How to clean a motorcycle
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- čas přidán 8. 09. 2024
- How to clean a motorcycle : By popular demand here's how I go about cleaning my motorbikes. I'm not saying it's the best way to clean your bikes, but it's the method I use - I hope it's of interest! Credit: Thanks to Birotar UK for the snofoam still!
Links to the products I use:-
Powerful 4.2hp Dryer amzn.to/31wI87s
Meguires gold class shampoo amzn.to/2lGEtQ5
Mucoff www.sportsbike...
Snofoam amzn.to/2kGwaja
Wash mitt www.sportsbike...
Microfibre cloth www.sportsbike...
Bulk Drying towels amzn.to/2kGti5M
Turbo blaster bike dryer amzn.to/2rtuiju
Motorcycle cleaning brushes amzn.to/2kPdwbB
Bug Shifter pads amzn.to/2kPedl3
ACF50 Kit www.sportsbike...
I'm now on that Twitter thing! Join me @MissendenFlyer
I use the following equipment to record and edit my VLOGs:-
GoPro HD Hero 4 helmet camera amzn.to/2lQVI1a
GoPro Session (4) "B" Camera amzn.to/2lTT0oz
Nikon D7100 DSLR for static and video shots with various lenses amzn.to/2lU1gEX
Lavalier microphone and sellotape for in helmet audio amzn.to/2kOZVOU
BOYA BY-M1 3.5 mm Lavalier Microphone for in-garage pieces amzn.to/2pVAf4X
Movo LV20 Dual Lavalier Clip-on Microphones for 2 person interviews amzn.to/2qQuw5r
Power Director 8 for the PC (for video editing) amzn.to/2kP3HaR
Radio mic for in garage audio amzn.to/2lpq61B
Rode VIDEOMICPRO On Camera Microphone for general use amzn.to/2qvcZwv
Rode Deadcat VMPR Windshield to kill wind noise amzn.to/2qroOWG
Neewer CN 160 LED Dimmable Ultra High Power Panel Video Light amzn.to/2qQPEs2
Goliton® Camera DSLR Triple Mount for LED Video Lights Microphones amzn.to/2rpUlGg
A pair of Lantoo LED Floodlight 50W for additional lighting amzn.to/2rpOKjs
My current motorcyles are:-
Honda CRF250L
Triumph Street Triple R
BMW R1200GS
Ducati 899 Panigale
For any additional enquiries please send a PM or leave a comment below...
I actually snorted when you said, "We all like to ride something that looks attractive." Well done hahahaha
+Rachel Bowman (Wolvkey) .....an accurate statement I think you'll find.... :0)
needs to be a T shirt lol
I'm not that fussy, I'll ride anything that goes well!
@@moiramciver2481 😂😂
Each to their own, hence the variety of bikes & styles. Personally I have no interest in american cruisers, choppers or low-riders, but there's obviously a big market for them, especially those of my age or older (I'm 60+).
Neither do I want a 'rat bike' but again there are those who love them.
Whatever you ride is your choice and so is how much time and attention you want to spend on appearance.
However, taking the time to clean your bike / bikes (which I'm not always the most scrupulous with) does mean you're inspecting the bike(s) and the time used to find anything that needs maintenance or repairing.
From recent personal experience, I was about to go out on a ride a couple of weeks ago so was cleaning and checking my Honda VFR800 when I found half a Stanley knife blade embedded in my rear tyre tread. No loss of pressure but I could just see the carcass weave so it had penetrated the entire depth of the rubber carcass.
That was annoying as the tyre (Bridgestone T31) was less than 1000 miles old and cost me £144 for a new tyre, but possibly could have saved myself injury and server damage to the bike if it had blown out.
Funny how his first part (muck off, wipe and rinse) is my whole cleaning routine.
This man is literally the most down to earth gentleman I've come across, cheers for all the advice mate!
You’re very welcome! (And thanks for the kind words!)...
We all like to ride something that looks attractive. Personally after a few pints I'm not overly fussed. You did well keeping a straight face after that statement. 😂
+dave80h I'm so glad you spotted that.... :0)
A man after my own heart, some say OCD. I say respect for your purchases great video
I know a cheaper "bike dryer", a good blast down the road. ;)
+RevvedUpBiker That'll work....but try to avoid any muddy puddles! :0)
+RevvedUpBiker
Nice One
+RevvedUpBiker I use a gas-powered leaf blower.
