Just got a new ride a couple of weeks ago (2005 Sportster 1200C
with 3000 miles) and it is dirty!
I have seen several different types of motorcycle cleaners on the
market and was wondering which was the "best and easiest" to use.
Also are there any tricks of the trade that I should know about.

 

Depends on how dirty?? If mines real dirty good ol water hose and Meguiars Gold Class car wash and MF mitt then dry with the leaf blower. Usually followed by wax (thats another thread though). If its just dusty then Swiffer duster (yes Swiffer). Followed by BugSlide. The BugSlides kinda pricey but out of all the spray on wipe off stuff I have or have used I find it to be the best. Plus it comes with a nice MF towel.

 

The dealer was telling me about some sort of cleaner that you spray on, let set then rinse with water. It is supposed to make everything shine??

 

The dealer was probably talking about S100. I use it on the motor occasionally, it does ok, but you will be less than happy with the results on paint and chrome.

I have used dozens of wax and chrome products over the decades.

Neverdull is great on chrome.

Pledge is some pretty good stuff for making a clean or just dusty bike look nice.

I recently started using Bugslide, gotta say, I am very happy with it. Have not wasted any riding time waxing in almost a year! Good stuff!

Kevin

 

^^^ Yeah prolly talking about the S100 tcc product. Ive never used it but have read a lot not so good stuff about it!!! I thought that the Dealer was trying to sell me some BS with the BugSlide. So I finally bought the small bottle and thats all I use now. Havent washed in months.

 

been using pledge on my bikes since the 90's when i read about it on the classic wing club forum. i use it on everything to detail between thorough washings, which only happen a couple of times a yr. tried endust, and wallyworld brand, didn't work as well. i use it on my ff helmets and shields also. i use microfiber cloths.

 

I have experimented with alot of things. I agree if real dirty, soap and water then the leaf blower. For daily dustings, I use a california duster. After I ride, I go with a Mcguires detailer. Spray on a micro fiber and wipe it down, chrome and all. Occasionally I will use Mcguires quick spray wax on everything. It beads up real well. For my saddle bags , which are leather and the black on the engine I use pig spit. Never use it on your seat , peddles because it gets slippery. It restores anything black that has faded. I will also use spray glass cleaner on my windshield and wheels between washings. Lexol is awesome for anything leather as well, use it on my corbin seat. Hope this helps and watch the posts, because all these ideas I saw others using and just did my own experimenting.

 

S100 is good for when it is really dirty, there is cheaper stuff you can buy at your auto store too. S100 is what I use when it is just terrible, otherwise just a car wash soap, soft mitt and then go over with some spray polish detailer afterwards works. There are lots of chrome polish out there too. Meguiars and Mothers works good. I use Meguiars tech wax on the paint, it works good, but most carnuba wax is good. Microfiber cloths are also the best to use. I buy them at Costco in the big pack for cheap.

When I need to just do a quick spray and wipe clean or spray wax, I use this, great product. http://cyclecare.com/ They have other products I haven't tried yet, but I hear great stuff about them. http://www.cyclecare.com/product_video.php

 

you should have a large and a small soft bristle brush soft enough for the paint & chrome, this lets you quickley clean in all the tight spaces and get your spoked wheels done quickley. Plus if wont leave torn threads of fabric all over the bike like a rag would. When you get tar and other dirt on the chrome metal Benzene polishes can usally disolve it off after a few minutes. Always use good quality products like Mequires, especially when it comes to plastic protectants, the cheap stuff will wash off quickly and even accererate the cracking of your tires.

 

if you have black on ur engine (ie Iron) S100 is the ****... Unreal stuff. But it at harley shop