finally got one!...
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Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: England
finally got one!...
i've recently become the proud owner of a 2004 1200 custom. it's in really nice condition and i have a million questions (many of which i've already found answers to on this forum) but i'm still a little overwhelmed with the amount of info about cleaning and detailing...
i'm no expert - all i wanna do is keep the bike clean and shiny and rust free! is there a problem just using regular car shampoo and a soft mit to wash it? dry it off with a chamois leather? and then polish it with a bit of pledge and a microfibre cloth? would you recommend a proper wax perhaps a couple of times a year?
thanks in advance
i'm no expert - all i wanna do is keep the bike clean and shiny and rust free! is there a problem just using regular car shampoo and a soft mit to wash it? dry it off with a chamois leather? and then polish it with a bit of pledge and a microfibre cloth? would you recommend a proper wax perhaps a couple of times a year?
thanks in advance
Tourer
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 424
Likes: 4
From: EastCoast
congrats!
Assuming the paint is not HD denim color (flat black) Yes, you can use what you were thinking of using. Each member here has their own way of cleaning and detailing.
Try and stay away from any harsh degreasers near seals. Even palmolive is a pretty strong degreaser so just be careful and rinse thoroughly.
-Avoid powerwashes at close range (light hose is fine)
-leafblower works well to dry
-wax wont hurt
-dont leave rags on the ground
Ride safe!
Assuming the paint is not HD denim color (flat black) Yes, you can use what you were thinking of using. Each member here has their own way of cleaning and detailing.
Try and stay away from any harsh degreasers near seals. Even palmolive is a pretty strong degreaser so just be careful and rinse thoroughly.
-Avoid powerwashes at close range (light hose is fine)
-leafblower works well to dry
-wax wont hurt
-dont leave rags on the ground
Ride safe!
Advanced
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 80
Likes: 1
From: Georgia
I use Maguires Quick Detailer to wash mine. It pretty much sprays on and wipes off. I haven't water bathed mine in several years now. And they make a paint cleaner, polish and wax line I use when I'm doing that. For the chrome I use Neverdull you can find at Wal-Mart in a silver can. When I'm riding I clean and go over my bike weekly so it never really gets out of hand.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 903
Likes: 54
From: Liberty Hill, Tx.
First, congratulations to the OP.
I will have to try this never dull. I have been wanting to polish up my grey
motor for a long time.
I will have to try this never dull. I have been wanting to polish up my grey
motor for a long time.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 778
Likes: 4
From: Opposite Side of the Planet
When using water, be careful as to not get any on the fuse block. One of the issues with the rubber mounts was that water easily got on it and the fuses corroded causing issues with the relays and fuses.
Recommend that you pull the relays (two) and fuses and coat with dielectic grease to prevent any water issues right off the bat.
Recommend that you pull the relays (two) and fuses and coat with dielectic grease to prevent any water issues right off the bat.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,488
Likes: 30
From: Maryland near DC
just don't do anything to the finishes (paint, chrome, aluminum) that you would do to a nice car....*note* if you decide to use never dull make sure the part you are cleaning/polishing is not clear coated...you can tell by if you put a little on the part and it (the piece of nevrdull wadding)doesn't turn black...also nevrdull will make you spend alot of time you should be riding polishing...
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 6,502
Likes: 97
From: SW Ohio
Yes leaf blower or an air compressor if you have one. Mothers chrome and aluminum polish is just as good as never dull. It will make your levers and brake pedal and shift lever look like chrome. Be papered for black dirty hands when using polish on aluminum.
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