+yodabolt I am too use leaf blower for my cars and bike.👍👍
Same here mate the engine heat does the trick.
I use the pet dryer option on my bike! It has an on/off gentle heater and adjustable speed dial. Cheaper than a "motorcycle dryers" online.
One piece of advice I would add is to always use light pressure (if any pressure at all) while washing with the wash mitt and during drying with a towel. This helps keeps swirl marks to a minimum.
I also use an electric leaf blower for drying and it's a great time saver. Does a fine job of getting water out from between cooling fins, radiators and hard to reach places.
+echanos Agreed - good advice!
Yep, that's the way I do it. Only difference is I have an air compressor anyway and use that to get the water out of the nooks and crannies. I also use a ptfe based product once the bike is dry as a water repellent in those nooks and crannies. Not every wash, but absolutely before winter riding. And for those wanting to bring the plastic bits, especially black bits, back to life, silicon lube is brilliant. Look for PME or similar product, wife uses it on her TVR too. Cleaning your bike is not just about keeping it pretty. It also gives you a heads up on things that need attention to keep you safe. Good video, thanks for sharing.
There's definitely a job waiting for you on QVC :-). I can just imagine you presenting those miracle cleaning products and speaking to June from Basildon. "Hello June. Tell us why you love today's special value - the GrungnBlast?" "Oh, well I use it everywhere. It gets into all the nooks and crannies you know. I don't know how I ever lived without it." :-))
+gadgetsandwheels Actually I could do with a job - will you put a word in for me??
+TheMissendenFlyer I don't think they could afford you. :-)
I've come back to this one in 2021 and am impressed at your current (2021) maturity as a presenter. In 2021 your "pace" seems more effective in that the presentation in both speech and scene cuts has much better flow. You've become more apparently fit (all those salads I suppose) and your movements lend themselves to vlogging. Well done! And, of course, great advice on bike cleaning!
Wow thank you very much! Practice helps clearly!!
Brilliant video, very informative as a new biker it is great to see how others clean their bikes and protect against the elements especially at winter time.. Keep up the series of garage vids!!!!
+Sean Thompson Thanks Sean - I'm glad you're finding my efforts of interest! Thanks for stopping by and saying so...all the best - TMF
Excellent work, Chief, very thorough and of course all your machines are a credit to your cleaning regime! 👍🏻
here in the US I use the good old leaf blower VS the little vacuum
Just a note
Thanks good video many gents fear getting the beast wet ! a good cleaning is the best .
Thanks for the kind comments Last Chance - cheers for watching and for stopping by - TMF
I don't let my bike get too dirty i.e. quick wash using muc off as soon as I get home or a day or so later.
BUT, just got back from a very rainy Ireland and s week of crud on my bike. Used muc off twice and it just wouldn't budge the ingrained dirt no matter how much I rinsed, even with two goes.
It came down to loads of car wash detergent and elbow grease.
Muc off can 'uc off and being using it for years.
Thank you for the how-to. I've always been reluctant to clean bikes for fear of not properly doing it. The dryer tip was brilliant. I used my shop vac with the hose on the blower end. Worked like a charm! Cheers.
+Zach Lomas Glad to be of service Zach!
When snow foaming , the IK foam pro 2 is a very good device for motorbikes, as it removes the need for a pressure washer, and the additional risks that brings of course. We have been using this along with the Alpha Bikes Sub zero snow foam, and works fantastically.
Good tip - thank you!
I don't even have a bike, but I still watch all your videos. One day this will be useful I'm sure ! Either way, great video's and great channel. Cheers!
+Karl Toth That's very kind of you to say Karl, thanks (now go get a bike, you're missing out, seriously....)
I used to use a leaf blower but it was very cumbersome so I've now got the Hog Blaster warm air dryer. I haven't used it yet but it does sit well in the hand unlike the leaf blower.
I also buy the cleaning products in bulk, usually 20Ltrs at a time as well as distilled water and white vinegar (for flushing the cooling system)
I get my bulk bags of microfibre cloths from Screwfix (50 in a bag) and they are very good too.
Having said this I still should clean my bikes more often :)
+Hepcat Harley I never thought of using my leaf blower - but I tend to agree, it is a little cumbersome (maybe I'll use on the car!!).....thanks for stopping by HH, good to hear from you again my friend!
