Latest cleaning tip
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,492
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From: Illinois
Latest cleaning tip
As I have said many times I am a self admitted clean freak and chrome *****. Awhile back there wa a cleaning tip thread and most said they used windex to clean and do chrome with. I had never used it before as I have always used quality wax or detailer solutions. Since that thread I have tried it and find it does work well. I brought my Cadillac home the other day and the front was full of bugs and I would not stand for that so I reached for my windex but it was empty. I got to thinking and I had just bought some Prestone bug wash from WalMart for the cars reservoirs. Hmmm, its windex with an added ingrediant to emulsify bugs, bird droppins and tree sap. I grabbed it, filled an empty windex bottle and tried it. IT WORKED FANTASTIC! I then pulled the cover off my bike to go after the bugs on my bike, IT WORKED FANTASTIC! It took the bugs right off, in a flash, no elbow greas at all! Spattered bugs and bird droppins are largley carbohydrates and Prestone bug wash puts in an igredient in thier windshield washer solvent to work on those carbohydrates. I will never go without PRESTONE BUGWASH again! I will always have a bottle in my garage just for my bike and to keep the bugs off of it. It worked in a snap! The spattered bugs were gone like right now! Spray it on, wipe them off, easy as that!!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
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From: Republic of Texas
I to am a clean freak and a chrome *****. I have used Windex for years to clean bug guts off of chrome. Another thing that works better than Windex is
Eagle One Nevr-Dull wadding polish. The wadding is not near as messy as chrome polish but it will leave an oily residue that I wipe off with a microfiber rag. I also use the wadding polish on the cheap Harley spokes then wipe them down with a microfiber rag with WD-40 on it to prevent rust. On any chrome parts that might develop a small surface rust spot I use Turtle Wax Chrome Polish and Rust Remover.
Eagle One Nevr-Dull wadding polish. The wadding is not near as messy as chrome polish but it will leave an oily residue that I wipe off with a microfiber rag. I also use the wadding polish on the cheap Harley spokes then wipe them down with a microfiber rag with WD-40 on it to prevent rust. On any chrome parts that might develop a small surface rust spot I use Turtle Wax Chrome Polish and Rust Remover.
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 71
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From: Blaine, MN
Good to know, thanks! I have also found a saving grace for bugs. It comes in a 16oz spray bottle and its made by Seafoam called Bugs-B-Gone. Because I would rather ride than clean, I had 3 months of dried and caked on bugs over 1/4" thick all over the front of my bike. I sprayed it on and the bugs and guts started to melt and I sprayed it off with a garden hose! Works on paint and leather too. Best part was the price, $4 per bottle. I won't be without it again.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 180
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From: Down south
Don't forget that most of those cleaners have alcohol in them which takes any wax off. Just have to re-wax after the cleaning. Same reason you don't use dish soap to clean your car - it cuts the wax.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 811
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From: Oklahoma
My dealer gave me a bottle of the HD Bug Remover to try. It works very well on painted surfaces and chrome.
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Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,492
Likes: 19
From: Illinois
Any true cleaning product has either a solvent base, chlorine base, ammonia base or a soap base, igepal it is known as. All of these remove or affect a wax or detailer product. I never have to worry about that though because everytime I clean my bike, wash my bike or wipe my bike down I then use a detailer compound Like Mothers California gold on it or I wax it again. I never touch my bike unless I know I have the time to completely clean it and rewax or detail it too. Its one of the prices one has to pay for being a chrome *****! Whats the point in having chrome if the light does not dance off of it and it sparkles!
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,855
Likes: 3
From: North Carolina
I've found Liquid Performance cleaner and polisher (aerosol) to be amazing stuff. A local dealer carries it and the guy who details their bikes turned me on to it. Of course it's $10 at the dealer but can be found on amazon for half that. If you want your chrome to shine, I promise you won't be disappointed. Spray on a micro towel to apply and wipe with a dry micro, cleans bugs and other road grime easily. Cuts a ton of time off when detailing and like I said makes the chrome and any painted surface, frame etc, shine like crazy. If you don't like it, I'll buy the can from you. 