Looking for suggestions for motorcycle detailing products

V

vr6dubber

New member
Hi guys,



I'm thinking of buying some motorcycle detailing stuff as gifts for my Dad and Stepdad, and I'm looking for some product suggestions. In particular, is there any REALLY GOOD products for removing bugs from chrome, or cleaning leather (both bikes are Harleys)? I'm open to buying a kit that would include brushes, etc. as well if it's worth it. I wouldn't rule out getting some wax either if there's one that stands out in terms of quality. Thanks!
 
For Chrome try Deepfinish Deep Chrome.

Anything used on a car can be used on a bike. It all depends how much you want to spend.
 
I'm with audicoupe - anything I use on cars has worked on the few bikes I've done without the expense of bike specific products. Although Wicked Detailer has obviously found something worth interest if you want to "gift" someone.



(whoops - just noticed the date and I'm probably too late.)
 
I know this is an old post, but maybe someone is reading it for the first time like me.



A couple of products that work for me and are critical to bike detailing more than car detailing is a set of big brushes. They make some that the brush head is very soft and about 5 inches in diameter and 12 inches long. Get two, one for potentially grimy area's and one for clean areas. They will really help you get into the nooks and crannies.



Second, I really like S100 Polishing Soap for chrome.



Finally, if you have exposed powder coating like the engine cases on some Harley's then Pig Spit works well as a "sealer". It is really good at keeping bug guts and tar from becoming epoxied to your paint.



Hope this helps someone.



CBM
 
I have an 8 month old '07 Mini Cooper S (Red w/Black roof and hood stripes) and a two year Suzuki Boulevard S83 (Intruder 1400) (Metallic Red). I use Zaino Z5, Z6, Z-CS, Z-AIO and the Zaino Car Wash on them. They both look showroom fresh. The Z5 Polish also helps get rid of the nasty fine scratch at the base of the tank near the seat. Zaino sells a starter kit which is outsanding. It's not cheap but you get what you pay for.
 
What do you use to polish out the scratches on a stainless-steel exhaust?



All the products I have used in the past just seem to clean the dirt off the surface. I have tonnes of light scratches all over the place that are a real eye-sore :(.
 
The best instant bug remover I have used is from Autoglym. Their Active Insect Remover



After a ride when the bugs are moist just spray on and wipe off.



Works great and also smells nice :p



Autoglym%20Active%20Insect%20Remover.jpg




Autoglym - car cleaning products, car care products, car valeting, car detailing
 
I have been a long time detailer, but never had the chance to tackle a motorcycle. My first bike detail will actually be on my new bike. :cool:



Its a '01 Honda F4i and definitely needs some claying and a good polish. My main question relates to getting water on or near the chain. Im going to be doing an ONR wash most likely followed by some claying and then some SIP, IP, Jeff Werkstatt. Should I be avoiding the chain with the ONR (I do want to get the swing arm as there is some chain grease stuck on there)??



Just curious what you guys do and if there are any tips for a 1st time Moto detailer?



Thanks!
 
RogueM3 said:
I have been a long time detailer, but never had the chance to tackle a motorcycle. My first bike detail will actually be on my new bike. :cool:



Its a '01 Honda F4i and definitely needs some claying and a good polish. My main question relates to getting water on or near the chain. Im going to be doing an ONR wash most likely followed by some claying and then some SIP, IP, Jeff Werkstatt. Should I be avoiding the chain with the ONR (I do want to get the swing arm as there is some chain grease stuck on there)??



Just curious what you guys do and if there are any tips for a 1st time Moto detailer?



Thanks!
Click to expand...



I use ONR to wash the bike and it will not touch chain lube. The best degreaser you can get is kerosene. Use it first on panels, swingarm etc to get chain lube off. Then wash the bike, it will save you lots of time. Also keep away ONR and water from chain. You don't want it to rust.



After you are done with detailing the bike, block off the chain with used newspapers and use O-ring safe chain cleaner or kerosene to clean the chain and rear sprocket. I use a soft toothbrush to help me get it clean. Let the chain air dry for 15min and apply light coat of chain lube. I use Motul Chain Clean and Motul Factory Line Chain Lube, since I track my bike and it also has whitish/bright look to it, everyone comments and asks me if my chain is brand new. Let it dry for 30-60min and you are good to go.



