Phantom Scratches
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 403
Likes: 18
From: Lake Bluff, Illinois
Phantom Scratches
So I have a 2015 Slim that just rolled over 1k miles on it. So far it's been a great bike! I have only needed to wash it like three time. With that being said, I have notice small scratches developing an certain area of the bike...cateye console, headlight, and light mount. So my question is, where are these coming from? Is it just small road debris that produces these micro scratches? Is it factory wax finish disappearing? I would like to believe that I take good care of my bike...but I can't determine the source. Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated!
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 358
Likes: 38
From: Spain
You must learn to wash the bike correctly and always use water and a good shampoo for cars/mmotorcycles to retire the dirty and dust from the bike.
If you dont use water and you use a dry microfiber cloth to retire the dirty of the bike, you will produce swirls (small scracths) in the paint and the chrome.
If you dont use water and you use a dry microfiber cloth to retire the dirty of the bike, you will produce swirls (small scracths) in the paint and the chrome.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 784
Likes: 10
From: SE Pennsylvania
You are also correct in stating that the small micro scratches come from dust and very small debris in the air and off the road while you're riding. Remember, you are hitting these things at highway speeds at times. Try drying your bike like some others who've made the mistake by using a leaf blower and you'll see what I mean. What the other guys said about proper washing is also true. Get some swirl and scratch remover and you'll take care of it easily.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 4,093
Likes: 52
From: Pt. Jeff Sta. L.I., N.Y.
You will ALWAYS get scatches in paint. Once you move something across the finish, bingo, you are marring it and sooner or later you will begin to see scratches or swirl marks. A good detailing spray might help with the light stuff. That's why I love my Denim finish.
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Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,404
Likes: 12
From: Haymarket, VA
It's virtually impossible to not eventually get microscatches in clearcoat no matter how careful you are. You can only lessen getting any major ones by using plenty of water with a good quality car wash and a microfiber cloth. Turn & rinse it ofter. Dry with a bike dryer & not towels or chamois unless they are totally clean. If you wax it & ANY dirt remains on the finish, presto, instant scratches. Again, use CLEAN microfiber cloths to remove the wax & buff.
I speak from many years of experience washing bikes & cars.
I speak from many years of experience washing bikes & cars.
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 185
Likes: 3
From: Delta BC Canada
No matter how well you clean and wax your pride and joy the scratches will keep coming.A way to reduce the dust (micro rocks)on the paint is to park the bike with a good quality motorcycle cover. It also gives protection from the damaging rays of the sun when parked outside. GR.
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