General Maintenance Query

[snerkler]

What's the best way to bring the engine up nice and sparkly clean? despite washing my bike on a regular basis my engine, especially the fins around the sump, always look a bit grimy
What's the best stuff to clean the chrome headers to get rid of the browny discolourations? I'm not bothered about the blueing as I quite like that.
What's the best way to stop my front brake squeaking/squeeling? today I had to nip down the road an didn't wear ear plugs for the first time in ages and i noticed that on gentle braking there was a high pitched sqeel/squeak coming from the caliper/disc area. I thought it might be a bit of dirt under the pad, but I've been reliably informed that it could be tiny vibrations of the pad itself Please bare in mind that I've never done my own mechanics, and haven't even changed pads nor taken a caliper to pieces

 

[Deleted account 190920001]

I use SDOC for the cleaning the bike, I dont polish the chrome as it will just discolour again a few miles later.

Brakes will be vibration, some of the early bikes were prone to this until BMW changed the disk mounting system, even then mine can slightly whine when cold. Some ways to stop it are change the pads, take the pads out and chamfer the edged, put some copaslip on the back of the pad between the pad and the pistons. You could also check to see if your bike has any updates to the mounting system as well.

 

[snerkler]

I use SDOC for the cleaning the bike, I dont polish the chrome as it will just discolour again a few miles later.

Brakes will be vibration, some of the early bikes were prone to this until BMW changed the disk mounting system, even then mine can slightly whine when cold. Some ways to stop it are change the pads, take the pads out and chamfer the edged, put some copaslip on the back of the pad between the pad and the pistons. You could also check to see if your bike has any updates to the mounting system as well.

Many thanks. My bike is a 2010 so I'd assume the mounting will be up to date. I'll ask BMW when it goes in for its service in a couple of weeks

I shall get some SDOC on order

 

[Deleted account 190920001]

yes it will have the new mounts, like I said mine still does it even with them although its only slight and at low speed so I have never really bothered about it.

 

[Monty]

I use SDOC for the cleaning the bike, I dont polish the chrome as it will just discolour again a few miles later.

Tried SDOC for the first time at the weekend and amazed at the results. It shifted the winter ACF treatment and the whole bike, especially the engine, came up lovely.

Matt

 

[Human]

Hi what is sdoc and where can you get it?

Ta
Rob

 

[Dainese Brave]

Hein Gericke stock SDOC 100

 

[snerkler]

yes it will have the new mounts, like I said mine still does it even with them although its only slight and at low speed so I have never really bothered about it.

If it's normal for the bike I'll leave it then, 99% of the time I've got ear plugs in and can't hear it anyway

 

[snerkler]

Hi what is sdoc and where can you get it?

Ta
Rob

Apparently it's a special cleaner. If you google it there's a number of places that sell it

 

[Rasher]

I find a liberal spraying of WD40 in the engine fins followed by a good bit of agitating with a paint brush brings them up a treat, although it will smoke a bit on next startup.

Got some SDOC to try on a deal recently, have tried a few of these cleaners in the past, Muc-Off I found dissapointing, recently been using Autoglym motorcycle cleaner and was very impressed (cheaper and better than Muc-Off)

 

[Dainese Brave]

I found Muck-Off turned my black wheel rims a 'milky' tarnished finish....won't be using that again!

 

[Beemerman59]

SDoc 100 gel is the best cleaner IMHO. Use it neat when needed but it is expensive so I dilute it 4:1 to use as a general cleaner - spray on, leave 15 minutes then hose off, job done.

 

[Sgt Bilco]

For squeeky brakes. take the calipers off and take pads out. Give them a good clean with brake cleaner and a toothbrush then when you put them back together, smear a bit of copperslip on the back of the pads.

easy job and should do the job

 

[Popell]

Sdoc 100 from Hein Gericke
First bottle including spray head about £16.50, 1 litre, refills about 13.50 but if you spend over £30 you get a tenner off, brings it down to about a tenner a bottle

 

[snerkler]

For squeeky brakes. take the calipers off and take pads out. Give them a good clean with brake cleaner and a toothbrush then when you put them back together, smear a bit of copperslip on the back of the pads.

easy job and should do the job

The question is do I trust myself to do this 'easy' task? I've never got my hands 'dirty' so to speak. That being said there's some good step by step tutorials on the Internet

 

[Martyn H]

I found Muck-Off turned my black wheel rims a 'milky' tarnished finish....won't be using that again!

I am a happy user of Muc Off, but I do know you have to wash it off after only a few minutes, not leave it too long.
As & when I've used my stock, I'll probably use SDoc100. Autoglymn bike cleaner is also good, IMHO.

 

[claw]

To save the amount of SDOC you use, i use i pour it into a bowl and paint it on with a brush instead of using the spray.

Just need to buy the refill bottles then, saves a couple of quid

 

[mr badger]

If all else fails, Gunk does the business. Quick on and off though.

Generally avoid acid cleaners - although certain dealers are fond of using it when 'valeting' your bike. Soon takes the shine off.

 

[Michael R1150GS Adventure]

Brakes will be vibration, some of the early bikes were prone to this until BMW changed the disk mounting system, even then mine can slightly whine when cold. Some ways to stop it are change the pads, take the pads out and chamfer the edged, put some copaslip on the back of the pad between the pad and the pistons. You could also check to see if your bike has any updates to the mounting system as well.[/QUOTE]



Yep i copper grease between the pad back and piston surfaces - also I sand off the leading edge of each new brake pad slightly with sandpaper.