How to Clean & Detail a Harley-Davidson
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- čas přidán 24. 03. 2022
- A detailed demonstration of the proper way to perform a thorough cleaning and detailing for a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The cleaning products and tools we use that work the best for us at Laidlaw's Harley-Davidson.
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He takes so much pride in his work, that man deserves a raise.
A brilliant comprehensive explanation about detailing a bike with reference to products used. Arturo is a star.
Respectfully, unless paint correction (compound and polish) is planned, would suggest using 2 separate wash mitts and buckets. 1 bucket/mitt for painted surfaces, the second bucket/mir for engine, wheels, etc. Never use the same mitt on wheels and paint, as contaminants may swirl mark the paint. If only 1 bucket/mit available, then start with the paint at the top of the bike, then fenders, then all else. Arturo does great work.
Agree with the cross contamination. There was a lot of swapping of cloths and stuff in the video. I probably should have commented on that aspect of the wash but neglected to. I will say too that he chemical cleaned and power washed the bike before he even used the mit on the bike. Valid comment though. Thank you
@@MattLaidlaw Understood, Arturo is a pro, results speak for themselves.
Yeah, when he went from the top of the engine to the tank my heart skipped a beat...
@@MattLaidlaw I watched him go from the engine and wheels directly to the tank and fender with the same mit. Not good.
@@BW-kv9wjtotally agree on this. Definitely went from engine to tank paint work. Always work downwards why would you wash all the grit and dirt then bring it back up to tank. That bike will have so many swirls in the clear coat. Also you only have so much clear coat not good to use a buffing machine more than once or twice, you could burn through top clear coat then will Need a repaint! Overall not good how to video!
Hey Guys, a lot of you are asking about the "lever lift" that brings the rear wheel up. This is something that can be found online somewhere. Search "motorcycle center stand". The one you see in the video is a custom built one that we have had for probably 30 years. We had a guy build it for us. Jerry (my dad) is a welder. He repairs and reinforces it when need be.
Edit: There also seems to be some confusion about Arturo "spreading dirt to the paint with the mitt". If you watch the video closely, he hits the wheels with the S100 and scrubs them with a brush then power washes them. There is no dirt left on the wheels to transfer to the paint.
I've seen those lifts in both of the major tool stores.
If you had a Goldwing you could just use the factory center stand 😜
What’s the measurements of that stand. Arturo es chingon! Thanks for the awesome videos.
Same question as someone else. Can you give a pic and or some measurements to make that stand. Only really finding one out there and it's reviews aren't good. Looks like yours it made out of thick pipe.
@@clarkbabin9799 Where?
He is a craftsman that does great work and a valuable employee , thanks Matt
Yes he is. We are lucky to have him
Hats off to Arturo & Matt for the excellent video. This was exactly what I needed. Awesome information and presentation. Thank you.
I do my RGS over a few days …. wash one day, then wax and shine the next .
Thanks for another great video, Arturo is a man who loves his work !
That's a good way so the surfaces have a chance to cool and wax can cure.
Man I LOVE seeing people taking such pride in there work. Arturo is the man!
I fully admit I'd rather ride me bike than wash it, but I finally got around to washing it this weekend and I was definitely extra excited to take it for a spin. I know no one on the street cares about my 20 year old Dyna, but she did look decent! I'm going to incorporate some of his techniques next time to take it up a notch. Thanks for the video!
Hey guys. Thanks for the video. I bought a used 2008 105th anniversary edition fat boy. 6000 miles. Overall good shape. It needed a good detail. I used your steps and products you used and I am so happy with the outcome. It was a lot of work but it turned out great. Thanks for posting the video. I subscribed to your page.
Another great vid Matt! You guys make it look easy with a lift. I detail my bike myself and am meticulous about it. Looks showroom ready when I'm done!
The lift helps with the rear wheel for sure
This is such a clutch video. Thank you so much for posting this. I been eyeballing your inventory lately. This very subject has been on my mind. Timing is perfect. Thank you! Hope to see y’all soon!
This video is gonna do so well over time. Great job on this and thanks for providing information that I didn't know that I needed.
Thank you for the comment. Glad we could get you some info that you didn't know you needed.
Cleaning the rims and going to the paint right after? I’m sure it’s clean, but seems it would introduce brake dust to the paint. Always been told to use separate rags/mitts for motor, wheels and paint.
I learnt to clean from top to bottom ... rims would be the last part ...
@@mmotorhead That’s what I do as well, when cleaning anything.
@@mmotorhead I believe that’s every detailers mantra
Yea, someone else commented on this. I should have commented on cloth and mit swapping during the video. I think it was the same mit but the whole bike was hit with the S100 and power washed before he went to the soap. Still a valid comment though.
An Absolutely Beautiful job!! I wouldn't expect anything less from Laidlaw Harley Davidson!!
