Cleaning tips...bike sitting 4 years
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 148
Likes: 7
From: Central Pennsylvania, USA
Cleaning tips...bike sitting 4 years
I'm in the process of buying a Road King that has been under cover for about 4 years. There is some light surface rust on the chrome bars around the bags near where they meet the frame, and some surface rust on some of the shift linkage. The fork lowers need some serious work, clear is yellowed and lightly corroded. I think I can polish it out...can't ride until spring at this point, winter project....
Main question is what to clean the dirt, road grime and dust around the transmission, frame and underside of the bike? What chemicals/cleaners are ok to use on the engine to remove grime? And more importantly, which are NOT?
Pressure wash ok or no? I don't want to ruin sensors, electrical, etc by blasting water where it don't belong.
What is your best cleaning tip?
I thought there would be a cleaning FAQ,,,if there is I couldn't find it.
Thanks!
Main question is what to clean the dirt, road grime and dust around the transmission, frame and underside of the bike? What chemicals/cleaners are ok to use on the engine to remove grime? And more importantly, which are NOT?
Pressure wash ok or no? I don't want to ruin sensors, electrical, etc by blasting water where it don't belong.
What is your best cleaning tip?
I thought there would be a cleaning FAQ,,,if there is I couldn't find it.
Thanks!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,921
Likes: 33
From: Lewisberry PA
I dont pressure wash. I use distilled water and a spray bottle. Then go with clay and a mild cleaner wax, for chrome windex (no amonia) and chrome wax. I like megs products.
BTW microfiber towels.
BTW microfiber towels.
Last edited by luc.who; Nov 8, 2015 at 04:14 PM. Reason: spelling/typo
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 932
Likes: 14
From: CENTRAL IL
one of the few times that dishwashing detergent is a good thing to wash a bike or car, . strong solution of dawn dishwashing soap and a good wash mitt and some assorted brushes , will cut the surface grime and strip any old wax and dirt build up from the paint and chrome , , will also do a good job dissolving light oil build up , make sure you rinse it very well. Do that once or twice. that will leave you with a nice clean finish without any old waxes etc. then you can see what you need to get it shiny and protected again. doubt you would nee a pressure washer , you want to use a lot of soap and water to "float" as much of the old dirt dust oil and waxes off first. the dishwashing soap will strip all the wax form the bike so you will need to rewax. As far as rust on the chrome and aluminium start with the gentlest method first like windex chrome polish and move up in aggressiveness until you get the desired results. you can use 0000 steel wool and chrome polish to remove rust form the chrome but dont use too much pressure, and itwill really make the linkages shine. painted surfaces depending on condition claybar the paint, polish, then protect with wax.(don't use dishwashing soap to wash after waxing , it will strip your wax) .
Last edited by SIDECAR BOB; Nov 8, 2015 at 06:06 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,842
Likes: 16,583
From: Wisconsin, USA
Less is more. Don't get aggressive. Lot harder to remove scratches, than to redo wash.
For Chrome you can't beat Nevr Dull. Non abrasive, works great. http://www.nevrdull.com
SOS pads are more aggressive, I use sometimes.
Mr Clean Magic Eraser works well, but falls apart easily.
http://www.mrclean.com/en-us/shop-pr...7YZxoCklLw_wcB
For Chrome you can't beat Nevr Dull. Non abrasive, works great. http://www.nevrdull.com
SOS pads are more aggressive, I use sometimes.
Mr Clean Magic Eraser works well, but falls apart easily.
http://www.mrclean.com/en-us/shop-pr...7YZxoCklLw_wcB
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 600
Likes: 10
From: Rochester, NY
Your biggest concern should be rust inside the fuel tank. That can be an expensive fix. I would drain the fuel and look for rust before you buy. It will either be visible flakes or fine like sand. If you see it don't buy or ask for a steep discount.
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