It has to be a new leaf blower or you'll be using something akin to a sandblaster...not good :)
Catching up on some of your presentation through the lockdown. Keeping me sane 😀
Excellent Video
For those of us on a Budget I use my £50 Wet & Dry 20l Vacmaster on Blow to Dry my Bike
after running for a time the air blowing out is quite warm. Not as efficient as your blower but is is quite effective.
+Bob Fisher Good one Bob - thanks for sharing!
another Muc Off product that is great is the Motorcycle Protective Spray. I call it "New bike in a can'" as it leaves the bike with that wet look and it is also a water dispersant. Again, expensive but well worth it.
Every rider has his own preferred method of cleaning, those that actually clean them that is! I don't use Muc Off as it's way overpriced IMO, there are other products I think are as good and much cheaper. The most important thing is to use plenty of water, as you do, to rinse away the dislodged dirt and grime. I've used compressed air from a compressor for years for the drying stage but just bought one of the bike/pet dryers, very similar to yours. Not actually used it yet so looking forward to the next wash day!
Just a quick warning for other BMW owners (I am one) don't use Muc-off. If you have any paint warranty issues you will have a hell of a time claiming if they find out you have been using it...warranty canceller. Just saying....love your reviews BTW
+bassmandudge I've heard this said before - very strange! I've never had an issue using it - but then I don't let it stay on the bike for very long before rinsing off. When I next go to my local dealer I will ask them about this.....thanks for commenting and for the kind words - all the best - TMF
+TheMissendenFlyer Sent you a message...
I know I'm 4 years late to this thread but I've finally got around to buying a Bruhl motorbike dryer on your recommendation. Great piece of kit. All I need now is a relaxation of the current lockdown in order to actually get my bike dirty enough to need a clean!
The 'Two Bucket Method' is a fantastic idea, proper real common sense. I wish I knew about that years ago!
Works for me!
It reminds me of years ago, when the woman at the family planning clinic recommended we use the 'Rhythm Method'. That didn't work, as I had trouble getting a band together! lol. :-D
Boom boom!
Love the two bucket method. Great clip!
Glad you found it of interest! - TMF
You really should be on the TV, excellent presentation skills, you should have applied for the vacancy at Top Gear, lol.
I also use my leaf blower, it does a great job and being two stroke it sounds great, though I'm not sure our neighbour would agree, lol.
Microfibre cloths are really useful and they can be washed in the machine, saves throwing them away and they come out like brand new.
A good tip for the summer months for getting rid of bugs on the motorcycle screens(fairing panel and helmet visor), run a microfibre cloth under the hot tap, ring out the excess and just drape it over the
bike screen for two or three mins, it rehydrates the dead bugs and they wipe off really easily, no vigorous harmful scrubbing required, saves the polished paintwork.
cheers
tony
+antonoat Thanks for the kind words as ever Tony - yes that trick for the bugs in Summer is a good one, I have been known to drape the whole of the front of the bike with damp towels to shift a particularly heavy crop! Cheers.....
The cleaner from muc off is alkaline- is it true that its bad for your bike? Read that somewhere on the web. Thanks!
The two bucket method - I am going to use that! I'm actually cringing now thinking about how many times i've dipped the cleaning mitt back into the (increasingly) murky water. Nice tip!
+WeNeedASaga You'll be surprised how dirty the "rinse" bucket gets, and I suspect you won't turn back to the "one bucket" method again!!! :0) Cheers for watching - all the best - TMF
Well I took your advice and bought a Blaster Side Kick dryer (on Amazon). It's one of those things you know you can live without but once you use it......you're hooked. Sure made drying the bike must easier and so much quicker. Then I applied the ACF 50. End results are outstanding. Thanks for the tips/demo's.
Brilliant - glad you found my video of use!
Kärcher saves the day. If you put your bike away over winter wipe over your engine, fairing parts and plastic control housings on the handlebar with pure silicone oil using a cotton cloth. Your bike will look like brand new in the spring. Remnants of bugs can be wiped off with Motul Wash and Wax. That's also good for cleaning the rims and getting rid of all the oil and grease from the chain. On all parts be careful and only use a very soft cotton cloth. Todays plastic parts can be scratched so easily...
good video,, I only used muckoff once couple of yrs ago,, and seemed to think my switch gear on the handlebars went from black to a light grey,, followed the destructions ,,but didn't agree with the plastics ,,never used since anyhow take care shane bring on the summer ,,,goodwood festival booked up ,,,
That's interesting, I've never had an issue with it but can see why that would put you off! Yes Goodwood is an excellent event isn't it, roll on Summer for more of these sort of do's. Good to hear from you again, thanks for sticking with me - TMF
I will stick with you till the end,,,clear well presented straight to thee point good videos well worth watching ,,,,what more can some one ask for
+shaneweightman Wow, thanks very much...
