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I'm going back to motorcycling after many years and I am taking a refresher course and generally getting kitted up ready to collect my new Triumph T100 later this month. One thing I haven't been able to get a grip on is the best way to keep a modern motorcycle really clean and smart. Sounds a bit nieve I know but the whole scene has changed beyond all recognition and I am really out of touch

2007-01-07 02:25:06 · 18 answers · asked by Trixie Bordello 5 in Cars & Transportation Motorcycles

Thanks, guys for the really quick response- all good answers.

2007-01-07 04:32:57 · update #1

18 answers

nothing has changed in the cleaning department ,plenty of shine and grease

2007-01-07 02:33:52 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

i ride all year round except when its wet and i dont ever take a pressure hose to mine and i have just traded in a k5 gsxr that looks mint considering i dont bed it down. i use autoglym polish which also takes files off the plastic and oil of the rear wheel. i would go for a car cleaner that has wax in to clean bike and just lightly hose the engine down at home and you can do this even when there is a ban on as it comes under the health and safty in the enviroment. once u have done that run the engine for about 10 mins to dry the water out. autosol metal polish is great stuff too.u cant get film kits too to protect your paintwork. i just ordered one for my new k6 a worth while investment.

welcome back to bikes and happy riding... live free be happy

2007-01-07 07:36:30 · answer #2 · answered by gixer rider 2 · 0 0

To help keep the chrome and metal work in top form, I spray these with Sylkolene ProPrep. Avoid the paintwork and the brake discs!

This forms an oily layer on the metalwork, helps the much to slide off next time you wash and also forms protective barrier.

The metalwork on my 10 year old bike, which was ridden all year for first 5 years, looks like new. I had this bike from new.

2007-01-07 03:20:36 · answer #3 · answered by David P 7 · 1 0

It's all about riding, not what you ride. Some purist say if you can't do it by hand, then you shouldn't own a scooter. I've been riding for 30 years. I take all 6 of mine to the, what use to be, quarter car wash. Hose the hell out of it, air dry at 50+ and keep on riding. I do, however, give them a hands-on job at the end of the riding season before bedding them down for the winter.

Welcome back, and watch the cages.

2007-01-07 07:11:28 · answer #4 · answered by LifeRyder 4 · 1 0

Get Scottoils FS365 and spray the bike before you use it. After a ride hose the bike down and use the spray again. Sounds namby pamby, but try and avoid winter and rain conditions, as there is a lot of chrome on that bike.
Best way to save the finish is to buy a winter hack (any sub £500 bike) and that way you don't have to worry about the new one.

2007-01-07 04:04:28 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1 0

Plexus, the stuff is kind of expensive but youll never find anything better. It was designed for plastic fairings but can be used on metal with no problems. I wash my bike with soap and water then go back over it with the plexus it shines everything very nicely and it gets bugs off in a snap. Just dont let it get on any surface like a woodfloor or youll step on it and bust your *** like I did. WD 40 also works well to get grease and grime off things and to clean chains. If you use it to clean a chain spray it on a rag and run your chain over it a few times, then go back over the chain with chain lube or chain wax, never ever, ever, ever use oil or grease for your chain. That stuff attracts too much dirt and doesnt "seal" the chain like chain lube or chain wax.

2007-01-07 10:22:11 · answer #6 · answered by heyhey95 2 · 0 0

The only clean bikes are new ones or broke ones. As soon as you get round the block it'll be bloody filthy. I use car shampoo and warm water and a bit of autosol on the shiny bits. A bit of polish on the paintwork to shift petrol drips off the tank. Its mainly a case of removing road grit etc which can increase corrosion if you leave it.

2007-01-07 12:18:20 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

Okay, in summer, it's a bucket of water with a little car shampoo, or similar product, and sponge, some non abrasive polish and soft cloth (Halfords do big rolls of stockinette fairly cheaply).

In winter, leave out the water as it won't evaporate, it just gets in unfortunate places and rusts. Keep rubbing the muck off so it doesn't get baked on, but in winter you are normally fighting a losing battle.

Once or twice a year take all the panels off and give all the normally hidden parts a good clean as well, not only will it look smart, but it should help you spot minor problems before they develop.

Happy biking.

2007-01-07 02:37:18 · answer #8 · answered by DanRSN 6 · 1 0

Gotta admit, the S100 range is one of the best. Everything from a 'spray on, rinse off' cleaner, to a caranauba polish. All specifically for motorcycle cleaning.

If your local dealer dosesn't stock it, check out Battistinis who are the U.K. importer.

2007-01-07 03:27:07 · answer #9 · answered by Nightworks 7 · 1 0

Halfrauds do a motorcycle cleaner for about £7 that will shift bugs road crap and generally clean all the bike bits. I you intend to ride all year use a scotoiller for your chain, Its cleaner and will make your chain last longer with less maintenance. fs365 will protect from salt in winter and don't use a pressure washer near the wheel hubs etc it will force water in. Oh and welcome back.

2007-01-07 23:17:14 · answer #10 · answered by motomarco9999 2 · 0 0

The best product that I know of is called T.S.P. (Tri-Sodium Phosphate) it is better known for paint prep or wood deck cleaning. It worked wonders on my metal spokes on bikes. It is known for its degreasing qualities and it is pretty inexpensive (cheap). You will find it in powder form mostly and you add water from there. Find it at most hardware or paint stores.

2016-05-23 02:58:14 · answer #11 · answered by ? 4 · 0 0

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