marlinspike
New member
Not the painted metal parts, that's obvious. But all the plastic parts.
2 year old picture of the bike in question.
2 year old picture of the bike in question.
Do I need to bother waxing motorcycle?
- Thread starter marlinspike
- Start date
tropicsteve
New member
if they are true plastic parts, no, but some of the newer bikes are using parts that appear to be plastic but in fact are hi-tech, painted laminates. many of the parts (saddle bags, fairings, side covers, and tour packs) of Harleys are like this and the clear coats are pretty thin as opposed to the painted metal parts. (fenders, tanks) I still like waxing everything though. 
Sleper
New member
Yes you should wax as it will help with fading and make easier to wash. My $0.02
tom p.
Active member
I, too, believe in waxing appropriate surfaces.
RaysWay
Autopia Specialist
Beautiful motorcycle! As a kid, I remember falling in love with motorcycles after reading a book were the narrator rode a shaft driven BMW motorcycle through South America.
At the very least I would apply a wax, but I know if it was in my driveway...everything would end up getting coated. Having a waterless wash concentrate on hand would be nice for wiping down the bike before or after rides. I remember using Pinnacle Liquid Crystal by the gallon on my old ride.
At the very least I would apply a wax, but I know if it was in my driveway...everything would end up getting coated. Having a waterless wash concentrate on hand would be nice for wiping down the bike before or after rides. I remember using Pinnacle Liquid Crystal by the gallon on my old ride.
marlinspike
New member
Wiping down before or after rides definitely isn't happening. 1) it has been my only functioning vehicle for the last 2 years, so it sees too much use for that, and 2)...
(beauty of a GS, zero damage resulted)
However, if it is a material that receives sun damage and would benefit from waxing, I suppose I'll do that.
I went around the country on it last summer. Riding through desert in Utah/Nevada/Arizona/California burned the paint right off the off-road light that was on the sunny side.
(beauty of a GS, zero damage resulted)
However, if it is a material that receives sun damage and would benefit from waxing, I suppose I'll do that.
I went around the country on it last summer. Riding through desert in Utah/Nevada/Arizona/California burned the paint right off the off-road light that was on the sunny side.
The Driver
Detailers Workshop
Hydro2
Accumulator
Well-known member
Un-LSPed surfaces tend to retain dirt and moisture, in case that might factor in.
But there are also (non-Autopian) arguments for just not worrying/caring about such stuff.
But there are also (non-Autopian) arguments for just not worrying/caring about such stuff.
addysdaddy
Member
something like BFCS or Optimum Opti-Seal might be an easy solution. Literally spray on and wipe off - no muss or fuss and should yield 3 mos of protection. Will work on paint, plastic and rubber bits and won't stain.
WaxAddict
New member
I love your GS. Dakar?
On black plastic, I use spray wax or a QD with wax, and occasional 303. Unless it's glossy, I'm paranoid about wax. On your white painted pieces, I would definitely wax. I'd use Collinite 845. 3 or 4x per year. And the frame.
On black plastic, I use spray wax or a QD with wax, and occasional 303. Unless it's glossy, I'm paranoid about wax. On your white painted pieces, I would definitely wax. I'd use Collinite 845. 3 or 4x per year. And the frame.
marlinspike
New member
R1200GS Rallye they called it. The Rallye meant it had the special paint job, special handguards (I think color is the only thing special), an options package, and a much higher price tag than it normally costs to get those options. I bought it after the 2013s came out because I told the salesman how I liked the 2012s more than the 2013s and he said "you like this one? Let's make a deal, I'm tired of it being in my showroom." Price was crazy good (about $1.5k off plus free 3 piece barely used luggage set and off road lights - I don't remember exactly how much off, but I do remember after taxes & all fees, the luggage and off road lights, it was still about a grand below the sticker price for just the bike). My first motorcycle, and I sold my non-project car shortly after buying the bike.
addysdaddy
Member
To clarify I made this recommendation not because it's the "best" protection, but because it's the easiest. Clearly marlinspike isn't going "geek" on his bike. So for those who want to protect their paint w/o having to work for it.....he's not going to apply #845 4x time - not going to happen. Right tool for the right job.
marlinspike
New member
The Driver and addys got the picture. I've never heard of things like these, but they look like the right level of effort for this bike.
addysdaddy
Member
I feel ya Marlin, if it takes more than 2 minutes... its 3 minutes to much
marlinspike
New member
I'm washing the bike now to apply the Blackfire Crystal Seal. Is this stuff good to use on the unpainted plastics too? How about rubber?
addysdaddy
Member
Yep it's all good. I wouldn't use on the tires just to be clear but paint, rubber & plastic (helmet & visor) are all good
marlinspike
New member
Cool. This stuff is pretty great, especially considering how little work went into it. It would be even better if it had some fillers, but I'll take it as is for the bike. How long does it typically last between applications?