Glad you liked our detailing video enough to use a Snowfoam still! Good video
+Birotar UK Aha, thanks for that - now duly credited in the description box! (I Googled and that picture came up - apols for not asking to use it first)....thanks for stopping by - TMF
+TheMissendenFlyer Thanks! That was a genuine nice video by the way! Was recommended to view and only just noticed the old ninja!
+Birotar UK ....funny how these things work out isn't it......thanks for the kind words and glad you liked the video! All the best - TMF
Thanks for this video, which I watched a while ago. I haven't invested in a dryer like yours because I usually go for a "spin dry", but recently it's been a bit damp and mucky so I have taken to drying my bikes off with my leaf blower. I was surprised how much water came running out of the nooks and crannies! Thanks again for suggesting the blow dry technique.
I'm master of the blow dry, and in fact many advanced hair dressing techniques.....
Ive used muc off for years but it's a convenience cleaner when you can't be arsed getting a sponge out. For a good clean muc off doesn't work any better than a sponge, good bike detergent and a bit of elbow grease. A good spray of gunk on the stubborn stuff is good too but messy, but what the hell.
+markmywords312 Yeah I agree, I just use it as an initial spray over to loosen the stubborn stuff and get rid of the majority of muck before I set to work with the sponge - in reality you're probably right, I could just get on with it with the sponge but somehow I at least feel like I'm doing a more thorough job with this initial step.....works for me anyway! Thanks for stopping by by, all the best - TMF
As a quick wax id highly recommend Muc-Off speed polish. A quick spray all over, 2 microfiber cloths and the result is top notch. It takes less than 5 minutes, and if your bike is looking dull rather than dirty its ideal, cheap, and one can is good for a dozen waxes.
I've been cleaning my bikes in a similar manner, with the exception of the 'snow foam', so I went and bought one. I'm not sure on it's effectiveness as yet, perhaps I'm not letting it sit long enough. I quite enjoy keeping the bikes sparkly too.
Yes the snow foam is probably overkill and I don't always use it - I tend to only snow foam if (a) I'm doing the car with it anyway or (b) the bike is particularly cruddy (which is rare as I don't tend to let them sit dirty for long....stresses me out!)....I have to say I'm not sold on it's effectiveness either but I like to think it gets into nooks and crannies I wouldn't otherwise reach....
From bike drying standpoint I just switch the hose on my Shop Vac from the intact side to the exhaust side - it' not heated but it works pretty darn well..
I can vouch for the pink mucoff stuff, I buy it by the 10 litres and it lasts for a good while. I find just the mucoff wash is enough though, but do use the mucoff bike spray in the black bottle afterwards. It's a good water repellant, leaves a protective barrier and the bike showroom shiny, it smells nice as a bonus.
+Ben 1022 A winner all round! I'll check that out, might be a cheaper alternative to the ACF50....thanks for stopping by, all the best - TMF
Excellent this. I'm new to it all so no egg sucking. I'm aware of in depth cleaning methods of cars but I wasn't sure of bikes.
+jmcphee7 Hey Jmcphee7 - This one was especially for you! ...to be fair there isn't much difference between my car and bike regime, two buckets is the key if you want to keep your paint work shining! Cheers....
+jmcphee7 Hey Jmcphee7 - This one was especially for you! ...to be fair there isn't much difference between my car and bike regime, two buckets is the key if you want to keep your paint work shining! Cheers....
+TheMissendenFlyer Yes indeed, I appreciated the mention!
Great Video TMF. I think it’s my second watch of this one. Couldn’t remember how the double bucket system went 😂
It's not that hard is it Richard!!
TheMissendenFlyer maybe for me 😂
I'm again, and once again very educative video, I'm also like my byke clean and I do it my self. I'm using different brand of products but the some result, good point use 2 buckets. I have a power washer that I can reduce the power and to rinse I have a compresor. cheers
That'll work! Cheers Omar...
