Cleaning da bike?

[kuhlka]

After a year and a half of riding with little attention paid to the nooks and crannies when cleaning, I've built up a bit of road scum on the underside and various engine bits.

Can anyone recommend any exceptionally good engine/frame/bodywork cleaner/degreasers? A large part of my problem is areas where a rag and my fingers won't squeeze into to wipe clean as well as a generous coating of chain wax/grease on the swingarm and underside of the bike that is a PITA to wipe off with just my honda spray cleaner.

My XB12 streetfighter buddy had a friend use Simple Green and it ruined his carbon fiber so I'm shying away from that. One friend says an orange-based degreaser is what I need.

Anyone?

[Wobbly]

If I can just figure out how to post a thread..........

http://www.ducatimonster.org/faq/faq_detailing.html

Did that work?

Got this link either off here of T595 net, can't remember which but there was an old discussion about cleaning and what products to use.

Also if anyone out there knows an easy way to get bug guts off (recently went through masses of grasshoppers, the little bastards hurt and leave one hell of a mess) it'd be much appreciated??

Cheers

[Wobbly]

.......or

http://triumphrat.net/modules.php?op...=27035&forum=7

....maybe

http://www.t595.net/messageboard/thr...p?thread=29246

hope this all helps.

[Speed3]

The orang based degreaser will dull the black finish on the engine, so I don't use it. If you have nasty grease, use gunk, but rinse it off right after brushing. W/D 40 works well on grease and tar. I use the S-100 bike wash, but that isn't for heavy stuff. Also, after getting the bike clean, spray the black parts with S-100 Engine Brightener. You'll be amazed.

[cheapbastard]

Alright, I'm sure I'll catch some hell over this one, but it's true, I've used it myself! An older(wiser) friend of mine was telling me one day that he used kerosene to clean his bikes. I couldn't believe it. Then he goes on to tell me, that he cleans his entire bike in kerosene(plastics and all!). Now I'm pretty much a clean freak, so I notice when someone has a not so clean scoot, and his bikes are always some of the best kept up bikes I've seen(including mine!). He had a 99 VFR with 32k miles on it that looked brand new, not even any rock chips in the front. Anyways, I don't clean my entire bike with it, but it is great to use on the motor. Just dip you a paint brush in some kerosene, and start brushing! If you're going to wash the entire bike with kerosene, I recommend taking your brake pads out. I don't know, but my older(wiser) friend told me to do this, because the kerosene can do something to the compound of the pads, causing them not to work properly. But since I don't wash the entire bike with it, I don't normally do that. Just my 2cents, but I'm telling ya, it really works wonders on a motor, and a paint brush helps you get in all the nooks and cranny's! Happy cleaning! :-D

[miker]

Cheapbastard, you are on the money, or your XB12 buddy is. Also right about the brake pads. A lot of the hire car drivers over here wipe their paint down with it to keep the gleam and the light film it creates helps expel water.

If you were able to check the actual make up of WD-40 you would find that it has some kerosene in it, plus other stuff like coconut oil. At least that's what I hear.

If you look here WD-40 Safety data you'll see it's mostly petroleum distillates, plus some other stuff, which of course would be "Top Secret".

So, using kerosene, or WD-40 would not be too much dissimilar.

I use WD-40 on my engine cases and to clean all the rims, chain guard and under the tail section where the fling off from the chain lube gets. You could use kero, but WD-40 is easier and faster with the spray can!

MHO

Mick

[MonkeyHanger]

.... it really works wonders on a motor, and a paint brush helps you get in all the nooks and cranny's! Happy cleaning! :-D

I can vouch for this too. I think you guys in the States call it Kerosine; we call it Parafin in the UK. It does work. I find a little is better than a lot. A definately dont use it on your brakes. Its great on the bits where chain lube can make you rear end look grubby; and of course the Engine too. Brush a little on and wipe it off before it drys.

[Legman]

When it comes to bike cleaning Monkeyhanger, you are the man. Considering where you live and how often it rains there, that bike is always showroom clean. Its a credit to you.

Cheers mate

[BUCKET]

Pre wash stain remover for getting off chain lube buildup and bugs(generic brands just as good as name brands)CT18 truckwash sprayed on,let it sit a while,then hose it off and chamois it or blow it off with air.Works great.
Bucket :hammer:

[zooplancton]

MonkeyHanger, where did you get the uber cool spike spindles???
gotta have!
-b