Question about detailing bikes?

D

DetailnByDustn

New member
Okay my friend just got a 01' cbr f4 and is wanting to detail it, need some advise, as far as what you use polishing, cleaning and etc, and what should I charge him, light scratches on the gas tank fyi
 
You won't need anything special. An adequate supply of 4 inch pads when using a machine and whatever polishes you typically use. Least aggressive first. The fairings on the F4 and F4i models are pretty conducive to machine polishing with the more sweeping lines compared to newer models. The tank won't pose any significant issues but you will need to watch heat buildup in the plastic fairings.
 
etml12 said:
You won't need anything special. An adequate supply of 4 inch pads when using a machine and whatever polishes you typically use. Least aggressive first. The fairings on the F4 and F4i models are pretty conducive to machine polishing with the more sweeping lines compared to newer models. The tank won't pose any significant issues but you will need to watch heat buildup in the plastic fairings.
Click to expand...



Okay whats the best machine to use?
 
I'm far from a Zaino fan, but ZPC is a fantastic polish by hand for those areas that a machine can't get to. Bikes usually have some deep scuffs that you won't be able to get out fully, so just learn to live with them. Make sure to use a quality degreaser when washing and get the wheels and suspension really clean, that makes a big difference in the final look
 
yakky said:
I'm far from a Zaino fan, but ZPC is a fantastic polish by hand for those areas that a machine can't get to. Bikes usually have some deep scuffs that you won't be able to get out fully, so just learn to live with them. Make sure to use a quality degreaser when washing and get the wheels and suspension really clean, that makes a big difference in the final look
Click to expand...



I washed my friends bike today to get use to them haha, I use soap warm water and washed everything with that, then washed wheels with eagle 1 all wheel cleaner, then dried everything with micro towel, and threw some black magic on the tires real quick made it look very good! What speed with buffer can u buff on the plastic fairings using (pc)?
 
DetailnByDustn said:
I washed my friends bike today to get use to them haha, I use soap warm water and washed everything with that, then washed wheels with eagle 1 all wheel cleaner, then dried everything with micro towel, and threw some black magic on the tires real quick made it look very good! What speed with buffer can u buff on the plastic fairings using (pc)?
Click to expand...



Please tell me you are kidding about the black magic on the tires....
 
Wow... do you have something against your friend? LOL, I really hope it was ONLY on the sidewall, and even if that is a terrible terrible idea because it could fling or soak into the tire...
 
yakky said:
Please tell me you are kidding about the black magic on the tires....
Click to expand...



Only thing at the car wash for tires, haha well could of used armor all, dang it why didnt I think of that would of been better than crap magic, I hate black magic, worst products in the world. I use more shine by stoners most of the time, or meguiars endurance shine.



smprince1 said:
That would be very very dangerous. :nono
Click to expand...



Haha



not7fifteen said:
Wow... do you have something against your friend? LOL, I really hope it was ONLY on the sidewall, and even if that is a terrible terrible idea because it could fling or soak into the tire...
Click to expand...



I'm not new, but that was a newbie mistake, sorry autopian fans Ill slap my self for that one haha
 
No seriously you don't ever put any type of armor all or anything on the sidewalls of a motorcycle tire. You only have 2 tires holding you up on the road and when you make them slick you are just asking for trouble. The bike can slide out like nobodys business. Its not the fact that you used (Black Magic) brand, its the horrible idea to put a slick additive to a motorcycle tire.
 
not7fifteen said:
No seriously you don't ever put any type of armor all or anything on the sidewalls of a motorcycle tire. You only have 2 tires holding you up on the road and when you make them slick you are just asking for trouble. The bike can slide out like nobodys business. Its not the fact that you used (Black Magic) brand, its the horrible idea to put a slick additive to a motorcycle tire.
Click to expand...



smprince1 said:
I'm not joking....applying any dressing to motorcycle tires is extremely dangerous.
Click to expand...



Really wow, learn something new, even to the side walls where the wheel doesnt hit the pavement
 
DetailnByDustn said:
Really wow, learn something new, even to the side walls where the wheel doesnt hit the pavement
Click to expand...



Being that he has a Honda F4 of some sort, chances are good that his sidewalls are positively tiny, and the chances of making some sort of contact in a turn (particulary if it's a bumpy road) increase the chances that he may very well make contact with the road.





Really with motorcycle tires, just scrup the bayjesus out of them with good old fashioned car wash and a tire brush. Degreasers can be ok, just be sure to dilute them as they can suck some of the natural oils out of the tires, which is something else you don't want.
 
DetailnByDustn said:
Really wow, learn something new, even to the side walls where the wheel doesnt hit the pavement
Click to expand...



It would be one thing if you were making this choice for yourself but you are detailing for others and in that case do you really think it is worth the risk?????



Tire dressings have no place anywhere near a motorcycle tire, even the minuscule sidewall!



While we are talking about dressings you should also avoid slick dressings on the seat as well. There are plenty of dressings that leave behind a non-slippery surface. Might want to ask the rider what he wants. I tend to NOT like sliding around on the seat but it can make it easier to hang off the bike when cornering. It is a matter of personal preference...
 
DetailnByDustn said:
Really wow, learn something new, even to the side walls where the wheel doesnt hit the pavement
Click to expand...



It would be one thing if you were making this choice for yourself but you are detailing for others and in that case do you really think it is worth the risk?????



Tire dressings have no place anywhere near a motorcycle tire, even the minuscule sidewall!



While we are talking about dressings you should also avoid slick dressings on the seat as well. There are plenty of dressings that leave behind a non-slippery surface. Might want to ask the rider what he wants. I tend to NOT like sliding around on the seat but it can make it easier to hang off the bike when cornering. It is a matter of personal preference...
 
DetailnByDustn said:
Really wow, learn something new, even to the side walls where the wheel doesnt hit the pavement
Click to expand...



If your "wheel" is hitting the pavement, the type of tire dressing you used is the least of your worries!
 
The thing about detailing bikes is the wash... once it is very clean you can polish with anything that works for you. I dont have to tell you about dressing bike tires...your probably tired of hearing. If the bike was Filthy 150.00 bucks is agood price. If it takes two hours perhaps it was not that dirty....then 120.00 bucks might be adequate. Take before and after pics...people quickley FORGET how they mistreat their rides. Good luck Ben
 
paintxpert said:
The thing about detailing bikes is the wash... once it is very clean you can polish with anything that works for you. I dont have to tell you about dressing bike tires...your probably tired of hearing. If the bike was Filthy 150.00 bucks is agood price. If it takes two hours perhaps it was not that dirty....then 120.00 bucks might be adequate. Take before and after pics...people quickley FORGET how they mistreat their rides. Good luck Ben
Click to expand...



Thank you ben, great advise
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top