Why bother with weekly to fortnightly washes and detailing - it's madness!
Once I explain the why most people understand, then they want to know HOW! How do I keep her showroom shiny?
The Why?
- I find it cathartic/relaxing - but mostly I just enjoy spending time tinkering and pampering my Ape.
- It forces me to run my hand over every surface of the machine, performing a visual inspection as I go for any problems.
- I will notice issues more readily - if last week I cleaned that oily smear and this week it is back then it's time to investigate.
- Detailing stands as a reminder to check tyre pressure, chain tension and chain lubrication
- I am one OCD, anal retentive sonofabitch about keeping it clean!
Soooooo........once the why is out of the way and people begin to understand things, they want to know how.
The How?
- Don't wash her hot! If you must ride to a car-wash, as I do, take the shortest path, early in the morning when it's cool. Don't let her get too hot - if she is - let her cool before washing.
- Give her a good wash. Get all of the base grime off. I use a pressure spray. **IMPORTANT** From a distance! With no direct high-pressure water hitting the bike, especially around the instrument cluster, headlight surround, wiring loom or connectors.
- Then detailing begins. I use Plexus - a plastic polish (silicone based) which serves two primary functions.
- It impregnates the plastics which conditions them, helping them to remain supple and less prone to cracking and the effects of heat.
- It leaves a silicone barrier on all surfaces, both plastics and metals, which helps to keep the bike cleaner for longer by inhibiting things from sticking!
A quick tyre check, chain inspection and lube if necessary and the job's done. Usually all complete by ~8:30 on a Saturday morning - leaving plenty of time to get out and ride.
Before - the poor thing.......dirty Ape
The detailing....Yellow rag for engine parts and dirty stuff, Blue rag for plastics and body work, Pink rag for final buffing and polishing.........(I told you I was OCD)
The results.......a showroom shiny Ape
\BitSar --keeping it clean
Hi BitSar,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the nice guide and the lovely pictures of your Shiver :)
Where do you purchase Plexus from within Australia?
Cheers,
Jeremy
Hey Jeremy - is this Jem?
DeleteI grab my plexus at Peter Stevens, A1, Yamaha City etc.
Basically any good motorcycle store will carry it.
Expect to pay ~$30 for a large can.
Depending on your rate of use, this should give you 15 - 20 detailing sessions.
Cheers,
BitSar
No, sorry, I'm not Jem. Though I am also a Netrider member under the username 'jrmy'
DeleteAwesome, thanks for that. I'll see if I can hunt it down from the local dealers here in Brisbane. Reasonable price if it works well. I just took ownership of a preloved Suzuki GSR600 and it's in need of a good detail.
Thanks again
Not a problem mate - good luck with bring the GSR600 back to life. Nice looking bikes.
DeleteThis really is good stuff.
\BitSar