Triumphrat

DrewDesign007 · 09-26-2007

So I'll break 1000 mile mark this weekend and in under a month no less!

(insert applause here)

Time to drop her off for the belated 500 mile service then it's cleaning time.

My question:

I've been searching the web for speciality products, procedures, advice, etc, but I take the opinion of this forum in high regard so ladies and gents...

What do YOU use and like for your Triumph and furthermore what's an idiot-proff way to clean and detail the bike?

capoanj · 09-26-2007

I like Hondabrite. It really works on most surfaces and is a good multi- use product. Spray on, a littl scrubbing, hose off. I don't like dousing the bike, so I generally use it on the wheels and lower motor. But the Bonnie...she has many nooks and crannies...need to get in there with a pile of rags and elbow grease once a month or so.

Buckeye71 · 09-26-2007

Hmm one of my favorites is 303 Aerospace Protectant. I use in place of traditional Armor-All type products as it doesn't leave surfaces slippery or overly shiney and it offers unreal UV protection. The downside is that it's difficult to find locally and it's a tad expensive.

Drinky · 09-26-2007

Between quarterly washes with auto soap cleaner (from the parts store) I use the spray on cleaner/polish from Honda or whoever. The fun part is cleaning up the wheels.

sjalex · 09-26-2007

I think I recall seeing something around here that said not to powerwash, but I'm not sure. Obviously power washing would be bad for certain things (carburetors, tank paint, and the open end of exhaust pipes come to mind) but would it be otherwise OK to power wash?

ohiorider · 09-26-2007

You would want to be especially careful around any areas where you don't want to force water around seals, such as the bearings in the front and rear wheel hubs, and I would think, around items like shifters and clutch actuators on the left side cover. Also instruments. Power washing bikes in general is not a good idea.

I've power washed before, but only in a pinch, and it was usually to remove the dirt from the wheel rims, but not over the entire machine.

Bob

UraniumC · 09-26-2007

I've never power-washed my bikes. Kinda makes me cringe to think about it...

I don't even like to use water, unless I've let it get really dirty.

Pledge seems to work like the Honda cleaner I used to use and is cheaper and easier to get.

Dirk_Gently · 09-26-2007

Pledge works very well for vinyl\leather type cleaning and leaves it with a matte finish and lemon fresh. If you're really feeling cheap, try peanut butter. rub it on, let it set, wipe it off.

you can't beat simple green either for more serious cleaning. And Mother's Quick Detailer is awesome.

Beavis Christ · 09-26-2007

i have this stuff called quick n brite, you dissolve some of it in water, to make something like windex or stronger, depending on concentration.

this stuff will remove any kind of oil, dirt etc, and it wipes clean with no residue.

great stuff.

Weasel Pete · 09-26-2007

I only use S100 products to clean my bikes. I do a quick dry off with a clean towel before polishing/detailing and take the bike for a quick spin to get the water out of the tight spots. After it's all dry I use a silicone gun cleaning cloth on the aluminum covers and a few other bits which brings out a nice shine.