I use IP, FP and Souveran on my red daytona 675.
 
Baracuda: Thanks for the link. I think all of those would likely be cost prohibitive after factoring in shipping and duties.





nuff said:
I use ONR to wash the bike and it will not touch chain lube. The best degreaser you can get is kerosene. Use it first on panels, swingarm etc to get chain lube off. Then wash the bike, it will save you lots of time. Also keep away ONR and water from chain. You don't want it to rust.



After you are done with detailing the bike, block off the chain with used newspapers and use O-ring safe chain cleaner or kerosene to clean the chain and rear sprocket. I use a soft toothbrush to help me get it clean. Let the chain air dry for 15min and apply light coat of chain lube. I use Motul Chain Clean and Motul Factory Line Chain Lube, since I track my bike and it also has whitish/bright look to it, everyone comments and asks me if my chain is brand new. Let it dry for 30-60min and you are good to go.



I use IP, FP and Souveran on my red daytona 675.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the walk-through! :cool:



Ill follow your steps as closely as I can.
 
No worries, just remember to lube the chain every 500km (300mile?) or more often if it rains. I also clean it every 1000km (600miles).
 
nuff said:
No worries, just remember to lube the chain every 500km (300mile?) or more often if it rains. I also clean it every 1000km (600miles).
Click to expand...

It did come with a bit of chain lube among the "extras" he threw in. I already tossed out the FRAM oil filter after reading some miserable reviews on their bike filters.



I plan to go and pickup some of the Dupont Teflon Chain Lube this weekend to use after I run out of this current lube he provided me.



I also plan to change the chain and sprockets as I noticed the rear sprocket has atleast 1 broken tooth so I will be sure to keep the new chain properly cleaned and lubed at all times. I just checked out the new chain in the box and its got a good deal of white (I assume its Lithium) grease on it.



Thanks!
 
Broken tooth? Was it used for stunting? a lot of F4Is are. I would replace it as soon as possible. On bikes it's a safety issue. The white grease isn't lithium, it's wax. I don't like it personally, it doesn't lube very well. But some people do since it has less fling. I've heard about Dupont and it's another good choice. Also make sure that your chain has the right slack, it shouldn't be too loose or too tight. You service manual should tell you the recommended range.
 
nuff said:
Broken tooth? Was it used for stunting? a lot of F4Is are. I would replace it as soon as possible. On bikes it's a safety issue. The white grease isn't lithium, it's wax. I don't like it personally, it doesn't lube very well. But some people do since it has less fling. I've heard about Dupont and it's another good choice. Also make sure that your chain has the right slack, it shouldn't be too loose or too tight. You service manual should tell you the recommended range.
Click to expand...

No, it wasnt used for stunting, but it was someone's track bike for a bit..I assume the broken tooth is from quite a few hard track miles.



The drive chain tensioner in the back says the chain is still good, but while replacing the sprockets it only makes sense to change the chain as well.



I thought I might clean off the wax after install and run the Dupont lube instead. Yes, I dont want fling, but will tolerate some if it keeps the chain in better shape. Apparently the Dupont dries very quickly and leaves behind some awesome protection.
 
I have been a mobile car and bike detaler here in new zealand for the last 10 years , ive tried a lot of products and have found that the ...wicked products range ...of polishes to be first class. They do exactly what they say they do, of course this is only my personal opinion...but nobody is endorsing me to say it..as far as im concerned

i will keep using this brilliant product



cheers DAVE
 
Quick question, fellows. I'll be doing my first moto detail soon, (100th Anniversary HD) and I was wondering what you'd use to protect the chrome. The owner is getting very, very fine surface rust from leaving it in the garage.



Any idea?
 
EisenHulk said:
Quick question, fellows. I'll be doing my first moto detail soon, (100th Anniversary HD) and I was wondering what you'd use to protect the chrome. The owner is getting very, very fine surface rust from leaving it in the garage.



Any idea?
Click to expand...



Try some Collinite #850 Metal Cleaner Wax. I've had good luck with it on my Polished SS exhaust tips and I've used it on some chrome wheels with good results. Did a good job taking off surface rust and also protects.
 
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