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Copyright © 2000 by M. Hilton Taylor. All Rights Reserved by T.A.M.S. It ain’t rocket science . . . is it. |
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Cleaning your motorcycle can open up a lot of discussions and foster a lot of opinions. With today’s high tech cleaners it is easier than ever. There are many good spray on, wait, and rinse off products, a lot of dry washes, and there are also many other types. In fact, you can use some plain ole soap and water and do a pretty good job of cleaning. What you use is not as important as how you use it. What I mean is to be sure what you are using is safe for the area you are going to use it on. I do not recommend using any products that contain silicone on the tires or painted areas. The reason is it can make tires slick and cause a loss in traction which could mess us your protective riding gear. Silicone used on painted surfaces may cause some issues if you have to have a part repainted. Just talk to any good paint shop. If you are of the old school and prefer to use the water and soap method there is no problem. You may enjoy the time you spend cleaning your motorcycle. For some people this is like therapy (and at the price of therapy much cheaper). When you wash with water always wet the bike first and then you should use a soft cloth on the areas that are easily scratched. It is really easy to cause scratches believe it or not. Sometimes it is difficult to be able to wash in the little nooks and crannies that can exist on a motorcycle. A good way to take care of those areas is with a good soft bristle paint brush. A small brush with long bristles is perfect for cleaning between the fins of the engine. They can also be used to put polish in those areas later. Some areas may require a brush that is stiffer, like a toothbrush, (don’t use your good one). The automatic spray washes look like times savers and may even do a decent, fast job, but, you should avoid using the high pressure spray on the electronics. They are sealed quite well but pressure can sometimes cause issues in these areas. Make sure when you are spraying products that you do not contaminate your brake rotors or brake pads with a product that may leave them greasy or slick. This may cause you an anxiety attack the next time you use your brakes. Tires are not the easiest areas to clean, as most times they are behind rotors or saddlebags. Good spray on wheel and tire cleaners help to clean these areas. If you have a lift you can raise the bike and then turn the wheels as you clean each part. I sometimes put the bike in gear which causes the rear tire to rotate slowly and hold a brush against the wheel to clean the tires. You have to be very careful to keep your hands away from the tires or anything that may grab you during this time. There is a large selection of polishes available today. Everything from wax to liquids you spray on. Even household waxes you use on the end tables works very well; after all, it is wax. I prefer a product called Perfect Detail. It is a polish you can use in your garage without any soap or water. You just spray it on and wipe it off. In a matter of minutes you have not only cleaned your bike but polished it as well. It works on the windshield, paint, seats, and chrome. The best of all is it will resist fingerprints. Since it is a spray on product you can keep some in your saddlebags and no matter where you are you can clean your bike to look shiny and new. You can wash your bike without water and without leaving scratches. All it leaves is a smooth shiny finish. I only use water a couple of times per year to clean the underneath side of the engine where I can’t get with the cleaner. I prefer not to use water any more than necessary to help prevent areas from rusting. When cleaning your bike don’t forget to clean the brake rotors and battery terminals when necessary. Corroded battery terminals can really take the spark out of your riding or worse leave you on the side of the road. While you are cleaning it is a good time to look for items that may be loose or need repair. Check the tires, chains, belts, cables, and wires. Making repairs to any items found are completed much easier at home rather than on the side of the road. Whatever method you choose you will feel much better riding around on a nice shiny motorcycle. Remember you will ride it and clean it so the less time you are cleaning the more time you are riding. |