Never attempt to clean a hot engine let it cool down first.
Work from the top down. chrome, paint, engine, then wheels.
High pressure hoses should be set to low spray not jet as the force from some can get water in your bearings and damage exposed gaskets. I use mine to put a fine mist of foam on the bike. It is important to rinse off grit not rub it off. The foam will help remove the dirt and grit gently of the bike.
I use micro fibre cloths not dusters (they're made of a type of nylon fibre and don't scratch) on the paint work and chrome tha lift off grease marks, once the bike is clean. For stubborn grease marks a little windolene on the cloth. I use different coloured cloths for different tasks.
For stock alloy wheels, not chrome, once cleaned I use a thin film of copper grease. Makes it easier to clean next time round. I've heard some people on this forum use light oil cooking spray on their real wheels.
Removing warning stickers I use a hair dryer and peel them off, followed by WD40 to remove the sticky residue.
Once the grease marks are off I use Turtle wax in the tub (not the cream). It's takes time to polish it off but does leave a protective shell. Old fashioned approach probably. I also use the Turtle wax on polished steel and chrome. Do not use metal abrasive polishes on chrome.
There may be better alternatives and there are always better newer products coming out all the time. However, I'd highly recommend micro fibre cloths, they have a strange feel and texture to them that stands them apart from dusters.
I'm open to other proven methods from other members too.
Work from the top down. chrome, paint, engine, then wheels.
High pressure hoses should be set to low spray not jet as the force from some can get water in your bearings and damage exposed gaskets. I use mine to put a fine mist of foam on the bike. It is important to rinse off grit not rub it off. The foam will help remove the dirt and grit gently of the bike.
I use micro fibre cloths not dusters (they're made of a type of nylon fibre and don't scratch) on the paint work and chrome tha lift off grease marks, once the bike is clean. For stubborn grease marks a little windolene on the cloth. I use different coloured cloths for different tasks.
For stock alloy wheels, not chrome, once cleaned I use a thin film of copper grease. Makes it easier to clean next time round. I've heard some people on this forum use light oil cooking spray on their real wheels.
Removing warning stickers I use a hair dryer and peel them off, followed by WD40 to remove the sticky residue.
Once the grease marks are off I use Turtle wax in the tub (not the cream). It's takes time to polish it off but does leave a protective shell. Old fashioned approach probably. I also use the Turtle wax on polished steel and chrome. Do not use metal abrasive polishes on chrome.
There may be better alternatives and there are always better newer products coming out all the time. However, I'd highly recommend micro fibre cloths, they have a strange feel and texture to them that stands them apart from dusters.
I'm open to other proven methods from other members too.
