| Author | Message | ||
     Captainkirk |
Hey all, what do you use for cleaning your engines, swingarms and such on your tubers? I'm reluctant to try anything much beyond dish soap and hot water with a brush; don't want to damage rubber or plastic, etc. But my M2 swingarm, engine, etc are badly in need of a thorough cleaning. I have a pressure washer but I'm afraid there could be collateral damage so would probably prefer something that could be hosed off with a garden hose. Suggestions? | ||
| Fulltiltboogiemoto |
I would not use anything other than car soap, water, and a spray cleaner like Original Bike Spirits or Honda polish on the frame & swing-arm. I feel the frame and swing-arm paint on the tubers is susceptible to staining, and finish dulling when degreaser or solvents are used. If you want to clean your engine, and cases, I would wrap the frame and swing-arm in something to protect them from the harsh chemicals. You can get in inexpensive foam gun that connects to your garden hose. Fill the foam gun with car soap. Spray your bike being careful to stay away from the instruments and air cleaner, and let the soap dwell for a few minutes and agitate with a soft brush. When done cleaning, dry your bike and then apply a light coat of ACF50. I hope this helps. If anybody else has success with different cleaners while cleaning their tube frame Buells, please share in the comments. | ||
| 89rs1200 |
Keep pressurized water away from wheel, steering head, and swingarm bearings! Also de-greasers should not be used around wheel, steering head, and swingarm bearings. Will cause the grease to be removed from these bearings which will cause failures. Concerning Wheel bearings; Replace wheel bearings at the next tire change with top quality bearings which have better grease seals. Do not use the stock bearings from Harley-Davidson! Harley-Davidson has, and continues to have, several recalls for wheel bearings because of failures of the cheap bearings they have used. When needed, I use engine de-greaser on the bottom of the motor, rear shock, muffler. Mothers with light application as directed will make that motor shine! No rubbing required with Mothers Aluminum polish. For the black paint on the motor and fins? An old trick I have used for decades. WD40 and Armor All mixed 50/50. Makes the black paint look new, adds oils back to the paint, extends the life of that paint. (Message edited by 89rs1200 on May 13, 2020) | ||
| Hootowl |
Never tried wd40, but armor all works great. I was amazed. | ||
| Mtjm2 |
S100 , spray on , hose off | ||
| Williamscottrobertson |
I clean Crud off with Wd40 and a stiff brush. Maxima SC1 will make the whole motorcycle look like new. A lot of my tricks here: https://youtu.be/NzpQtl1mfD8 | ||
| Upthemaiden |
Been a long term fan of Simple Green. | ||
| Ggggary |
I use mineral spirits for clean up, keep a spritzer bottle at each work station. Doesn't harm anything I use it on fairings etc.though it will slightly soften, allow rubbing off FRESH enamel. Great for oil grease and road tar will remove nearly any petroleum based gunk. Pretty good on bug guts too. If you never heard of or tried it, wintergreen oil (methyl salicylate) makes a great rubber softener, restorer. Found at the local health store, a little goes a LONG way. I apply with a Q-tip, read and understand it's uses and restrictions. I also like NAPAs sil glyde as assembly lube, rubber dressing, NOT on tires LOL. Blue magic for metal AND oxidized paint. It is absolutely amazing on dull paint. | ||
| 99cyclone |
Simple Green can corrode aluminum if you're not careful, especially noticeable on polished parts. Dilution and fast rinsing minimizes the risk. I've had great luck with S100 Cycle Cleaner, spray it on and hose it off. Stubborn dirt or grease needs just a little scrubbing to loosen it up before hitting it with the hose. | ||
| Kc_zombie |
"S100 , spray on , hose off" Agreed, works like magic, grease dirt, brake dust all fall right off. Safe for the entire bike, leaves it smelling minty fresh too.  | ||
| Ratbuell |
I use a 50/50 simple green / water mix. Never spray on a hot part - it will etch instantly - but when cool (i.e. not having just been run), parts will literally drip dirt and mess. Spray on, let sit for a minute or 2, hose off. Stubborn areas can take a light brushing or even hit it with a rag soaked with the same stuff. | ||
| Normthenomad |
Tried a product Aluma slick on cases and swing arm have to do it by hand but it looks like new when you're done. |