Great video, as always. Thank you both for taking the time to do this. For hard bags w/ speakers, would Arturo tape them off too (like the air intake)?
Yo Matt & Arturo! I've been doing a similar detail on my HD's but using Meguires products. Paint sealant, detailer, spray wax , etc. I just bought a new 2021 Street Glide Special that I have yet to detail. I will try this routine using the products shown. Half the fun of owning a HD motorcycle is that they just look KILLER when kept looking good!
Outstanding detailing on these Harley-Davidson motorcycles. ❤️😎
Arturo takes a bike into his skillful hands and transforms the machine into a beautiful work of art. Amazing attention to detail from a true craftsman.
The BEST how to wash your bike I have ever seen! Thanks guys!
Matt, you're the man! Excellent video! I'm bringing my bike in for a detail!
Great job Arturo! Definitely a master at detailing the bike👍😎
Well done so many great tips and Harley Davidson sells all the products that's awesome .You can't go wrong with anything that Harley Davidson puts their name on. Thanks again keep these outstanding videos coming .
unless you live in the UK and a brand new street glide ST starts rusting after 1 month! :( which is what has happened to me
My wife’s Bronze Armor CVO came with paint protection I was skeptical but being the one who has to clean the bikes the product is amazing My 2020 RGS does not have it and the difference is profound.Her bike is clean in a quarter of the time. We ride the Wisconsin back roads lots of bugs her bike has hardly any. The Midwest dealers say they will apply and warranty the protection on any Harley 2018 or newer so I’m getting it done at its 10 k service. thanks for another great video spring is slowly coming to the Midwest time to get the rags out !
Not that I needed help in this situation but it’s cool to see how a pro does it. Definitely learned some new stuff and I’ll be using this. 👍🏼👍🏼
I’ve watched this and take mine to a self wash car wash. I take a shower cap over my air cleaner, then I spray the bike. I then use the rainbow spray thingy. I then use a fiber cloth I bring and use it like a mitt. Paint first then move down wiping every thing. I then rinse it. I then grab the blow dryer hose and dry it. I then wheel it outside and use auto detailer spray and microfiber cloth. I ride it home and break out the wax. When I’m done I’ve spent 10$ at the car wash and about an hour of detailing. I go for a ride and people will compliment me all day long because it’s CLEAN
Great video of cleaning your Harley Davidson motorcycle. It takes time to clean chrome , tires , engine, paint and leather. It's takes a passion to do it right. ❤
Loved the video. I learned quite a bit. Thanks, Arturo. You do a great job.
Arturo is no joke! Extremely nice work and attention to detail (no pun intended)
He is the best
*Yeah he is extremely good and maybe a raise is in-line❓Lol* 😉 😀 🥇
Arturo you are the best!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am stunned. Pure magic and yet so simple.
Did an incredible job the Motorcycle Looks incredible Thank you for the video take care
Great work, Arturo! Thanks for the instructional video!!!
Great video Matt- I see all the wheel to tank anxiety you spoke of! 😅😅. I also saw the wheels previously cleaned-
My favorite part is you detailed questions to Arturo, then he responds: “yes.”
Let the poor guy work!! Have a great day!
You lost me when he used the wash mitt on the engine and wheels and then went around the other side and used it on the painted tank...That's a good way to pick up dirt in the wash mitt and scratch the paint. Wash painted surfaces first, then engine followed by the wheels.
Maybe he did switch mitts but wasn't added to the video due to editing?
@@SmileIGotYou Possibly... but it probably would have been mentioned. Don't get me wrong...I'm a big fan of this channel...but having a professional background in classic car restoration I was a little shocked to see that.
and steel wool on the chrome while it's still covered in heavy dust
I agree this guy is definitely not the best detailer in their area, if he was this wash process would have been much more meticulous. The primary looked like it had dried chemicals and hard water stains, the steel wool on dry dirty chrome was a big no no, and he should have used a completely separate wash mitt or micro fiber towel to wash the paint than what he used for the engine and wheels. He would have done a better job on the engine had he used a detail brush and a small wheel woolly brush to get back into the tighter spots. I would not pay this guy if he washed my bike like this. Detailing a bike should be no different than detailing a car aside from the fact it has smaller tighter spaces and more chrome finished surfaces. The overall wash process should be the same though.
Not if you pressure rinse it first cupcake.
ARTURO - You are a skilled craftsman - Since I am an inherently lazy person, this video is a tremendous learning curve for me THX Matt - As usual, very educational
Love the attention to detail while doing the cleaning. I bet the bikes after the procedure is done look even better in person than on video. How often is it recommended to clean your Harley? I have the Iron 883 in denim black.
It's recommended to wash your balls every day. Same with a Harley Davidson.
Fantastic video! Learned many tricks to test out this weekend
Thanks for the video, was awesome 👌🏼 i could definitely watch each bike getting washed, so satisfying
Therapeutic viewing haha
Great and informative video like always. Thanks Matt.
