Harley Davidson Touring: How to Clean Your Fins
The cooling fins on your Harley Davidson Touring's engine can collect dirt and grime. Here's how to properly clean it.
This article applies to the Harley Davidson Touring.
Since there is no closed engine compartment on the Harley Davidson Touring, the engine fins tend to get rather dirty. Not only do dirty fins ruin the look of the bike, clean fins are essential for keeping your air-cooled bike in proper running order. Cleaning it is rather simple, and depending on how dirty it really is, there are a few ways to make it nice and shiny again. This guide will shine some light on the fins' cleaning process and how to achieve a great look.
Materials Needed
- Engine cleaner
- Fine sandpaper
- Towel
- Soap and water
- Stiff bristle brush
Step 1 – Wash and wipe engine
Use soap, water, and a towel to wipe down the engine fins. This will get as much of the easy dirt as possible off the engine. The next step, if soap alone doesn't work, is to scrub between the fins with a stiff bristle brush.
Figure 1. Harley Davidson bike wash mitt. 
Figure 2. Brass bristle brush.
Step 2 – Use engine cleaner
Engine cleaners often come in a spray can, and you should only use them when the engine is cool or cold, never just after riding. Point the nozzle six to nine inches away from the engine, then spray it in a consistent moving motion. After you've covered the engine fins with the cleaner, let it sit for three minutes, and then wipe it down with a clean towel. Spray engine cleaners are much better at blasting through oil and grime than soap and water are. This will add the desired shine to your engine fins.
Step 3 – Use sandpaper
As a last resort, to remove heavy oxidation, you may have to use sandpaper. Use it on the edges of the fins and between them until you have bright clean aluminum again.
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