Detailing
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Joined: Mar 2012
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From: Bay Area, Ca
Detailing
Hey guys. I was wondering if you guys could point me in the right direction for some good detailing products. With the winter coming I wanna give my bike a good clean and shine before shes tucked in the garage. Could you help a brotha out?! thanks!
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
Likes: 821
From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
Google is Ur friend:.. here is where is I found this..
Winterization of your Harley-DavidsonŽ Motorcycle:
Well, the snow is falling and the roads are icy. It's that sad time of year where we have to winterize the mower and the motorcycle. It's very simple, and with a few products you can be sure that come that first warm day, your bike will be ready to ride.
Here is a basic list of what you need to do:
1. Clean Your Bike.
2. Change your Engine Oil.
3. Check your tires to proper pressure.
4. Fill fuel tank and stabilize the fuel.
5. Hook up your Battery Tender.
6. Cover with a soft - BREATHABLE cover and put in a safe place.
7. DON'T start the motorcycle during the winter unless you are going for a ride!
Here are more details on each of the items mentioned above:
1. Clean your Bike - Just like dirty dishes, the longer the dirt is stuck, the harder it is to get off. You want to be sure that your bike is clean before you put the cover on. Thoroughly wash, wax and detail the motorcycle with your favorite cleaning products. To further prevent rust and deterioration you can spray S100 Corrosion Protectant on any exposed metal surfaces. May also be used on fittings, plastic and rubber to preserve and protect.
2. Change your Engine Oil - Engine oil by design absorbs water. Engine oil can only hold a finite amount of water in suspension before it starts to separate. In the winter, the constant changing of temperatures can result in condensation inside of your engine cases. Fresh oil will be able to hold more water and thus, be better at protecting your engine from condensation.
3. Check your tires and adjust to the proper pressure - Tires sitting over the winter can develop flat spots. The best prevention is to keep your tires inflated to the proper pressure and check them periodically with a quality tire pressure gauge. You can find proper tire pressures for your model listed in your owner's manual. If you are parking on concrete another good idea is to place carpet remnants under each tire. You may also want to move the motorcycle periodically in the winter so that the tires are not always sitting on the same spot.
4. Fill the fuel tank and stabilize the fuel - The more free volume you have in your fuel tank, the more condensation you are likely to have which could lead to water in your fuel. A full tank will ensure very little condensation and corrosion in your tank. Be sure to use fuel stabilizer, in the proportions listed on the packaging to stabilize your fuel. Put the stabilizer in your bike at the gas station and ride home or keep bike running for 3-4 minutes to allow the fuel stabilizer to run through the system.
5. Hook up that Battery Tender. -The more you use your Battery Tender Ž the longer your battery will last. Keeping a charge on your battery not only ensures that it will be ready to go when the warm weather hits, it also increases the life of your AGM battery. Be sure not to overcharge a battery on a traditional charger. Modern AGM batteries are meant to be charged by trickle chargers only.
6. Cover the bike with a BREATHABLE cover - A good cover will keep dust and other potentially abrasive substances off of the motorcycle while letting moisture out. Remember, the cover MUST be BREATHABLE. Otherwise, condensation will live on the bike and corrosion will result. Good covers are the Breathable Indoor Storage Cover or the Premium Cotton Indoor Storage Covers.
7. Don't start your bike unless you are going for a ride - One of the worst things you can do is to start your bike for a couple of minutes. This takes away from the charge on the battery and heats up your exhaust just enough to create condensation in the cooling process (think of the water you see dripping out of a car exhaust in the winter time). Basically, don't start your bike unless you are going for a ride and its going to run for a while.
Other tips:
You can elevate your bike with a Motorcycle Service Lift (be sure to follow the instructions for use).
You can lock your motorcycle upright with a Cruise Cradle Wheel Chock.
Mouse damage has been a growing problem over the last few years. Be aware of the presence of mice and be sure to take action to remove them if they are living anywhere near your bike.
When you do take the bike out in the spring it is a good idea to burn up the storage fuel and put some fresh fuel in the tank as soon as possible (this means you need to go for a long ride!).
.
Winterization of your Harley-DavidsonŽ Motorcycle:
Well, the snow is falling and the roads are icy. It's that sad time of year where we have to winterize the mower and the motorcycle. It's very simple, and with a few products you can be sure that come that first warm day, your bike will be ready to ride.