Arturo is an artist! Makes me want to but an HD just so he can clean/detail it.
Great vlog. Always bringing the awesome content Matt.
Great instructional video ! Will definitely use it to do my Spring clean on my bike ! Also, can the center stand that he used to lift the rear of the bike be used to change rear shocks (on a Sportster)? Many thanks !
Hi! Matt you may look into using the brass and/or bronze wool. It's great for rust and well not scare the surface...
I'll take a look, thank you
Hey Matt. Love the video content, keep 'em coming. Where can I see a list of the products used for this detail? Thanks!
Great video as always.
I found this video relaxing.
It’s raining here in nyc. I can’t get out. And as usual Matt’s videos keep me calm.
I don’t agree with all steps , but I did a lot of drugs in my twenty’s so …
I've watched this video a dozen times! Just Awesome!!!
Another very useful video from Laidlaw. Just ordered S100 12001B Total Cycle Cleaner from this video because if you guys use it, I trust it! Thank you.
Arturo did an amazing job 👏 🙌. Wish he could come to South Texas and clean my 2018 breakout. Thanks for the video Matt.
Love this walkthrough. Good job! 🤘
Thanks for watching
Good detailing tips, Thank you Arturo for the hard work. I know personally how much effort goes into detailing. I have been detailing since I was 8 years old. My Dad had me washing his vehicles at a young age, I now do mine for good looks, protection of investment (it's a hobby for me). Matt as usual great camera work. I just recently purchased a Forty-Eight, it's in your shop I have to ask you guys to do a paint protection job on mine. I purchased the bike used I hope I can get the paint protection on it. Talk to you soon
I love my Forty-Eight.
Wow, He did a phenomenal job!
Thanks Matt and Arturo,great job,taught me a lot on how to keep my baby pretty!
Great video and great job Arturo. To all the other “detail experts” out there. There’s a reason why Arturo does what he does. Because experience has taught him what works best and what produces the best results and customer satisfaction.
Good to see the Pro's do the detail lots of great tips. That color on the RGS special really pops, not a big fan of red but thats pretty
That was great Matt/Arturo! Some riders are happy with a bit of “ride grim”; I’m in the “keep it clean” group, largely because I enjoy it and easy with the right tools. Helpful recommendations are surely appreciated!!!
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You put out great content Matt. Thank you.
Thank you! and thanks for watching
amazing detail work........thank you for this....
Great video Matt! Superb job by Arturo! You can tell he is an artist and takes pride in his work!
......... man BIG up's to Arturo. I did this shit for 2 years at a Harley Dealership. It's about one of the hardest things to do to a Harley... mentally and physically. I washed around 7-15 bikes a day,, I actually washed 26 in a day. I love Harley's and you learn a lot about a bike when you wash them everyday! You find loose parts... all kinds of stuff. My hands and fingers would be so busted up at the end of the week. I put a lot of pride in washing and detailing those damn things, and was one of The BEST like my man Arturo here. However, it's all worth it when you pull a customers cycle around and see the look on the owners face! I always got "WOW..my bike looks better than the day I bought it!" I actually brought business up at the dealership. People would come just to have me wash their cycle (and made some damn good tips). Washing a Harley right is an art. Great job brother!!!! 👍
Gracias Arturo. ¡Qué bueno ver a un profesional en el trabajo!
That was a great video. I’m in Wisconsin and my next Harley I’m gonna buy from your shop just because of the nice videos. Would be fun to drive it back to Wisconsin from Cali.
did you do it? you buy from Matt and ride back?
Love all the mentions of PRODUCTS USED ... As it will definitely help me,as well as others I'm sure !!!! Great Job !!!! 👍🤜🤛✌️
Excellent work Arturo, teamwork with Matt and camera 👌
Ride, wash, repeat. The only way to keep looking good. Nice job Arturo! Ride safe and often.
Excellent video, thank you for posting this one
Hard working Man, much, much respect!!
Very informative. Love the stages. Though Harley in UK don't have as much to offer with cleaning materials. Super vid.
I learnt so much. How to properly clean from an expert. Thank you for this video.
Thank you for watching.
🛑🛑 Great Video Matt😀👍.
I learn something new every time I watch one of your videos.
Great Example of Your Team at Laidlaw Harley Davidson💯😀👍.
Great idea for a video. Many will find this useful to clean their own bikes. If I could give a bit of advice: use 1 wash mitt for painted surfaces only, do not use a dish brush on painted wheels, you will scratch them, instead use a microfiber towel or dedicated wash mitt for them. Pig spit is amazing and I am a big fan of ceramic coating the surfaces of a bike.
and dont use a pressure washer. ouch.