You should get mud-guards for your buckets! Love this video, watch it at least once a year!
Good man, you have great taste!
You might also want to clean the paint and protect it at the same time Meguire's makes a fantastic product for that called CAR CLEANER WAX since you like their products already, easy on easy off. Leaves a protective film of wax against scratches and other nasties. If you want to really be anal about it, you can finish up with a proper coat of Carnauba wax , again Meguire's makes a good one, so does Mothers and eagle one and sonax etc.
Bloody excellent!!! There are so many differing views on washing bikes but your vid offers solid logical practical tips. Thank you ever so much. And I love the way you sign off your videos. Cheerio. 😁👍👍
Just watched you video on how to apply ACF50 and then the how to clean your bike video - both very good. Now you know that orange compressor tool that didn’t work for the ACF50 is fantastic for applying the pink Muc-Off. you will find that yiu use about 50% less Muc-Off and will get great penetration using the compressor. I set my to about 20psi so fairly low pressure and it works a treat really putting the Muc Off in those hard to reach places
Cheers
Great idea - thanks for the tip!
I know you did, very welcome comment. It seems if you put it on and get distracted come back 30 or 40 mins later damage done. I have seen an engine here in Belfast and not pretty, Fairy liquid is hard to beat !!
Right sadly Fairy liquid has salts which are harsh on metal and plastic. You need a product that is PH neutral. You won't think Fairy Liquid damages your bike on first, second or even third wash. However, over a number of washes you will begin to see how much its stripped and damaged your paint work. I speak from experience, I foolishly used it for 10 years and could never understand why my bike(s) looked less than youthful despise all my hard work. After all, Fairy Liquid should be soft on hands, and that's how it's always been branded. I've switched to PH neutral products and my current bike always looks in showroom condition.
....I'm with the_whisperer here, Fairy liquid is THE LAST thing I'd put near my bikes or cars (or hands for that matter!)......
...so, quite sometime ago a Bosch (Fuel Injection) Specialist (and friend) once told me that they (So Cal based Bosch) discovered that using Simple Green was the best cleaning foundation on a warm car or motorcycle because it did not dry out any of the hoses, belts, vinyl or any other soft item on a motor vehicle... In your scenario, SG would replace the McGuires, probably costing about the same though Not smelling nearly as good, of course... As I remember it, the key was applying to a warmed up vehicle, not hot, mind you but just warmed a little... His bikes (he was a motorcycle drag racer) and his cars were nearly always immaculate. As to the rest of the process, he used similar modalities... Appreciate your singular and idealistic viewpoint on all things motorcycle!
Thank you! (I don't think we get Simple Green here in the UK)...
...ah, well, that would be an issue - I wonder why not since it is supposed to be very safe, non-toxic and utterly bio-degradable, even safe for septic systems?
...I just checked, you can get it in the UK - just not something I've come across or heard of before...cheers - TMF
...I understand - it was all the rage here back in the 90's but places like Costco still carry larger sizes such as gallons with spray bottle attached - still smells lousy but they even tried to address that with a new fragrance... Anyway, for me it was, quite simply, the need to clean and yet not cause degradation in any soft material such as hoses, belts and vinyl...
Cheers! Just got my first bike and your videos are gold!
Glad to be of help! Welcome to biking....
I'm installing the Sound Bomb this next week. Will let you know how it goes. Biggest challenge is finding the right place to put it.
I watched the vid, and took it as my guide as I deep cleaned my Street Triple today, thanks for the tips! I don't have a drier, but a 'spin dry' ride out seems like a perfect excuse to me ;-)
Meant to mention, I also cleaned the chain at the same time - my first time cleaning a chain, and I always thought chain needed to be removed, and soaked or something. However used WD40 chain cleaning spray (brilliant!) and an Oxford Products brush (both from Halfords) and they made cleaning the chain while it was on the bike really easy, and actually, quite satisfying. It came up a treat!
Glad it was a success! You'll now get the cleaning OCD bug and spend more time cleaning than riding!
Now going to re-watch your vid on justifying multiple bikes ;-)
HI TMF, I found a pet air blower on amazon and was surprised how much cheaper it was compared to a 'bike' blower, also would recommend using ear plugs when using it. love the 2 bucket method
Yes the are noisy bits of kit (I wear ear plugs when using my "bike" dryer) - I wonder if the power output is the same...I bet it is!