Here is a basic list of what you need to do:
1. Clean Your Bike.
2. Change your Engine Oil.
3. Check your tires to proper pressure.
4. Fill fuel tank and stabilize the fuel.
5. Hook up your Battery Tender.
6. Cover with a soft - BREATHABLE cover and put in a safe place.
7. DON'T start the motorcycle during the winter unless you are going for a ride!
Here are more details on each of the items mentioned above:
1. Clean your Bike - Just like dirty dishes, the longer the dirt is stuck, the harder it is to get off. You want to be sure that your bike is clean before you put the cover on. Thoroughly wash, wax and detail the motorcycle with your favorite cleaning products. To further prevent rust and deterioration you can spray S100 Corrosion Protectant on any exposed metal surfaces. May also be used on fittings, plastic and rubber to preserve and protect.
2. Change your Engine Oil - Engine oil by design absorbs water. Engine oil can only hold a finite amount of water in suspension before it starts to separate. In the winter, the constant changing of temperatures can result in condensation inside of your engine cases. Fresh oil will be able to hold more water and thus, be better at protecting your engine from condensation.
3. Check your tires and adjust to the proper pressure - Tires sitting over the winter can develop flat spots. The best prevention is to keep your tires inflated to the proper pressure and check them periodically with a quality tire pressure gauge. You can find proper tire pressures for your model listed in your owner's manual. If you are parking on concrete another good idea is to place carpet remnants under each tire. You may also want to move the motorcycle periodically in the winter so that the tires are not always sitting on the same spot.
4. Fill the fuel tank and stabilize the fuel - The more free volume you have in your fuel tank, the more condensation you are likely to have which could lead to water in your fuel. A full tank will ensure very little condensation and corrosion in your tank. Be sure to use fuel stabilizer, in the proportions listed on the packaging to stabilize your fuel. Put the stabilizer in your bike at the gas station and ride home or keep bike running for 3-4 minutes to allow the fuel stabilizer to run through the system.
5. Hook up that Battery Tender. -The more you use your Battery Tender Ž the longer your battery will last. Keeping a charge on your battery not only ensures that it will be ready to go when the warm weather hits, it also increases the life of your AGM battery. Be sure not to overcharge a battery on a traditional charger. Modern AGM batteries are meant to be charged by trickle chargers only.
6. Cover the bike with a BREATHABLE cover - A good cover will keep dust and other potentially abrasive substances off of the motorcycle while letting moisture out. Remember, the cover MUST be BREATHABLE. Otherwise, condensation will live on the bike and corrosion will result. Good covers are the Breathable Indoor Storage Cover or the Premium Cotton Indoor Storage Covers.
7. Don't start your bike unless you are going for a ride - One of the worst things you can do is to start your bike for a couple of minutes. This takes away from the charge on the battery and heats up your exhaust just enough to create condensation in the cooling process (think of the water you see dripping out of a car exhaust in the winter time). Basically, don't start your bike unless you are going for a ride and its going to run for a while.
Other tips:
You can elevate your bike with a Motorcycle Service Lift (be sure to follow the instructions for use).
You can lock your motorcycle upright with a Cruise Cradle Wheel Chock.
Mouse damage has been a growing problem over the last few years. Be aware of the presence of mice and be sure to take action to remove them if they are living anywhere near your bike.
When you do take the bike out in the spring it is a good idea to burn up the storage fuel and put some fresh fuel in the tank as soon as possible (this means you need to go for a long ride!).
.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 759
Likes: 5
From: Illinois
RE: Cleaning your bike
I have a friend who owns an auto detail shop. Most of the info crosses over to bikes-
Don't ever, EVER, use a pressure washer on your bike like those dumb hillbillys on youtube. They are destroying their electrical systems, seals, instruments, etc.
Use the garden hose with a plastic or resin soft spray nozzle. Take off all your jewelry before you begin. Trust me on this- You will want to kill yourself if you nick your paint with your fancy watch on accident.
Any of the respected auto care preparations companies can be used on your bike, whether Harley, Meguiars, Mothers, Turtle Wax et al.
It is always better to use the weakest solution concentration to start when you clean your bike. If you have really greasy, dirty spots, use a 50/50 mix of the auto/bike wash solution for really dirty/greasy spots, but rinse it off immediately.
You can use paintbrushes of various sizes, with the metal parts taped up with duct tape to protect your paint, to get into nooks and crannies on your bike to get them clean.
All the reputable auto care companies make "Paint Cleaners" that take out the micro-swirls and micro-scratches that just result from day to day use of your bike. These smooth the paint and prepare it for wax.
Turtle Wax makes a great package if you have a black bike- It's called "Turtle Wax Black Box", and contains a paint cleaner, detailer spray, and an actually very dark black wax. It makes the paint on my Street Glide as smooth an unblemished as the day I bought it.
Go on Amazon, and type in "Motorcycle Detailing Books" There are three really good ones that address every material on your bike as far as cleaning, detail cleaning, dressing, waxing, paint cleaning etc.