Awesome hob! 👍 I can attest that you guys do a great job at washing the bikes. I was impressed when I got my bike after being serviced. Pretty sure Arturo washed it. It looked better than brand new! Haha!
This was an excellent video! Thank you 😊
Take care of this man Matt! Good work!
Greetings from switzerland guys and thanks for the explanations. Really nice work!
Excellent video, very helpful.
Bike looks brand new. NICE!!!!!!
Man got skills. Great vid. Thanks Matt.
This man is an artist, beautiful transformation. I may have missed it but did he do anything with the tires?
Thats a totally needed video. Thanks so much. Cheers.
I work part-time at a Harley dealer on the other coast. We do a lot of everything. From picking up dead animals, to delivering motorcycles and picking them up, to sweeping up the shop. When it comes to detailing at least at my dealership we focus more on bikes that we're going to sell. We don't spend a whole lot of time detailing customers bikes, not because we don't want to but because there's anywhere from 5 to 25 bikes behind yours.
We refer them to other detailers. It's not because we don't want to, it's time and manpower. And a lot of times people tend to confuse courtesy wash which is just washing your bike getting the grime off and putting on some detailer spray to give it a little shine with a full detail.
You're paying to get your bike worked on. An actual detailer charges somewhere between $250 on up for a detail.
With that being said, I'm always watching videos to learn how to do a better job and what products we can use. Biggest problem spots for me are the wheels.
Not going to say anything about the cross-contamination because everybody's already said it. If you're going to use the same bucket I always suggest getting the screen that you can throw on the bottom so any of the heavy particulates stay in the bottom and don't get sucked up in the fresh soap.
If you're picking up your bike and it was washed or you buy a used bike and it looks pretty darn good, make sure you thank the Lot Porters and Detailers.
I always tell the new guys, if you treat it like it's your own you won't ever have any problems.
This was a great bike detail video. Stop hating on the guy for using the same mit for the wheels, he already degreased the wheel which removes 95% of all contaminants. I’m a professional detailer and it’s fine. The only time it really matters is with brand new paint just to be safe. I will be picking up some hog spit to add to my products, cool stuff.
Nice to see how you guys do it. I pride myself on doing a good job, but, still have a couple of things to take away from this footage. Thanks.
Everyone has their own technique. It's good to check out other methods once and a while though
Awesome video very informative, all I need now is Arturo to come to Illinois to do the job for me!😂 wish I lived closer I’d be a regular customer of the dealer I hear you guys are one of the best in the country!
I learned some new tips and tricks. Thanks!
A few suggestions to ensure you're protecting your paint and finishes since so many of these bikes come will beautiful bodywork.
Use the two bucket wash method. Have a bucket with your soap and another for rinsing the dirty mitt before going back into the soap bucket. This will minimize the dirt that remains on the mitt which helps mitigate scratches and swirls. Also, the bike should always be washed from the top down. You do not want to put the mitt on extremely dirty areas such as the wheels, engine and bottom of frame and go back to the top sections without washing the mitt. You essentially are transferring all of the dirt from the bottom to the top where it can scratch things if you dont rinse in between.
Lastly, I would be cautious about the types of brushes I use on the rims and would get a brush specifically for that purpose.
Hi matt, great video. Can the ceramic paint protector also be applied to denim paints ?
Where can I get the Stand used in the video
Matt do you have any videos of touring bikes getting detailed using a bike lift and proper positioning of the lift and strap down? I position my craftsman lift but would like to see if i'm doing it correctly, I get my CVO in full lift mode so i can clean the undercarriage and the exhaust. So if there are any videos you have on this it would be greatly appreciated.
man , Arturo is a perfectionist ! those bikes look as good or better than when they rolled off the factory floor .
Merci Matt , j’adore ce genre de vidéo, c’est trop classe
Bonne continuation 🇫🇷✌️
Merci
Beautiful job Arturo!!!
I learn something new everyday, Thanks Matt, Aturo
looks great! I could definitely use a bit of detailing on mine
I think we all can
Nice job !!! Thanks for the video
I was a detailer for 7 years, you never use anything abrasive like steel wool on chrome surfaces, it will look good when you first do it, but after a few weeks it will begin to rust
what is another option instead?
@@houseofocrbin
if it’s normal cleaning I would use kerosene, if it needs something heavier to remove dirt film I would use a weak mixture of acid and water
I use steel wool and no rusting
I usually go over it with a metal polish afterwards
Yes also steel wool and microfiber towels scare me
Steel wool is never an option no matter how fine. At the very least steel wool creates micro scratches and leaves behind steel bits that will eventually rust. There are other options: Copper or Brass wool much safer.
Excellent video, thanks for uploading! 👍🏍🏍👍
Good Detailing Tips, Thankyou
Great video, I learned a lot
Look at him riding through the shop like A BOSS!
Thanks to Arturo for the awesome work and I'm going to look for the pig spit for the black exhaust cleaning .