Need to deep clean bike, engine shampoo, power wash?

sburns

sburns

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Hey gang

I need to deep clean my bike. There is some residue and other gunk in there that seems to be off gasing etc.

I plan to take apart as much as I can then just basically hand scrub it.
Not sure if I should use any special cleaner to help remove this stuff.
Power washer?

Thoughts?
 
Avoid high-pressure wash jets. They're good at blasting water past seals on bearings and electrical connectors. If you insist on using a jet wash, avoid electrical connectors, wheel bearings, transmission output shaft bearings, and the like.
 
I'm a fan of the citrus based de-greaser
rinse off very thoroughly and promptly though

they use it on small planes
ain't gonna hurt a bike
 
sburns said:
Hey gang

I need to deep clean my bike. There is some residue and other gunk in there that seems to be off gasing etc.

I plan to take apart as much as I can then just basically hand scrub it.
Not sure if I should use any special cleaner to help remove this stuff.
Power washer?

Thoughts?
Click to expand...

HD has a spray on wash that is petro based and works well.

Just spray it on and wipe off excess and she looks beautiful again.

So I hand wash off any dirt and then spray the product on and it look nice and new.

Sorry, I don’t remember the cost but, it works and it’s for that purpose.


If I could find something non-branded that did the same thing for less, I’d let you know.




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I have been using Zoom cleaner available at Royal Dist.Never been a big believer in this kinda stuff.But this one works really well.
 
I've been using S100 for a couple of years. Expensive, but very effective. You can get it in various formats through Fortnine.

Get an assortment of small brushes. Spray cleaner on, let soak for 5m, scrub a bit and then rinse off.
 
Brian P said:
Avoid high-pressure wash jets. They're good at blasting water past seals on bearings and electrical connectors. If you insist on using a jet wash, avoid electrical connectors, wheel bearings, transmission output shaft bearings, and the like.
Click to expand...

Ah good points. But I guess a typical water hose should be ok with some light spraying to rinse out/off stuff.
 
nakkers said:
HD has a spray on wash that is petro based and works well.

Just spray it on and wipe off excess and she looks beautiful again.

So I hand wash off any dirt and then spray the product on and it look nice and new.

Sorry, I don’t remember the cost but, it works and it’s for that purpose.


If I could find something non-branded that did the same thing for less, I’d let you know.
Click to expand...

Dam, and I was at Mackies today, I didn't even think about it!


Thanks all for replies, helpful! Hopefully after this cleaning this weird smells goes away.

Now if the weather would just turn around!
 
sburns said:
I need to deep clean my bike. There is some residue and other gunk in there that seems to be off gasing etc. I plan to take apart as much as I can then just basically hand scrub it.

Thoughts?
Click to expand...

Yes. I have many thoughts. Like WTF are you talking about. Ever since brand new my motorcycle has not "off-gassed" like a set of rubber work-out mats. What are you talking about? What residue and gunk requires talking the bike apart? Was it previously enjoying a deep-clean at the bottom of a pond?
 
Bagman said:
Yes. I have many thoughts. Like WTF are you talking about. Ever since brand new my motorcycle has not "off-gassed" like a set of rubber work-out mats. What are you talking about? What residue and gunk requires talking the bike apart? Was it previously enjoying a deep-clean at the bottom of a pond?
Click to expand...

I have the same though WTF, were did you come up with that??

Anyhow it is a used bike I bought last year. I have no idea on the service history. I took it to a couple reputable mechanics today to get their opinions on the ordure I am noticing. Yes there will always be some kind of mechanical smell, it's a motorcycle but this seems a little more. Also I get contaminated with the smell which I don't like. One thing they both mentioned was to clean the bike, as possibly who ever had it before didn't, or they used some chemical stray to clean it, but not very well, and whatever was left is still there. Otherwise they said what I described didn't seem like a mechanical issue.

It's a bagger, so when I say take it apart I mean removing the bags and possibly the seat so I can get in around around stuff. I might as well clean the whole thing while I am at it. Plus this helps me get more familiar with the bike.

I rather do something simple like cleaning it before going down the rabbit hole.
 
I'd say grab some P100 like others suggested along with a garden hose and regular ole' sprayer. Remove the obvious bits and pieces like the bags, and then go to town with P100 spray to get everywhere. Rinse off. Then wash it like a car. Wash mitt & shampoo. Rinse. Done. Not much more you can do. I have 22,000kms on my bike. I ride fair weather. My bike smells of nothing except like chain wax when it's newly applied.

I should have taken a photo last season, but I didn't. KID YOU NOT, I was washing bike and getting in between the fairings when I stumbled upon a little dead bird. I know I didn't hit it while riding (would have noticed). Poor thing probably flew up in between the fairings and got stuck. I say maybe the bird was there dead for about a week, but that didn't smell either. lol.
 
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There is also Stripper Juice. You can purchase from platinum power sports. Donald is a great fella and will be happy to work a deal out.

I have used it but, know folks that have and I trust the feedback from his customers and his endorsement.

I have personally used the HD stuff out of impulse and convenience and was pleasantly surprised. I know HD stuff is expensive and avoid it when possible.

Ignore the noise. Take off the bags and seat, get some proper warm water and soap and give her a wash. And then shine it up and show it off the results in the next Gta Photo tag.


Cheers!


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I used "simple green" engine degreaser (found at Canadian Tire) and it works very well. I spray it on, let it sit a minute, then use a tooth brush and it takes the oil/grease/etc off with ease. Just make sure to rinse quickly as it will stain if left to soak too long. Been using it for almost 20 yrs now and never stained or marked my bikes doing it this way.

I should clarify and say that this is ONLY for hard parts! Don't use it on the paint!
 
I use Fantastic in a spray bottle, particularly good if you have a lot of chrome or black plastics because it doesn't leave smudges and swirls. It's cleans grease/oil, road grime, and bugs.

I use a pressure washer with the nozzle fanned out to avoid too much pressure.
 
Blacque Jacque Shellacque said:
When selecting a de-greaser, always read the label carefully. Some are corrosive.

Like the above poster I have used Simple Green for decades with excellent results.
Click to expand...
Yes.Be very careful with some cleaners like Simple Green.Bare aluminum alloy doesn't like it.Sometimes some disassembly is needed to clean really corroded stuff.But a cleaner like toilet cleaner with 23% hydochloric acid works REALLY great. Exhaust cleanup
 
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