Cleaning 101

[xtremelow]

Right with ya Dave Meguiars is the shizzit.

 

[50dro]

Rarely hose it down...I keep mine clean with Plexus...On everything!!! Works real nice[up]

 

[dave_xb12r]

Hoses are for Harleys

 

[TooFst]

My roomate just got a heated motorcycle dryer. It works so good and I think he only paid like 80$

 

[marko138]

marko your bikes looking NICE! its almost showroom clean! i used the antistatic clean called plexus its the same as the honda cleaner.

Thanks man. I like to keep it looking good. After all, they dont make them any more.

 

[bryanbuell]

anybody know what will take corrosion off the polished aluminum wheels? Just bought mine and the previous owner had it in storage for a while. Tried the mothers aluminum polish but it didn't take the crud off. I'd eventually like to powdercoat them black but don't have the funds right now....any suggestions?

 

[Hummer]

Fast Orange hand cleaner has always worked wonders for me on rims - not the stuff with pumice though! Takes break dust and grime right off.

 

[rideboarder589]

i always use the S1000 foaming cleaner that i get from *cough* the HD dealership...then spray it down with the hose..cleans it up in about 10 mins..if im really in a cleaning mood ill throw on some novus lvl 1 for some protection

 

[grumpy]

ether or quick start is a better option than brake cleaner to remove grease / oil from engine (I know, Buells dont leak), brake cleaner fumes are toxic and collect in liver. Replace tip on quick start can with top and tube from WD 40 can. Smells great too, ha, ha. Steam cleaner in a can[cool]

 

[aptbldr]

Protect chassis bearings from detergents, solvents, and high-pressure spray.
XB wheel bearing, steering-stem, and belt-pulley seals are exposed & vulnerable.

 

[Negative]

Now that ^^^ is some quality, money-saving advice right there ...

 

[JasonandMichelle]

I know I'm necroposting here, but I'm searching for a response. Firstly, I'm brand spanking new to the forums. I owned a Buell S3 years ago, and sold it before my first kid showed up. Well, he's 5 now (next month) and I got the itch. I recently bought a 2007 XB12R with 2200 miles. Mechanically, it's great (I did the breather reroute and put in new plugs and it's a different machine), but the yellow plastics are fading and have some fairly light scratches. I'd give them a 7 of 10.

Is throwing Novus 2 on there going to make them shine like new, or am I forever stuck with a <8 set of plastics? (Don't want to drop mucho cash for new, but I'd prefer ANYTHING but yellow. The price was right for the bike, so I didn't complain).

Thanks in advance, folks.

 

[buellerchris]

The plastics can also be buffed. Call a local auto detail shop and they can buff them up like new.

 

[davidwick]

In the what not to use department I can say from past experience purple power and any anodized aluminum is a bad mix I used it and it totally screwed up my fork tube finish and the finish of my renthal bars and the rims on a RM250 I used to race The stuff was amazing for cleaning mud and greasy grime on any other parts I used it on.

 

[pantstain]

Manual says to not buff the plastics. You sure it's ok? Mine definitely don't shine...need to fix them badly

 

[JasonandMichelle]

Manual says to not buff the plastics. You sure it's ok? Mine definitely don't shine...need to fix them badly

I bought the entire Novus kit (1, 2, and 3 with two towels) from Amazon for roughly $19 (in the US) shipped prime. I went in order from 3, 2, then 1 on my breather cover and cowling cover (which had the heaviest scratches). I'm happy to report it looks good enough for me. It went from looking like a 9 year old bike (which it is) to a, well, a 9yo bike that looks awesome.

Disclaimer: Novice did not remove GOUGES. Heavy scratches were no match for the Novus. But light-moderate scratches looked a billion times better. I would give it a shot buying off Amazon and if you're unhappy you're not out too much cash.

 

[HolyMoley]

JasonandMichell,
Will this work on the clear plastics too?

 

[Cooter]

Hello Necro-thread!

Yes, the same rules apply for plastics, including clear. If they are just foggy and not scratched start with a polish (not a compound), and then wax.

 

[njloco]

New to Buell, but I know a little about detailing but, not that much about plastic. I can tell you that a product called collinite boat wax, will take out swarl marks on auto paint and is detergent proof, get the liquid as it's easier to use, if anyone decides to try it.