Brilliant stuff. The two bucket method works a treat
+Karsten Lund Thank you Karsten...
Man I love your puns hahahahaha
Also don't know if you have ever noticed, but when you purchase microfibre towels or washmitts they usually contain a tag stating what the product is made of and its care instructions.
I always rip/cut them off. I've noticed if you rub that tag on any paintwork it will cause noticable swirls/spiderwebs/scratching on the finish.
+JkandI Yes good point on the microfibers, I rip those off too!! Great minds think alike......cheers for stopping by, TMF.
Motorbike touring
I watched this video to looks for tips for washing my bike but you literally do what I already do so at least I’m doing it right. I use a makita blower and only payed £40. I bet that flexible nose is handy so might have to get one.
Thanks for the info 👍. Interesting to see how somebody else goes about something that is an essential all be a chore of a job. And I see you have a lot of love for your bikes. Lovely 😍 collection
Thank you!
Great video as always. Not really a biker question but you mentioned that you use the same products with your cars. What cars do you have?
+hashith shah Thanks - I'd rather not say as they could identify me - sorry about that.....
+TheMissendenFlyer no problem lol. You have a great selection of bikes and I bet your car collection is equally fantastic.
Earned yourself a subscriber!
Good videos and informative channel!
Also nice collection of bikes, picking just the best for touring, sports, street, cross :)
I like it!
Thank you Johannes and welcome along....what kept you ;0) ...oh, and thanks for the sub!
Cracking Vid as always. I'm about to attack the sv650 this morning as we have a sniff of Cornish sun. Amazing how many more bikes come out in March! But then, I'd tuck mine away for the winter too if I could. All the best.
+footprint studio Thanks for the kind comments - hope that sun shows itself (pretty grim here in the South East this morning......unlike yesterday that was glorious). All the best - TMF
That was really useful information, especially for my new Duke 390! Thank you!
My pleasure!
we had this in the cycling industry, MUC Off have said countless times they don't use salt in their products. could be wrong, but I believe its true.
I have two lightweight residential use leaf blowers - one electric and the other a Stihl petrol - both handy in terms of no cables and power. If anyone has something similar to start with, maybe see if it works as well for you as it does me for my cars and bike. But if you don't the warm air master blaster seems a worthwhile investment.
+Richard Dunn :0)
I use a black and decker leaf blower works just fine
Hey Mate, love the way you are so particular. Great garage! I am enjoying your vids and learning a lot. Gidday from South Australia.
G'day Harry - glad you're enjoying my videos, good to have you along! Which bit of Aus are you in?? Would love to visit there some day but you're sooooo far away.....
We live in South Australia, Mannum by the Murray river. You and your wife have a place to stay if you come down under!
We live in South Australia, Mannum by the Murray river. You and your wife have a place to stay if you come down under!
Love this channel. Really informative every time
Love your Flying Spaghetti Monster decal on your storage cabinet.
+Go2ISU Really glad you spotted it - not too many people seem to know what it's all about!! Thanks for stopping by...god bless ;0)
Brilliant - thank you so much!
As simple as it may seem to you, this was extremely helpful.
You're very welcome!
A leaf blower is a good drying machine, or just take the bike for a ride!
If you are not riding all the time GT85 can be a good cheaper alternative to ACF50, it also leaves a protective coating behind (PTFE Teflon).
Also if just touching up the bike you can get good cheap waterless wash spray bottles.
+kyndryd spyryt Yes I meant to add a bit about in-between washes but forgot - I use a Meguires touch up type spray....(+ I must check out GT85 as ACF50 is flippin' expensive)
+TheMissendenFlyer there's muck off motorcycle protectant spray I use that's good as well. Not too expensive lasts ages it's got a slight colour to it so you can see where you spray it but it dries clear and it smells ace. You can get it at halfords
You're a very thorough and organised person! I look forward to more vids. ☺️
+Frank Casio Thank you Frank - stay tuned!
Very similar cleaning regime to mine. I wash my bike every time I ride which gets me some ridicule from my mates. Like you, I use muc off, acf 50 but I use autoglm wash and muc off uber wax for a final shine and protective coat. Muc off protectant spray is also very good for driving out moisture and brings black plastic and trim up nice aswell. The only thing I have struggled to find a good cleaning method for, is the satin finish on my zx10.
