Triumphrat

shane · 09-13-2006

So in the interest of keeping my bike looking new and shiny I decided to check out the handbook recommendations on cleaning.

Sadly, other than "low alkaline content" they were a touch sparse.

Does anyone have suggestions? Products to choose? Products to avoid?

While on the topic if anyone can suggest a Melbourne CBD location that allows me to avoid carrying buckets of water from my (10th floor) apartment down to the street it would be most appreciated.

thanks,
shane

kdowell · 09-13-2006

Honda Polish, is miraculous!
Cycle gear offers a copy for far less. cant remember the name, but they will know if you refer to it as their brand of Honda Polish. Blue can.

Spray on, wipe off, shiny!

iceman · 09-13-2006

can you fit the bike in the lift? :-D

rash_powder · 09-13-2006

I have been using Mothers car wash soap. Works quite well and smells nice too. Don't know if it is available down under though.

Regular dishsoap works well, too, if you are looking to strip off all the wax etc. to get down to paint. But then you need to (have to) wax with a good, quality product.

rash

steventhechef · 09-13-2006

you need a long hose, unless of course you have water restrictions like us...

It usually on takes me only one bucket anyway, not that I wash my bike that often. I do like icemans idea though..

Beach · 09-13-2006

I use Meguirs products with great results.

Its a bit of a process but if youre prepared to wash, polish and wax your bike, the results are well worth it.

I also use Meguirs Quick Detailer to give it a once over and save water.

Household kerosene helps to get any stubborn stains off the paintwork such as chainlube. Be sure to be gentle, dont rub one spot or you will scratch it.

Cheers,
Brett.

shane · 09-14-2006

Quote:

On 2006-09-13 20:58, iceman wrote:
can you fit the bike in the lift? :-D

It turns out that there are security cameras in the lift area. Did you know they only give you one warning about these things?

Good thing I refused to take my helmet off.

shane · 09-14-2006

... apparently there is a lot I don't know about cleaning things.

How do I know if something is going to strip the wax off or not?

I was previously under the impression I would:
1. Wash with some soapy stuff
2. Dry
3. Put some shiny stuff (wax one assumes) on the bike
4. Lube the chain
5. Admire my work.

Am I now correct in assuming that I need to "strip the wax" before applying more shiny stuff?

Does this mean I should just do non-'wax stripping' soapy cleaning normally (steps: 1, 2, 4, 5) and then 'wax stripping' cleaning (with step 4) when I have time?

steventhechef · 09-14-2006

For me I would prefer to spend more time riding and less time cleaning.

Wash, sort of chamois and then admire work. Ride -->

welshrob · 09-14-2006

I use babywipes. I swear I`m not joking, I do the whole bike with them, don`t use any water at all. They are fantastic for getting dead bugs off and will remove oil spots as well. The whole process is quicker than washing/drying, too. We have tight water restrictions in Queensland, no hosepipes allowed, so it`s ideal. It costs five bucks for a pack of 100 and I`ll use about 25 to do the whole bike from top to bottom. Obviously if they are safe to use on a baby`s arrse, then they are safe to use on your paintwork! Just remember to keep turning or replacing them as they get dirty and you won`t get any scratches. I give the paintwork a quick rub with a soft cotton duster afterwards to remove any streaks. I`ve been using them to clean my visors for years and they never scratch them. Give it a go, you`ll be surprised!