Keeping it Clean
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 466
Likes: 2
From: Canada
Keeping it Clean
[:@]Hi everyone[8D]I am looking for some tips on how ya all keep your bikes all clean and shiny? I have seen some real shiny bikes on this forum so far. I try to keep up with the Cleaning and the waxing but jeez it's not easy. I have some S100 products and some Harley products but water spots and fine swirl marks are pissing me off. I spend hours cleaning and waxing just to look at her the next day and fine water marks. And how do you get into those thight spots? Maybe I,m asking to much but some of your bikes seem to be sparkling. I have a 2004 Heritage Softail Classic. The picture attached is from last year while she was still at the dealership.
Added a picture of me
on the bike last summer.
[IMG]local://upfiles/2324/4F3598C2A26C4B0E94F860A76C3715DF.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/2324/F10FF5C3D84D45ACB3637C465FDA7440.jpg[/IMG]
Added a picture of me
on the bike last summer.[IMG]local://upfiles/2324/4F3598C2A26C4B0E94F860A76C3715DF.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/2324/F10FF5C3D84D45ACB3637C465FDA7440.jpg[/IMG]
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,561
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Keeping it Clean
Take a look at your own pic and there's part of your answer. Quit riding on dirt roads, dummy! Ride only on sunny, clear days and then only to the local bars or Harley dealerships. Also, be sure to trailer it to any bike weeks yoou attend. If you;re going to Sturgis, you may even want to consider having it shipped. Finally, spend all of your time at a 7 figure a year job and pay someone else to clean it.
(All of the above is said with tongue firmly in cheek)
Actually, there's been some pretty good talk recently on the subject. Seems as though Mr. Clean car wash does a good job of eliminating water spots. Check out the archives via the "search" thread.
BTW, Nice looking bike and even more importantly, it looks like you're enjoying it. That' all that counts. Welcome. Art
(All of the above is said with tongue firmly in cheek)
Actually, there's been some pretty good talk recently on the subject. Seems as though Mr. Clean car wash does a good job of eliminating water spots. Check out the archives via the "search" thread.
BTW, Nice looking bike and even more importantly, it looks like you're enjoying it. That' all that counts. Welcome. Art
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 466
Likes: 2
From: Canada
RE: Keeping it Clean
Ya my buddy lives on this farm and his driveway is a mile long on dirt road. I see what ya mean ha ah but I will look into the Mr Clean car wash though. I looked at this one time before but I was'nt sure.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 68,021
Likes: 3,276
From:
RE: Keeping it Clean
You do have a great lookin ride. I also live out in the country and it can be interesting trying to keep new bikes looking new and clean. Sometimes, when I got home, a simple hose down with the garden hose would get off the loose stuff and keep it from building up too hard.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Keeping it Clean
I use carnuba wax cause there's no abbrasives in it, so there's no swirl marks when you buff it out. Also never dry wipe it down=scratches. Use something like final inspection from mcguires, it's a spray. You just mist it on and wipe it off,it's just like washing the bike.When you do wash it dry it, off with the leaf blower it's gets all the little nooks and crannys! And turn on some good music when doing this
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,954
Likes: 9
From: jacksonville, nc
RE: Keeping it Clean
i wash it, blow it off with my compressior, ride it!!
even if theres a chance of gettin laid......i aint goin down no dirt roads!!!
even if theres a chance of gettin laid......i aint goin down no dirt roads!!!
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 535
Likes: 0
From: By the Ocean ...SoCal
RE: Keeping it Clean
Tried the Mr. Clear spot free wash for the first time this weekend. It worked great. Living off a dirt road is a bit of a hassle since everytime I leave the house it gets dusty.... Just can't stop riding
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 8,978
Likes: 34
From: Cedar Point, NC
RE: Keeping it Clean
To get rid of water spots, dry it thoroughly after washing. I use Meguires for everything, soap, wax, the whole bit. I use S100 on the wheels, spray it on, drink beer, hose it off. It comes out great. The new Meguires NXT is great stuff, and you can work with it in the sunlight.
A compressor is a great way to dry it, otherwise use microfiber towels meant for drying.
Mac
A compressor is a great way to dry it, otherwise use microfiber towels meant for drying.
Mac
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,300
Likes: 0
From: Central Virginia
RE: Keeping it Clean
I might just be the dirt road king. I'm almost a mile from the pavement. I've very quickly become accomplished in keeping the Deuce looking good.
I keep a "swiffer" (used by my wife to dust - negative electrical charge collects dust particles) in a pocket of my riding jacket to dust her off after leaving the house. Upon retuning home, she gets a wash job after the engine cools down using Harley Sun Wash and a fleece (soft) pad. Then comes the leaf blower and off goes the water before it has a chance to spot. (I don't use the compressor because I worry about compressor oil, particulates, or other contaminants from inside the air tank being sprayed on the bike). I have some "detailer" sold by the MoCo as well as Harley Glaze, but Meguires seems to work best for me - no swirls - on paint and chrome. I also use Meguires leather conditioner on the seat periodically. I just can't put her away after a ride unless she's CLEAN.
I keep a "swiffer" (used by my wife to dust - negative electrical charge collects dust particles) in a pocket of my riding jacket to dust her off after leaving the house. Upon retuning home, she gets a wash job after the engine cools down using Harley Sun Wash and a fleece (soft) pad. Then comes the leaf blower and off goes the water before it has a chance to spot. (I don't use the compressor because I worry about compressor oil, particulates, or other contaminants from inside the air tank being sprayed on the bike). I have some "detailer" sold by the MoCo as well as Harley Glaze, but Meguires seems to work best for me - no swirls - on paint and chrome. I also use Meguires leather conditioner on the seat periodically. I just can't put her away after a ride unless she's CLEAN.