+Paul Davis ...ignore the ridicule, they're just envious of your immaculate bike!
👍
My fav bike guy
Thanks for ur videos
Very kind of you - thank you...
Another good informative video. I also use the 2 bucket method, nr1 Wash nr2 Rinse! 👍
I also use the meguires shampoo it’s brilliant! Had an auto gym sales rep come to my work place and we had the whole meguires vs auto Glym debate iv used both and was unwilling to change my opinion he was not overly pleased lol 😝
Thank you for making this (and so soon!) TMF :) Lots of useful stuff to take note of, products wise especially.
+Ace Teller My pleasure sir, your wish is my command and all that... :0)
Extremely impressive sir!
+Captain Rambunctious I can't believe you don't have a similarly rigorous routine?
TheMissendenFlyer Um... No... Hose down, bowl of warm water with turtle wax, another hose down, dry with microfibre cloth and then real turtle wax on all the shiny parts... :-)
What about dirty oily back wheels? You spray them with water and wipe it'll make it worse. Spray and wipe with GT85 first, gently. Avoid brake rotors. Also you need a front paddock stand to clean the wheel properly. Also spray thr calipers with brake cleaner and rinse straight away. Also... take it for a steady ride after cleaning, warm the chain then lube it (with Wurth) when you got back and leave it overnight.
Otherwise, not bad.
the pet dryers are actually the same power :o)
I've learned so much from your video's and I'm very greatful.
I'm glad to have been of use to you Brendan, thanks for stopping by to say so - all the best, TMF
Great video man! I can't wait until next motorcycle wash on my F4i
+Hans Christian Marquez Baggerød Seriously Hans Christian? You're even sadder than I am. ;0) Thanks for watching - TMF
Like the 2 bucket idea think and I'll be saving for a dryer next 👍
+Bigp3te Gotta use the 2 bucket method, otherwise you just rub the dirt back on the paint work!! ...and yes, those dryers are good, sounds like the pet dryers are the same thing but half the price though! Thanks for stopping by....TMF
I use a waterless wash for my bike, spray on, wipe off, buff. I think Missenden Flyer is going a bit overboard with his cleaning. His way would be good for an off road ridden bike though, but overkill for a road bike.
You might want to look into putting a paint coating on, such as Modesta.
+Boodieman72 I have an in built horror of "water less" washing systems, to my mind they are a dead-cert to paint swirls but if it works for you..... :0) Cheers for watching and stopping by once again..TMF
I use Chemical Guys Eco-Smart. If you are worried about swirls, apply a paint coating. My favorite is Modesta, but its expensive. I am subscribed of course.
watched most of your videos 10/10 in all areas well done and I look forward to the next video.
Thank you David and I admire your staying power!
Thanks. Very informative, and nice and easy to watch.
+mpop4eva Thank you, glad you enjoyed it - all the best - TMF
I got the pet dryer off fleebay for £50 new, two heat settings and same size motor as the one off amazon,great piece of kit.
+dazzie jackson Brilliant, I wondered if it was the same, sure looks it - nice one!
Love the edited graphics at the start of this video mate.
This cleaning advise in not for cruisers bikes lol. It start much harder when you own cruiser and have tons of chrome and paint on metal not plastic. It could be short called - one hour drive and all evening in garage with polishing chromes lol. But very informative video thank you.
Yes true - if you've a blinged up chrome machine then clearly there's a lot more polishing to do!
Another absolutely fantastic video. You make better videos than the professionals! I've given up with the likes of Bike World on Sky as your videos are just in a different league. Thank you :)
I'm a fellow OCD bike cleaner and use pretty much the same process.
I know we all have our favourite products and I think I've tried an awful lot of them. I too am a big fan of Meguiars products I use them all the time on the cars, although tend to use the yellow coloured Ultimate Wash and Wax rather then the Gold, but dont use them on the bikes any more.
Something someone said to me recently made a lot of sense; they said whilst shampoos containing wax are great products for use on a car you possibly dont want wax in shampoo on certain bike parts so a ph neutral shampoo is a better option.
So now rather than Meguiars I use ph neutral shampoos by DoDo juice and Poor Boys followed by a quick detailer spray on the tank and fairing if I'm not doing a full polish and wax. If you've not tried them the detailer sprays from Dodo Juice and Chemical Boys smell gorgeous too.