Have fun with your detailing expedition! I'm doing mine tomorrow after a long ride to Peoria to have a steak at Alexander's and then a ride back along the Illinois river road-
Ride Safe-
-Ray
Don't ever, EVER, use a pressure washer on your bike like those dumb hillbillys on youtube. They are destroying their electrical systems, seals, instruments, etc.
Use the garden hose with a plastic or resin soft spray nozzle. Take off all your jewelry before you begin. Trust me on this- You will want to kill yourself if you nick your paint with your fancy watch on accident.
Any of the respected auto care preparations companies can be used on your bike, whether Harley, Meguiars, Mothers, Turtle Wax et al.
It is always better to use the weakest solution concentration to start when you clean your bike. If you have really greasy, dirty spots, use a 50/50 mix of the auto/bike wash solution for really dirty/greasy spots, but rinse it off immediately.
You can use paintbrushes of various sizes, with the metal parts taped up with duct tape to protect your paint, to get into nooks and crannies on your bike to get them clean.
All the reputable auto care companies make "Paint Cleaners" that take out the micro-swirls and micro-scratches that just result from day to day use of your bike. These smooth the paint and prepare it for wax.
Turtle Wax makes a great package if you have a black bike- It's called "Turtle Wax Black Box", and contains a paint cleaner, detailer spray, and an actually very dark black wax. It makes the paint on my Street Glide as smooth an unblemished as the day I bought it.
Go on Amazon, and type in "Motorcycle Detailing Books" There are three really good ones that address every material on your bike as far as cleaning, detail cleaning, dressing, waxing, paint cleaning etc.
Have fun with your detailing expedition! I'm doing mine tomorrow after a long ride to Peoria to have a steak at Alexander's and then a ride back along the Illinois river road-
Ride Safe-
-Ray
Last edited by Ray Lloyd; Nov 9, 2012 at 06:41 PM. Reason: mispelling
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Joined: Nov 2011
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From: NC
Google is Ur friend:.. here is where is I found this..
Winterization of your Harley-DavidsonŽ Motorcycle:
Well, the snow is falling and the roads are icy. It's that sad time of year where we have to winterize the mower and the motorcycle. It's very simple, and with a few products you can be sure that come that first warm day, your bike will be ready to ride.
Here is a basic list of what you need to do:
1. Clean Your Bike.
2. Change your Engine Oil.
3. Check your tires to proper pressure.
4. Fill fuel tank and stabilize the fuel.
5. Hook up your Battery Tender.
6. Cover with a soft - BREATHABLE cover and put in a safe place.
7. DON'T start the motorcycle during the winter unless you are going for a ride!
Here are more details on each of the items mentioned above:
1. Clean your Bike - Just like dirty dishes, the longer the dirt is stuck, the harder it is to get off. You want to be sure that your bike is clean before you put the cover on. Thoroughly wash, wax and detail the motorcycle with your favorite cleaning products. To further prevent rust and deterioration you can spray S100 Corrosion Protectant on any exposed metal surfaces. May also be used on fittings, plastic and rubber to preserve and protect.
2. Change your Engine Oil - Engine oil by design absorbs water. Engine oil can only hold a finite amount of water in suspension before it starts to separate. In the winter, the constant changing of temperatures can result in condensation inside of your engine cases. Fresh oil will be able to hold more water and thus, be better at protecting your engine from condensation.
3. Check your tires and adjust to the proper pressure - Tires sitting over the winter can develop flat spots. The best prevention is to keep your tires inflated to the proper pressure and check them periodically with a quality tire pressure gauge. You can find proper tire pressures for your model listed in your owner's manual. If you are parking on concrete another good idea is to place carpet remnants under each tire. You may also want to move the motorcycle periodically in the winter so that the tires are not always sitting on the same spot.
4. Fill the fuel tank and stabilize the fuel - The more free volume you have in your fuel tank, the more condensation you are likely to have which could lead to water in your fuel. A full tank will ensure very little condensation and corrosion in your tank. Be sure to use fuel stabilizer, in the proportions listed on the packaging to stabilize your fuel. Put the stabilizer in your bike at the gas station and ride home or keep bike running for 3-4 minutes to allow the fuel stabilizer to run through the system.
5. Hook up that Battery Tender. -The more you use your Battery Tender Ž the longer your battery will last. Keeping a charge on your battery not only ensures that it will be ready to go when the warm weather hits, it also increases the life of your AGM battery. Be sure not to overcharge a battery on a traditional charger. Modern AGM batteries are meant to be charged by trickle chargers only.
6. Cover the bike with a BREATHABLE cover - A good cover will keep dust and other potentially abrasive substances off of the motorcycle while letting moisture out. Remember, the cover MUST be BREATHABLE. Otherwise, condensation will live on the bike and corrosion will result. Good covers are the Breathable Indoor Storage Cover or the Premium Cotton Indoor Storage Covers.
