Triumphrat

Markhp · 09-07-2009, 07:17 PM

Can anyone recommend a good hand brush or tool for thoroughly cleaning the chrome wheels & spokes on a Bonnie? I'm not into flossing each spoke. There must be an easier way?
How about a chrome wheel cleaner while we're at it?
Most I've tried for the car's wheels/tires aren't worth the xtra money.

denny · 09-08-2009, 12:01 AM

You could always convert to cast wheels.

There are some long narrow round spoke brushes available, but not usually in auto stores. Maybe a Harley dealer?

Something like D or E at this Link

Seriously, I've not found any easy way to keep spoke wheels clean. I use rags torn into strips about 1/2" wide and floss the spokes.

Polishes?

3M Professional Formula Chrome and Metal Polish Part # 39527 is Great Stuff - In some NAPA stores

Blue Magic Metal Polish Cream, nearly the same thing - in most AutoZone stores

Then there is always Simichrome - Expensive - so I use one of the others first and finish with that, it only takes a small amount to do a whole wheel, including the spokes.

I've also heard great things about Autosol, though never seen it for sale around here.

Skidplate865 · 09-08-2009, 01:11 PM

I use a toilet brush (long handle, less back ache) and an old tooth brush to get inbetween the tight spots. Hit it all with some WD40 when you're done & wipe down with some paper towels. The WD40 wards off rust and makes it easier to clean next time.

Normandy · 09-11-2009, 11:50 AM

I agree with the toilet brush being a great spoke cleaning tool but PLEASE keep the WD40 off your tires, you will get checking and dry rot.

Markhp · 09-12-2009, 02:13 PM

Thanks, guys.
After looking around I found a brush @ my local K-Mart called the wheel & rim wand, made by Viking car care.
It's an 5" oblong foam block covered in a plush microfiber wrap on a hard plastic handle. Cost ~$4.
You can jam it up into & thru the spokes & stir it around w/out scratching anything, & it sops up & holds the foamy wash real nice. Cleans a couple of spokes with each pass. That's what sold me on it.
Not sure how long it'll last but the spokes come clean & bright & it also gets the inside of the wheel hub too.
FYI -I was going with the toilet brush until I saw this...

Billbikes · 09-15-2009, 09:54 PM

I've seen a little foam cone that goes on a drill.....also I think it's called Flitz or something like that, it's a little ball thingy that goes in a drill and looks like it will be good.

SkidRowe41 · 01-13-2010, 11:49 AM

I have one of those foam balls that go on your drill. Save your money. They fling stuff everywhere and you can only get the spokes as it's not long enough to get to the hub. I spent more time cleaning the bike after I tried to do the spokes. I think I'm looking into that wand from Wally world.