf blower to completely dry.
step 5 A dry micro fiber cloth to bring the chrome to it's full shine potential.
step 6 Polish areas of dull aluminum with Mothers at least every other wash to keep up with the chrome.
step 7 Meguiars quick detail wax on the paint. (It's important to wax the paint . Keeping the UV rays out of your paint will look as good as when you first bought it.
step 1 spray bike with simple green/water 50/50 mix to stretch it. Let it soak for a couple of minutes
step 2 scrub areas with non abrasive materials. (paintbrush scrubbing in between the engine finns is a good idea)
step3 rinse with water
step 4 leaf blower to completely dry.
step 5 A dry micro fiber cloth to bring the chrome to it's full shine potential.
step 6 Polish areas of dull aluminum with Mothers at least every other wash to keep up with the chrome.
step 7 Meguiars quick detail wax on the paint. (It's important to wax the paint . Keeping the UV rays out of your paint will look as good as when you first bought it.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
From: schofield barracks, HI
that honda spray you mention, the purple can i think, i use that at the self car wash. use it with microfiber brush, then spray off and towel dry. for the metal i use basic metal polish they sell at moco dealer. ive also followed advice of simple green (alot of that in the army) works well on road and engine stuff.
idk bout the power washer, prob watch what you spray with it. when i use the car wash i dont go full blast anywhere on my bike with it. the leaf blower, done it, make sure no rocks or anything fly up and hit your bike.....can cause bad headache. i like towel drying, time to be one with the bike haha.
idk bout the power washer, prob watch what you spray with it. when i use the car wash i dont go full blast anywhere on my bike with it. the leaf blower, done it, make sure no rocks or anything fly up and hit your bike.....can cause bad headache. i like towel drying, time to be one with the bike haha.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 635
Likes: 29
From: Bakersfield, CA
Specifically on chrome detailing, I've always used Mother's Chrome Polish with great results. But recently, after reading a positive review in AIM, I tried Surf City Garage "Killer Chrome" polish (available at Pep Boys). Must say it really made my chrome pop, and will be using it going forward.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 273
Likes: 3
From: West Haven, CT
Polish
I quick detail my bike after every ride with this spray polish and cleaner. It is also sold as Honda Polish at my metric area dealer. Love this stuff. I use it on everything.
I think I washed my entire bike once this season.
I also like Pig spit on my black cases and engine. It also makes my black pipes look wet.
I think I washed my entire bike once this season.
I also like Pig spit on my black cases and engine. It also makes my black pipes look wet.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,189
Likes: 3
From: Massachusetts
I use Meguiar's Gold Class Car Wash soap, by hand, Meguiar's Chrome Polish on the chrome, Mother's Billet Aluminum Polish on the aluminum parts, and recently began using Zaino's on the paint.
I stay away from high-pressure washes as I've heard of too many people developing problems with their electrical systems after having used them. Besides, I like washing and polishing her by hand!
I stay away from high-pressure washes as I've heard of too many people developing problems with their electrical systems after having used them. Besides, I like washing and polishing her by hand!
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Novice
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Wichita
I just pull into the self-serve car wash and spray it off with soap and rinse. Ride it home to dry it (leaves water spots on pipes), then hit it with a damp towel which usually off just all the water spots.
Sometimes I may need to touch up chrome with Windex and polished aluminum with SimiChrome, but rarely.
If I've been using my Windshield, I only use Plexus (spray can) with a clean towel. Works on window tint in my car as well.
Sure, there are some small water spots here and there but no one notices. Everybody gives me crap about "spending hours" cleaning my bike. Hardly.
Sometimes I may need to touch up chrome with Windex and polished aluminum with SimiChrome, but rarely.
If I've been using my Windshield, I only use Plexus (spray can) with a clean towel. Works on window tint in my car as well.
Sure, there are some small water spots here and there but no one notices. Everybody gives me crap about "spending hours" cleaning my bike. Hardly.
I also have a windshield. HD brand. Took it off immediately. Hadn't thought about cleaning it, but it's very dusty now from hanging in garage. Anything should I NOT use to wash/clean it? I guess Simple Green wouldn't hurt it....