Any tips on detailing a motorcycle for a client?

R

RobertM

New member
Toward the end of this week (or weekend), I have a client with a Suzuki Volusia motorcycle that needs detailing. I think it's either a 99 or 00 model. Not real dirty, but needs detailed.



First off, I've never detailed a bike in my life. But the owner also knows a bunch of other bike owners. So this could become a new service offered in my detailing business.



I've already searched the forums on motorcycle detailing. So far I've learned...



- never dress the tires--ever! :D

- bikes can get wet since they are driven in rain,

but be careful around the gauges area

- don't get water in the exhaust pipes

- clean the leather seating area, but don't dress (this one seems to go about 50/50 with autopians, some think non-greasy conditioners [i.e. Lexol] would be safe to use on the seat, any comments?)



Taking Scottwax's advice from the other threads I searched through, I bought some S100 Total Cycle Cleaner so far.



Plan of attack (supplies anyway)...

S100 Total Cycle Cleaner (all around)

QEW, PwC, EX-P (paint)

Lexol Cleaner, Lexol Conditioner? (seat)

PBPP (chrome)

Various brushes



Am I missing anything? I guess I'm just a little worried. Any advice would be much appreciated.



Thanks a lot everyone,



Robert
 
Robert

Although my post count is very low, I have absorbed more Autopian methods and techniques than the average biker. I ride and detail my own Honda VTX.



Your process looks good. I just have a few things to add.



On the tires, I use a tire gel, but wipe off the residue. Although not shiney, it makes the tire look "healthy". I have ridden in the rain just after application with no problems. However, I understand your concern for liability.



The Total Cycle Wash will strip all the old wax, etc., but you already know that. An excellent choice for a bike because it will loosen much of the embedded dirt that gets into the engine crevaces.



If the bike has a windshield, you'll probably want to get a good plastic polish. Megs PlastX if it needs work, or Plexus if it is in good shape.



Dry with a leaf blower. I think a compressor could force water/dirt into places that could cause harm.



Run the engine for a few minutes after you've dried it to eliminate any moisture.



Your polish and wax choices sound good. For the chrome, I like Mothers Chrome Polish, but the PBPP will do just fine.



I detailed a LowRider last month and the chrome was a little rusty and pitted - the chrome alone took over an hour to do.



Hope you turn it into a jewel.



Boz
 
don't forget to clean and lube the chain (if it has one) afterwards.

for future reference if you detail sportbikes :):

Avoid spraying water directly in the the ram air ducts if the bike has them.

Don't wax the sides of the tank.

Use either SG or WD40 to clean the wheels if they're not chrome. I have no idea if SG/WD40 is ok for chrome. Do not use strong cleaners like A2Z on anodized (sp?) wheels.



I use VM & S100 wax on the fairings and top of the tank on my bike. :xyxthumbs
 
The most important thing with detailing a bike it to take your time. If you rush through, you will miss some areas. It takes me at least 1.5 hours to detail a Harley that is a garage queen, 2-3 hours if it is regularly ridden, more if it sees hard use.
 
Twinsdaddy, thanks for the tips and evaluating the products that I plan on using. I was already planning on drying it with my 6.5HP Shop-Vac (converts into a leaf blower and blows at 265 mph :cool: ), but just forgot to mention it in my post.



gnahc79, thanks for the tips. What should I clean/lube the chain with?



Thanks a lot everyone,



Robert
 
Here is my tank. The previous owner let his 4-year old son "ride" the tank while parked in the garage.



Anyway, my first photo post!



Hope I get the acronyms right:



3MPIIRC

3M SMR

S100



All done by hand, of course. Too small for the PC.



985404Tankcloseup2nd.JPG




Boz
 
RobertM said:
gnahc79, thanks for the tips. What should I clean/lube the chain with?
Click to expand...



I would ask the owner since nearly everyone uses different stuff. Me, I clean with WD40 and then put on some chain wax.
 
Twinsdaddy, that looks awesome! Maybe I'll have to pick up some S100 Wax.



gnahc79, so just clean with WD40, then use the owner's preference for a chain wax? What are some typical chain waxes that bike owners use/prefer?



Thanks a lot everyone,



Robert
 
hmm, i don't know if i'd consider lubing the chain something i'd let the detailer do. that's more of a maintenance issue than an appearance issue. chain lube slings all over the place, so you might not want to be responsible for lubing his chain.
 
what admac said :). Since you don't own a motorcycle your best bet would be to notify the owner that the chain should be cleaned and lubed. I haven't done another person's bike yet, but ppl can be nuts about what chain lube/wax (like motor oil) to use and how to use it. :)
 
ohhh I HATE doing bikes! last Harley detail took over 5 hours to complete. Do yourself a favor and invest in MANY different brushes! big, small, coarse, medium, soft ect, ect. you will be happy you did :D
 
I S100 everything except the seat....Wheels aren't fun, but investing in a stand is a good idea. Here's a nice looking Harley I did last week. It's a lady clients bike. Like Scottwax said....Bikes take around two hours....I charge $75.00 for something in moderately good condition. I enjoy doing them.....except the wheels are tough for me. Good Luck:xyxthumbs
 

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For a quick detail, Honda Pro Cleaner is an awesome product. It comes in an aerosol can and can be bought at any Honda (motorcycle) dealership for arouind $5 a can. Amazing stuff, you can spray on all metal, plastic, vinyl and rubber parts. Really makes it shine as well as protecting it.



I've had bikes for 10 years and never washed them with a hose. Always used Honda Pro Cleaner and some sort of degreaser for the heavy stuff.
 
gnahc79 said:
Don't wax the sides of the tank.
Click to expand...



I'm a little puzzled by this one. Why wouldn't you want to wax the tank? :nixweiss



If anything, I want to be able to slide around the tank when I hang off in the corners....
 
The trouble starts when you're going downhill and try to grip the sides of the tank :eek:. Wearing textile pants makes it even more slippery, trust me I know :D.
 
gnahc79 said:
The trouble starts when you're going downhill and try to grip the sides of the tank :eek:. Wearing textile pants makes it even more slippery, trust me I know :D.
Click to expand...



Hmmm...maybe that's the difference. I never ride without a full leather suit. I have never worn textiles, even to this day. I'll have to take your word on it. I wax all painted surfaces of my bikes, even the frame and swingarm, and have not had any problems, even on the track. :nixweiss
 
lee said:
I didn't see anything for polishing aluminum (and most bikes have some). I use Simichrome myself, but YMMV
Click to expand...



Maybe on the can, but the frame and swingarm on most modern sport bikes are clearcoated, so they should be treated just like the rest of the paint.
 
Thanks for all the advice so far everyone, I really appreciate it. As a couple of you have mentioned, I'm not going to worry about waxing the chain. I'll let the owner worry about that.



The weather isn't looking very good for this weekend. So the detail will probably be posponed until early next week. :( But don't worry, I'll definately take pics after the detail.



I searched the web and found a pic of--what appears to be--exactly what the bike I'm going to detail looks like. I'm sure, just like cars, each bike has it's own little things to look for. So if you guys see anything that I should pay special attention to on this specific bike, please let me know.



Again, thanks everyone, I really appreciate all the help.



Robert





...pic from popularmechanics.com...
 

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