No Touch Tire care....
Cleaning black engine
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 594
Likes: 1
From: Florida
+1 on the 50/50 Simple Green and Water. Spray it on a cold motor and then hose it off before it drys.
Be careful with the S100. Although it does and excellent job of cleaning, it's very caustic and will corrode the aluminum on the engine cylinders if it's not rinsed completely. Even with my maticulous cleaning habits, I still find corrosive spots on my machined aluminum areas of the engine. I quit using the S100. The simple green gets the same results without the corrosive spots.
Be careful with the S100. Although it does and excellent job of cleaning, it's very caustic and will corrode the aluminum on the engine cylinders if it's not rinsed completely. Even with my maticulous cleaning habits, I still find corrosive spots on my machined aluminum areas of the engine. I quit using the S100. The simple green gets the same results without the corrosive spots.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,285
Likes: 0
From: Olympia Wa.
Although pig spit and s-100 are good for dressing up the black finish on the engines, I believe the OP was wanting tho know how to get the crud off his engine.
I use those big *** baby bottle brushes (they come in several sizes)I get at the dealership. They are very flexible and Great for getting in all those nooks and crannies.
I use those big *** baby bottle brushes (they come in several sizes)I get at the dealership. They are very flexible and Great for getting in all those nooks and crannies.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Stanwood,WA
Just keep her clean. I wash my bike after every ride with nothing but soap and water. I never use the latest and greatest chemical. I had a roadking for almost 10 years and the bike looked like it just rolled off the showroom floor. Nothing but soap and water and also be sure to dry her off as to not let the water spots build up.
Ditto. Soap and Water
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Morgantown, WV
+1 on the 50/50 Simple Green and water. I put it in one of those sprayers from the garden center that you pump to pressurize and then use a spoke brush to work on the tough bits. The HD ones are soft enough to not scratch surrounding chrome and the wire frame is coated to help prevent scratching.
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 859
Likes: 3
From: Columbia, SC
Although pig spit and s-100 are good for dressing up the black finish on the engines, I believe the OP was wanting tho know how to get the crud off his engine.
I use those big *** baby bottle brushes (they come in several sizes)I get at the dealership. They are very flexible and Great for getting in all those nooks and crannies.
I use those big *** baby bottle brushes (they come in several sizes)I get at the dealership. They are very flexible and Great for getting in all those nooks and crannies.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025
Verdad Gallardo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 25,292
Likes: 2,427
From: Eastern NE
Ditto and I found a way to use the old toothbrushes vs. disposing. Gr8 for getting into the small areas & don't hurt finish. So...let the scoot cool, hose off, spray down w/selected cleaner (S100, Pig spit/snot, green, etc.), & brush away. Also, 50/50 mix of peroxide & water works sell on bugs. Good luck & clean 'er up like you would do w/the weapon(s) - Marine!...;-)
