Motorcycle detailing questions

ntwrkguy1

ntwrkguy1

New member
I have an opportunity to detail two motorcycles (Yamaha VStar and Honda VTX1800). Both are about 6 months old, and have really only been washed a few times before. Since I've never detailed a motorcycle before, I was curious about what to charge. How long would a complete cleaning take? And what kind of rates do you have for bike detailing? I've searched the archives, but haven't really seen a discussion on pricing, mostly product. One last question: Will Mother's Mag and Aluminum polish work on the 'acres' of chrome on these two bikes? And will it get rid of that blue tint on the chrome?



Thanks for any other advice you can give!



-DavidM
 
First thing to do is to go to your local Harley dealer and pick up a large spray bottle of the S100 Cycle Cleaner. Amazing stuff, just spray on and hose off. Does a great job with the initial cleaning.



Since the bikes are pretty new, the chrome shouldn't need deep polishing, so whatever swirl remover you use should be enough to make the metal look new again. It wouldn't hurt to have something specifically for metal on hand, but you may not end up even needing it.



It normally takes me about 1 1/2 to 2 hours to detail a bike (Harley's) and I charge around $60-75 depending on what all it needs.
 
Scott,



Thanks for the feedback. When you say 'swirl remover', are you referring to something like Meguiar's #9? And on a newer bike, is there any real reason to use a polish? Or just go straight to the wax?



Thanks,



DavidM
 
David-yes, something like #9 should be aggressive enough for the chrome on a new bike. Since the bikes are 6 months old now, I'd use a light polish or glaze on the paint work too before waxing.
 
If you have a Honda motorcycle dealership closer than a Harley dealer, you can buy HondaBrite - It is S100 Cycle Cleaner in a Honda package.



There is a 20 oz bottle and a 32 oz refill - 20 oz is about $10, 32 oz refill is about $13.



I've never used the P21S Total Auto Wash - but I assume it is the same as the S100 Total Cycle Wash (which is the same as the HondaBrite)?



Cory
 
ccreamer-I wouldn't count on the P21S Total Auto Wash being exactly the same as the S100 Cycle Cleaner. Bikes can get a lot dirtier around the engine and drivetrain, so the S100 product might be a bit stronger...but then again, it is safe for the leather seats.
 
I have some pictures here of my fathers bike and my bike. The tires on both don't look so good as there is a one mile long dirt road that begins on the other side of those garage doors. And we drive drive down it to get to pavement. Then we must drive back in this same road to get home. Clean wheels and tires are a battle I have long given up on for the most part. As for details. the orange bike is my father's '98 BMW F650 Strada. It has 12,000 miles on it. I think I waxed it once with whatever had been lying around the garage back when he got it. Last weekend I decided to try again. I put on two layers of Klasse AIO and followed up with one layer of Klasse SG. I also used AIO and SG on the windshield which was put on at the time he bought the bike. Any bike person knows that no matter what maintenance you do lexan windshields don't look good for long. The Klasse really made an improvement on it though. My bike is a 2002 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R with an Akrapovic Titanium slip-on. It has never spent more than 12 consecutive hours outside since the day I bought it brand new. It has about 8300 miles on it. I put on two layers of AIO, followed by two layers of S100 paste that I picked up from the local HD dealer. I don't like their bikes, but they have some of the best cleaning products I can find in this area retail. The ninja doesn't look as good because I have ridden it once or twice since I took the pics.
 

Attachments

  • 107_0798.jpg
    107_0798.jpg
    136.8 KB · Views: 139
For removing road-funk and water spots from titanium, Akrapovic recommends spraying a rag with WD-40 and wiping down the pipe, remove all excess and the rest will dry quickly. That is what I do with this pipe and it looks great. I should have at least dusted the bike before taking pics.
 

Attachments

  • jagdoor.jpg
    jagdoor.jpg
    39.9 KB · Views: 323
I own a 2003 VTX1800. I recommend using the S100 engine cleaner and the wheel wash.



DO NOT use anything too abrasive on anything resembling chrome. It will scuff. The headlight and some of the pieces are actually chrome covered plastic and will scratch very easily. You aren't working with clear coat here. AIO might be a good choice. Mother''s chrome polish also seems somewhat mild.



The aluminum wheels are a MAJOR PITA. If you can get access to a motorcycle lift, it will make cleaning them much easier. Check with the owner to see if they have one. Many people buy them since they are only about $100. The best cleaner I have found for the wheels is Mother's Billet Aluminum polish and Blue Magic (cheaper but smells horrible). This is where you will get the bloody knuckles.



Oh....and don't dress the tires;)
 
As far as pricing. Everything but the wheels should go quickly with the right product. Spray on, hose off, then polish. Budget a good hour for the wheels unless they are spoke. I would say you are looking at 2-3 hours per bike.
 
Can I use the AIO on all the chrome surfaces? And what exactly do you clean the windscreen with? I've used Meguiar's Plastx on headlights, and have been happy.
 
I don't know about chrome, but AIO is supposed to be safe for all non-pourous surfaces. On the windscreen on the BMW I used AIO and then a layer of Klasse Sealant Glaze.
 
Any good plastic cleaner and polish should work on the screens. I have not used Plastix, but Novus and Plexus are both good cleaners and polishes.
 
ntwrkguy1 said:
Is the S100 engine cleaner the same product as this?
Click to expand...



Yes - which is the same as this . The difference is in the price and the "packaged product volume" (i.e., Honda is 20oz and 32oz refill, S100 is 500ml, 1 liter refill (~33.2 oz) and 5 liter refill.



Cory
 
I have used Plexus for years on my windscreens and helmet visors. I will contiue to use it when I'm in a hurry. I must say though, Klasse AIO blows it away, after all is said and done.
 
Well AIO is upposed to be a protectant on its own, but I topped it with SG anyway, mainly because there was still some left on the applicator.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top