Washing the gunk off

[trepetti]

I spend a lot of time keeping the plastics and other easy to reach parts cleaned and waxed.

Looking for advice on how you keep the engine clean. I get a lot of gunk under the starter, along the lower front edge of the motor etc. I hear a lot about not power washing the bike, so I was wondering what forum members do to get their bikes (especially the engines) really clean.

 

[motojoe122]

I use S100 soap and a plastic bristle brush.

 

[banjoboy]

I like the bike was from Yamaha. :thumbup:
It's blue, and sprays on 'n rinses off just like s100, but doesn't seem to leave as much "white film." YMMV
WD40 works great on the motor too.

 

[Sawblade]

I just don't think about it. It's worked great so far.

 

[TownsendsFJR1300]

+1 on the S100 for the greasy parts. A good rinse and a little soapy water gets rid of any residue.

For the chain, they make chain specific cleaner (I use "Maxima Clean Up-chain cleaner") along with a grunge brush. Again, a light rinsing and all the grit is off the chain.

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Maxima-Clean-Up-Ounces-75920/dp/B0012TROJ8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1367409828&sr=8-1&keywords=maxima+chain+cleaner"]Maxima Clean Up 20 Ounces 75920 : Amazon.com : Automotive[/ame]

IMHO, Never use a pressure washer on the bike, a small hand towel, lots of car wash soap and just a light spray of water or running water.

BTW, that goo under the starter is likely from clutch cable lube dripping out of the cable at the low point (where the cable curves downward). I keep a folded down piece of paper towel tucked exactly under/around that cable (maybe 2" x 6"), no more goo to trickle down in that area..

:Sport:

 

[nivag]

Once you've got it clean, ACF-50 is good for making the engine easier to clean the next time.

Then use furnature polish on the plastics and wheels, the antidust qualities work a treat!!

Just make sure neither of the above get on your brake discs or grips.

 

[trepetti]

So the pressure-washer ban seems to be a good idea. I will restrict myself to the hose sprayer only.

I have an 05 with the silver engine, so the thing gets really ratty looking. The area near the starter is just one of those recesses where things can and do settle into a sludgy mess.

I will look into the S100, and get myself a couple of plastic bristle brush.

Thanks for the advice everyone.

 

[fmf]

purple power works well for me.......


what I'd like to know is how to keep so much dang chain sling off from getting all over my swingarm, rear wheel, undertail......

 

[mxgolf]

Mr. Clean has worked forever on my motorcycles. Spray on, wash off and wipe dry and good to go.

 

[DavesFZ]

what I'd like to know is how to keep so much dang chain sling off from getting all over my swingarm, rear wheel, undertail......

Sounds like you're using the wrong lube. I use maxima chain wax and never have a problem with spin off.

 

[regder]

purple power works well for me.......


what I'd like to know is how to keep so much dang chain sling off from getting all over my swingarm, rear wheel, undertail......

Dupont Chain Saver lube, absolutely zero fling. Stark contrast to the worst chain lube I've every tried, Liquid Wrench. That stuff is like thick motor oil. Gets everywhere and attracts sand and junk like no tomorrow.

 

[Raptorman53]

purple power works well for me.......


what I'd like to know is how to keep so much dang chain sling off from getting all over my swingarm, rear wheel, undertail......

The blue label PJ1 chain lube works well for me. I got it at Got Gear Motorsports. The worst for me is between Motul chain lube and Belray lube. Those two are very very dirty.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Raptorman53]

As far as cleaning goes. On the really dirty stuff I use WD40 and a scrub brush. The rest of the bike I use the S100 spray foam.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[fmf]

The blue label PJ1 chain lube works well for me. I got it at Got Gear Motorsports. The worst for me is between Motul chain lube and Belray lube. Those two are very very dirty.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I use PJ1....I think it is the blue label, I'll have to look when I get home.....but I know it is PJ1.


My chain cleaning/lubing ritual goes like this.....clean chain thoroughly with wd-40 and let dry. Ride bike a few miles to make sure the wd-40 is out/chain is dry. As soon as I stop the bike, I lube with PJ1 for two revolutions as per instructions on the can, then take an old t-shirt or rag and wipe off any excess while spinning the rear wheel. I will let it settle in then ride and at first get minimal sling off. 100 miles later I have crap EVERYWHERE