| Author | Message | ||
     Buewulf |
So I let some kids raising money for their team wash the Uly at a local bike wash this weekend. I didn't notice before, but this morning there is a hazy residue on the frame (plastic is shiny, though!). I tried to buff it off, but I don't think I affected it at all. Tried by hand and with an orbital. Anyone know how to get the residual wax off? Clearly, I am not into washing my bike often enough if I don't even know how to get a little wax off!  | ||
| Hughlysses |
The frame paint is kind of a semi-matte finish. It may not be too easy to get off. Your best bet is to probably avoid washing it until enough grime builds up to hide it.  | ||
| Buewulf |
Haha! That is my normal choice of finish. Should have left it like that. Swissvax makes a line of polishes for satin finishes, and they have a pre-cleaner. I may give that a try or perhaps a strong detergent. I just really don't have any experience with caring for these satin finishes to know what to do. Couldn't find much online either. | ||
| Rwven |
I get that too. It bugged me for awhile but I just ignore it now... | ||
| Skifastbadly |
Hugh, what is this 'washing' of which you speak? | ||
| Hughlysses |
Hugh, what is this 'washing' of which you speak? I've only read about it. In theory, it involves the application of an aqueous solution of surface tension reduction agent using textile materials to the exterior of a motorcycle, followed by rinsing using liquid hydrogen oxide. It sounds really dangerous to me. | ||
| Bikelit |
WD-40 | ||
| Whisperstealth |
That hydrogen oxide stuff is really dangerous! People die because of it all the time. I avoid applying it to my girl. She's a tomboy and only gets near that stuff when she's out playing or gets caught in the rain  | ||
| Xdigitalx |
I used to use kerosene to remove my sloppy mess from windshield installations. It never harmed any paint ever in my usage. (removed the wax for sure too) I haven't tried it yet on my uly... the frame and black plastics are getting discolored cuz sits outside 24/7. Any over the counter product only lasts so long. | ||
| Ratbuell |
WD40 and an old toothbrush should break it free. Don't use anything as strong as brake cleaner, it will dull/strip the powdercoat. The old toothbrush will get into the nooks and crannies though, should take it right off. | ||
| Skifastbadly |
That hydrogen oxide stuff is really dangerous! I hear it's horrible for rear bearings. To quote WC Fields, "Water? Never touch the stuff. Fish fornicate in it." | ||
| Buewulf |
WD40 is a great suggestion, and I always have some handy. Kerosene would probably do it as well. Great suggestions. Thanks. I'll break out an old toothbrush and get to work on it sometime this week and see how it goes. Normally I would just go with Hughlysses' suggestion and let the grime cover it, but I am contemplating selling the bike and want to keep it in somewhat presentable condition just in case. | ||
| Tootal |
Last month I washed the Buell for the first time in over a year. It still had suicidal insects from last years Buelltoberfest! I also got something on the wheels that would not come off. I was trying all the above suggestions with no luck. I then saw a box of Arm and Hammer Super Wash Soda that we use in cleaning our brewing equipment. I put some of that in my bucket of useless car wash soap and it took everything off, wax, bugs and tar all gone. When I was done I realized I should have had rubber gloves on with that stuff! It's like $2.00 for a box at the grocery store in the laundry section. | ||
| Buewulf |
Thanks, Tootal. Never heard of Super Wash Soda. I will pick some up and try it. | ||
| Motorbike |
In theory, it involves the application of an aqueous solution of surface tension reduction agent using textile materials to the exterior of a motorcycle, followed by rinsing using liquid hydrogen oxide. Wow! Here all the time I thought I was just spraying water on it, scrubbing with a soapy sponge, rinsing with water and drying with a towel. I never knew I was actually a chemical scientist!  | ||
| Buewulf |
Just to let you guys know, WD40 did the trick. I sprayed it on some paper towels, stuck them onto the frame for a few minutes, and the haze came right off with some gentle wiping. No H2O surface tension reducers or hard scrubbing required. Thanks for all of your suggestions. | ||
| Skifastbadly |
Yeah but now when you twist the throttle you're going to slide right off the back. | ||
| Buewulf |
Yeah but now when you twist the throttle you're going to slide right off the back. Makes the bike feel faster.  |
