all these bug guts!
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 494
Likes: 1
From: Music City, USA
Discovered this by accident, following a recent attack of the cicada's - one of biblical proportions.
Soak paper towels in car-wash soap. Apply the paper towels, like paper mache' to the bike (fairings, pipes, everything).
Wait 20 - 30 minutes and they wipe of easily.
Soak paper towels in car-wash soap. Apply the paper towels, like paper mache' to the bike (fairings, pipes, everything).
Wait 20 - 30 minutes and they wipe of easily.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,927
Likes: 5
From: Midwest
I've been using wet bathtowels/tshirts for years with excellent results. I wet down the towel (or shirt), spread it across my windshield and fairing while I wait for mama to find her boots and helmet. In 5-10 minutes the bugs have turned to mush and I just wipe them off using the same wet towel.
I'm not saying that peroxide won't work, but why bother if plain water gets it just as clean?
I'm not saying that peroxide won't work, but why bother if plain water gets it just as clean?
Banned
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 20,823
Likes: 1,506
From: Nowhere
There are basically two strategies for getting bug guts off: The brute force method that involves harsh detergents and/or chemicals; or patience. All you really have to do to get bug guts off is re-hydrate them with some water and then they wipe off easily; just have to wait 5 minutes or so.
To make it easier, I use a detailing spray/wax after washing (Pledge will work similarly) and then I avoid using any kind of detergent/soap between washing. I also carry a small bottle around with me to re-apply as needed. The thin layer of polish is slippery and bug guts don't stick to it as well.
ETA: I made the mistake one time of trying to get bug guts off using the gas station window cleaner and squeegee. Very bad idea.
To make it easier, I use a detailing spray/wax after washing (Pledge will work similarly) and then I avoid using any kind of detergent/soap between washing. I also carry a small bottle around with me to re-apply as needed. The thin layer of polish is slippery and bug guts don't stick to it as well.
ETA: I made the mistake one time of trying to get bug guts off using the gas station window cleaner and squeegee. Very bad idea.
Last edited by keith_stepp; Jun 24, 2011 at 10:35 AM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,086
Likes: 154
From: Buffalo, NY
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