So I get this call a few ago.........

A

a.k.a. Patrick

New member
"I was just wondering, do you do motorcycles?"

So I said, "no". And apologized.

The question is, "Should I?"

Any other detailers, "Do motorcycles?"

And if so, give me some pointers, prices, tips etc......I may just call her back.......
 
Well after just reading Justin's post in CNB, it sounds like they are just as much, if not more work than a car.
 
I have done a few. The usually don't get nearly as dirty as cars but their is a ton of little parts you have to show detail to. One tip I can give you is to buy a blow vac or air compressor to blow all of the water out of the crevices.
 
sixty7mustang22 said:
Plus, to do paint clean-up, you generally have to work around a lot of stickers.
Click to expand...

Yeah, and you usually have to do it by hand, or at least a majority of it, because a machine won't reach. Also don't forget about all of the chrome and stainless to clean and polish. Like I said though, most bikes are fairly clean compared to cars.
 
i do bikes, it takes me about 6 hours from start to finish. There is alot of detail to pay attention to but good products go a long way with bikes. Its pretty straight forward but don't expect perfect results in the paint because its almost impossible to achieve, because of their jackets, zippers, and pants rubbing on the gas tank and rear fender. Or at least in my case it was impossible.
 
What do you use on the chrome? I stay away from bikes because I never know what to put on the chrome because of the high temperatures. Thanks in advance!
 
Depends on the bike, I do some work on import bikes - GSXRs, etc, and they're not too bad. You'll need either a PC with 4" pads or a rotary and some soft pads - there are lots of curves and small areas.



I usually wash with S100 total bike wash, hose off, dry completely with a leaf blower, polish paint with FPII/blue rotary pad, polish windscreen with PlastX/black rotary pad, hit exhaust pipe with Flitz and a terry towel, then wax or seal with LSP of choice (depends on color).



I try to stay away from Harleys, too much chrome. I'd do one if the money was right, but it wouldn't be a whole lot cheaper than a car.
 
Thats all we do is Harleys. Its just like anything in detailing..if its your market you will have the tools to do the job and its no more or less than doing automobiles.

We use air buffers with pads from 1.5 in to 4 in. Paint that needs machine polishing needs it whether its on a car or a bike so you must be ready for that.

Doing a bike without a lift is handicapping yourself.

Dont know about other bikes but if you do Harleys..DO NOT use an air compressor to blow off water.....it will void your warranty. High air pressure will ruin seals and gaskets. And I have read about them messing up guages.

Patrick, I know you can detail and will have no problem figure out any little nuiances (?) that you run across.

If I can help specifically fell free to PM me.
 
Remember HD stands for hundred dollars

and it is tough to buy anything for your

bike for that money. A lot of harley riders

don't mind spending $100.00-$125.00 for a

detail behind Daytona HD during bike week.

Thats what they were charging in 2000

but have not been back since to know what

the job is worth today. That was for dyna's

softails etc.......add $50.00 to $75.00 for

dressers.
 
hd-nutt said:
Remember HD stands for hundred dollars

and it is tough to buy anything for your

bike for that money. A lot of harley riders

don't mind spending $100.00-$125.00 for a

detail behind Daytona HD during bike week.

Thats what they were charging in 2000

but have not been back since to know what

the job is worth today. That was for dyna's

softails etc.......add $50.00 to $75.00 for

dressers.
Click to expand...

Sounds like a bargin..We charge 250.00 for a complete detail.
 
I just detailed a Harley Road King today. I like detailing bikes, I get to sit on my butt for a lot of the detail!



S100 Total Cycle Cleaner is your friend, trust me. ;) ONR works fine too, as long as the bike isn't grimey from oil.
 
I helped by friend with his HD Dresser. He had a lift. We worked on it for almost 5 hours, so 10 hours of labor and we didn't finish it. He keeps it pretty clean, too. IMO, bikes are much harder to do than cars. I'm not saying I won't do any, but I would charge $180 to $250 depending on the bike and it's condition.
 
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