7. Don't start your bike unless you are going for a ride - One of the worst things you can do is to start your bike for a couple of minutes. This takes away from the charge on the battery and heats up your exhaust just enough to create condensation in the cooling process (think of the water you see dripping out of a car exhaust in the winter time). Basically, don't start your bike unless you are going for a ride and its going to run for a while.
Other tips:
You can elevate your bike with a Motorcycle Service Lift (be sure to follow the instructions for use).
You can lock your motorcycle upright with a Cruise Cradle Wheel Chock.
Mouse damage has been a growing problem over the last few years. Be aware of the presence of mice and be sure to take action to remove them if they are living anywhere near your bike.
When you do take the bike out in the spring it is a good idea to burn up the storage fuel and put some fresh fuel in the tank as soon as possible (this means you need to go for a long ride!).
.
Winterization of your Harley-DavidsonŽ Motorcycle:
Well, the snow is falling and the roads are icy. It's that sad time of year where we have to winterize the mower and the motorcycle. It's very simple, and with a few products you can be sure that come that first warm day, your bike will be ready to ride.
Here is a basic list of what you need to do:
1. Clean Your Bike.
2. Change your Engine Oil.
3. Check your tires to proper pressure.
4. Fill fuel tank and stabilize the fuel.
5. Hook up your Battery Tender.
6. Cover with a soft - BREATHABLE cover and put in a safe place.
7. DON'T start the motorcycle during the winter unless you are going for a ride!
Here are more details on each of the items mentioned above:
1. Clean your Bike - Just like dirty dishes, the longer the dirt is stuck, the harder it is to get off. You want to be sure that your bike is clean before you put the cover on. Thoroughly wash, wax and detail the motorcycle with your favorite cleaning products. To further prevent rust and deterioration you can spray S100 Corrosion Protectant on any exposed metal surfaces. May also be used on fittings, plastic and rubber to preserve and protect.
2. Change your Engine Oil - Engine oil by design absorbs water. Engine oil can only hold a finite amount of water in suspension before it starts to separate. In the winter, the constant changing of temperatures can result in condensation inside of your engine cases. Fresh oil will be able to hold more water and thus, be better at protecting your engine from condensation.
3. Check your tires and adjust to the proper pressure - Tires sitting over the winter can develop flat spots. The best prevention is to keep your tires inflated to the proper pressure and check them periodically with a quality tire pressure gauge. You can find proper tire pressures for your model listed in your owner's manual. If you are parking on concrete another good idea is to place carpet remnants under each tire. You may also want to move the motorcycle periodically in the winter so that the tires are not always sitting on the same spot.
4. Fill the fuel tank and stabilize the fuel - The more free volume you have in your fuel tank, the more condensation you are likely to have which could lead to water in your fuel. A full tank will ensure very little condensation and corrosion in your tank. Be sure to use fuel stabilizer, in the proportions listed on the packaging to stabilize your fuel. Put the stabilizer in your bike at the gas station and ride home or keep bike running for 3-4 minutes to allow the fuel stabilizer to run through the system.
5. Hook up that Battery Tender. -The more you use your Battery Tender Ž the longer your battery will last. Keeping a charge on your battery not only ensures that it will be ready to go when the warm weather hits, it also increases the life of your AGM battery. Be sure not to overcharge a battery on a traditional charger. Modern AGM batteries are meant to be charged by trickle chargers only.
6. Cover the bike with a BREATHABLE cover - A good cover will keep dust and other potentially abrasive substances off of the motorcycle while letting moisture out. Remember, the cover MUST be BREATHABLE. Otherwise, condensation will live on the bike and corrosion will result. Good covers are the Breathable Indoor Storage Cover or the Premium Cotton Indoor Storage Covers.
7. Don't start your bike unless you are going for a ride - One of the worst things you can do is to start your bike for a couple of minutes. This takes away from the charge on the battery and heats up your exhaust just enough to create condensation in the cooling process (think of the water you see dripping out of a car exhaust in the winter time). Basically, don't start your bike unless you are going for a ride and its going to run for a while.
Other tips:
You can elevate your bike with a Motorcycle Service Lift (be sure to follow the instructions for use).
You can lock your motorcycle upright with a Cruise Cradle Wheel Chock.
Mouse damage has been a growing problem over the last few years. Be aware of the presence of mice and be sure to take action to remove them if they are living anywhere near your bike.
When you do take the bike out in the spring it is a good idea to burn up the storage fuel and put some fresh fuel in the tank as soon as possible (this means you need to go for a long ride!).
.
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