Motorcycle Detailing (Dont Tow Me)

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RogueM3

New member
I tried this same question in the Motorcycle forum but seeing as how there are 5 people who enter it monthly, I doubt Im going to get an anwer there. Please let this stay for a little while. :hifive:



I have been a long time detailer, but never had the chance to tackle a motorcycle.



Its a '01 Honda F4i and definitely needs some claying and a good polish. My main question relates to getting water on or near the chain. Im going to be doing an ONR wash most likely followed by some claying and then some SIP, IP, Jeff Werkstatt. Should I be avoiding the chain with the ONR (I do want to get the swing arm as there is some chain grease stuck on there)??



Just curious what you guys do and if there are any tips for a 1st time Moto detailer?



Thanks!
 
My5ABaby said:
Shouldn't be a problem. Motorcycles are built to be rode in the rain ya know. :D
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I think I had heard that before. :eek:



I guess I knew that a little bit of water wasnt going to hurt anything, but I didnt know if really drenching the chain would displace some of the chain grease and in turn lead to a more brittle and likely to fail chain.



Thanks for the reply!
 
Heh, I normally don't check that forum often but perhaps I should though since I do own a R6. :)



To answer your question, whatever chain lube/wax is currently on the bike, it shouldn't be displaced by water so easily. You can pretty much flood your chain with water so long as your chain lube/wax is still holding up.



Oh and by the way, Plexus works very well for cleaning for your plastics (fairing/cowling).



Good luck!
 
Assuming this is a customers bike, leave the chain alone. Clean everything around it though. Being a biker myself I was very picky in the kinda lube I use. Some brands doesnt hold up, some slings off etc etc.
 
jedovaty said:
Well.. maybe you can clean the chain and then lube it? But.. be careful, I've heard chain lube is almost a controversial topic as best wax/sealant :)

Example...

DuPont Teflon Chain Lube - webBikeWorld
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I dont think it would be a hobby or have a forum if any and every product couldnt be debated as to their merits over one another. ;)

Denzil said:
Heh, I normally don't check that forum often but perhaps I should though since I do own a R6. :)



To answer your question, whatever chain lube/wax is currently on the bike, it shouldn't be displaced by water so easily. You can pretty much flood your chain with water so long as your chain lube/wax is still holding up.



Oh and by the way, Plexus works very well for cleaning for your plastics (fairing/cowling).



Good luck!
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I have used and loved PLexus for awhile now on client's cars with clearbra and knew it would work well on the bike as well.



I do like the above linked chain lube as I dont want something thats going to throw grease all over the swingarm. As it is now, there is this light layer of grease/goo on the topside of the swingarm underneath the chain from it slinging off.



Do you have a chain lube of choice? Motor Oil of choice?



Thanks!
 
RogueM3 said:
I dont think it would be a hobby or have a forum if any and every product couldnt be debated as to their merits over one another. ;)
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I've seen everything from cameras, detailing supplies, root beer, and, uhm.. "toys"... discussed with the most profound eloquence imaginable. Gotta luv the internet :bounce
 
Chain lube is messy stuff. Don't bother trying to clean it with ONR... you'll just smear the grime around and spoil your wash mitt.



I use kerosene and blue shop towels to clean up chain fling.
 
Black240SX said:
Chain lube is messy stuff. Don't bother trying to clean it with ONR... you'll just smear the grime around and spoil your wash mitt.



I use kerosene and blue shop towels to clean up chain fling.
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Thanks for the tip! I hadnt planned to wash away the chain lube with ONR but was planning on maybe spraying a degreaser on the swingarm and then following it with ONR. Now I know better! :cool:



Ill see if I cant get some kind of solid degreasing agent and some crap towels and go to work.
 
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