Cleaning, polishing, bug and tar spot removal, protective coatings

[Dave]

As mentioned on other threads, I have recently swapped out my “adventure” bikes for pretty bikes.

I feel that the previous routine of: cold pre rinse, Muc-off spray, cold rinse followed by dipping in ACF50 may not be the best for the visual appearance, great for me and gives my hair that glossy shine so much talked about on beauty forums and tv adverts, not so for the bikes.

So, what do you do to your bikes to keep then looking their best?

Products to be used?

Products not to be used?

[al]

Cleaning?

[willian]

Tar spots - petrol on a microfibres cloth

No smoking allowed obviously!

Btw - You clean a bike?
I thought you just sold them once they got dirty.....

[al]

I usually have some Autoglym Super Resin polish in the garage and that seems to get rid of tar spots with very little effort.

[The Rossi Kid]

Agreed AutoGlym Super Rsein to deal with Tar.

Any old wax shampoo from Costco after a soak. Then microfiber cloths to dry and appropriate for surface polish. Found an excellent Matte paint polish but for the life of me I can't remember the name, i'll try to remember to post it up once I get back.

ACF50 & FS365 added as required when the salt is about.

[Dave]

look what I found:

http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/motorcycl ... itres-free

[bob r6]

Sdoc 101 do a kit that has everything in not the cheapest stuff but good quality!

[al]

It's funny what you find when you look through the older posts on this forum ...

Post by Dave » 05 Oct 2011 14:12

ACF50, great stuff to protect your bike, and it even removes tar spots if you give them a rub


It is currently discounted at Nippy Normans
http://www.nippynormans.com/products/special-offers

ACF50 info
http://www.allyearbiker.co.uk/ACF50.html

http://www.acf-50.co.uk/

[Dave]

now this is an idea ...

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/116 ... ntain.html

[al]

I found this on the interweb and thought it looks interesting - http://allyearbiker.co.uk/

There is at least one local guy on FacePage who is franchised - https://www.facebook.com/pages/All-Year ... b=overview

[The Rossi Kid]

Allan Duff in conjunction with Shirlaws. Good reputation and very high standard of work. Seems to be good value too!

[boydie]

Tardis by Autosmart or available through those car polishing guys at Kintore. Really good for those tar spots.

[The Rossi Kid]

Found an excellent Matte paint polish but for the life of me I can't remember the name, i'll try to remember to post it up once I get back.

From "TheChemicalGuys" Meticulous Matte Detailer-For Satin Finish & Matt Finish Paint and Clear Bra (16oz)

Highly recommended stuff helping to keep the 675 looking like new!!

[al]

Sounds too much like hard work!

[Feckdeamon]

Allan Duff in conjunction with Shirlaws. Good reputation and very high standard of work. Seems to be good value too!

£65 quid for an immaculate bike. I don't think I'll ever bother cleaning mine again, twice a year to see Allan and a wee hose off if it gets minging in between, and I'll probably save money on chemicals and consumables!

[Graeme]

A rag with WD40, Brasso, or plain old T-Cut will remove tar spots, no need for exotic potions.

[al]

A rag with WD40, Brasso, or plain old T-Cut will remove tar spots, no need for exotic potions.

Still got the GSXR Graeme?

[Graeme]

Yeah, it's in for an MOT re-test today, pending some minor repairs!

[al]

What's the mileage on that now?

[Graeme]

Just coming up for 37K :)

[John. M]

showroom shine from autosave is really good and lot less effort, cleans everything on the bike, from plastics to chrome, and glass. Big bottle lasts for ages.

[Dave]

What a handy thread to find

[Dave]

Looks like Demon Tweeks have some offers on...

http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/motorcycl ... get-1-free
http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/motorcycl ... itres-free

[Dave]

I am now rethinking the cleaning products i will use after Alan Duff did the All Year Biker treatment on my bikes

[al]

I am now rethinking the cleaning products i will use after Alan Duff did the All Year Biker treatment on my bikes

You clean your bikes?