I also use a spray of FS365 after a wash before drying with the drier as a top up to the ACF50 - it adds protection and leaves a lovely finish on the engine.
+Nikki J Thanks Nikki J for your kind comments once again, and for all the recommendations - I'm quite happy with the Meguires but I will check out these other products, always looking for ways to improve my regime! Cheers again and all the best - TMF
One tip ill throw in, I've read that you should always blow through the back of your radiator instead of through the front to avoid pushing dirt or rocks further in. Same with the bike drier.
Thanks TMF another great video, you it's obvious stuff but your acf50 video is I think the most explanatory on the web. One question for you - I have read that muck off strips off the acf50 ? I'd not great. Do you find this or not? And if not what do you use to remove the acf50 when dirt sticks to it? Thanks again, keep up the video work.
+Rob Smith Thanks Rob - I find the ACF50 does visibly get removed when you wash the bike anyway (although they claim a thin layer is molecularly [is that a word] left) hence why I re-apply it through winter, I don't find the Muc-off removes it in particular but I'm sure it helps!!
Doing the goxxer this weekend it's going to be messy and probably not run again
Really enjoying your videos, very informative. Keep up the good work.
Will try my best Harry - cheers....
Wash mits? If I used that I'd miss a third of the bike cuza nooks 'n crannies I can't get to. (Harley Ultra Classic.
I've two soft bristle, spike like brushes (yeah wire core). One bent 45°, one straight and wash two handed. There's oodles of places my hand can't fit around, fins, around top of engine, etc but the 45° brush can. Too ruff by your standard I don't know but it works for me.
My water from my well is kinda crappy so I've to wash my bike in thirds, and use a not so hard of spray using a flower watering wand for more of cascading effect which is good for the spot free surfactant soaps. (and learning to rinse more ;) )
So x2 for using a leaf blower (electric Toro is a good one, 200mph job/60.00 USD or so). If I didn't I'd get very bad water spots washing the whole bike then drying. So each third gets blowed and lotsa over lapping blowing of course.
Mr. Flyer in another vid you spoke of the shifting on the GS a bit Tractor like.
My Ultra is like that, and first thing I thought after I bought it.
I like it of sort on the beast of a bike, 800lbs+ and I use the leaf shifter; one down, four back justa toolin' down the road.
She'll scoot a bit hill and dale, passing/curves 'n such whilst toeing only gears but mostly lift my foot to shift and meander. Kinda funny there after my 901 Kaw and V65 later.
Floor boards on the Harley is kind of comfy, budi don't know what I was thinking when I'm more of a footpeg kinda guy. Motor cycles were always to me, to be taken where autos can't or even just foot paths and get away a bit.
In that, thanks for your BMW GS vids ~ Ima so dying to trade in my Harley for one.
tips me hat~
Cheers Brian - glad you like the vids and thanks for taking the time to write that lot up! Let me know if you do go down the GS route and what you make of it...all the best - TMF.
I've ordered some s doc 100' to try,, didn't have joy with muck off ,, made my switch gear a light grey colour ,, wasn't impressed ,but if you rate it good stuff cheers shane
+shaneweightman wow really Shane?! How long did you leave it I wonder?? What sort of bike....I've never had an issue...
Thanks for the great videos - very enjoyable. +1 on the Abba Skylift!!!
Astonish engine degreaser is an excellent all round grime remover...similar to Muc off but a lot cheaper.
+hyperion8008 ...I'll check it out! Cheers....
I use my petrol garden blower to dry off followed by detailing cloth..
Interesting that you use a corrosive cleaning product on your bmw which accelerates the corrosion on your final drive unit & cylinders. I was told by BMW that a warranty claim for corrosion would be invalid if I use anything except Castrol Greentec. I was issued with a written statement recommending castrol greentec and ACF 50. Guess what I used on 6 of my 8 BMW’s??? Yep MUC OFF. And I had corrosion on every one, despite never using them in winter. Since I used Castrol Greentec, I’ve had no corrosion at all. If you value your bike (and your warranty) do NOT use MUC OFF. It will damage your bike.
...as it happens I now use an Autoglym product (Autoglym bike cleaner) - love it...
I always "dry" clean mine - water and chrome don't mix. Lashings of Autoglym products still haven't transformed it into an Aston Martin, but at least it gleams like one. ;-)
+Len Scapoff Nice one!
Thank you for doing this massive help
My pleasure!