Removing Cylinder Fin Road Grime - How ??

[Andy Hird]

Hi Folks

How do you clean road grime that gets into the cylinder fins on a 1200 ??

I used to use Gunk on my 1100 and it lifted it no problem. But when I used Gunk the other day it didn't seem the same formula, as it didn't foam when sprayed on, it was just like liquid. Anyway |I tried Gunk then T Cut and it didn't touch it !!

Maybe the paint finish isn't as good as the 1100, because the grime seems more ingrained on the 1200.

I also have the same problem with the rear hub near the wheel mounting screws

Anybody got any good tried and tested suggestions ??

Cheers

Andy

 

[swissrob]

get some all purpose cleaner - at look for daisy APC -put some of that on leave it for a while and then using a proper cleaning brush work it in - flush with water and ur done

 

[claw]

You should give SDOC100 gel a go. I got some from Hein Gericke a while ago as i was not looking forward to removing all the ACF50 i had put on the bike for the winter.

This stuff although is expensive really does do what it says on the tin (well the bottle anyway)

I applied it by pouring it in a container and then using a paint brush to apply to the bike. Left it while i had a coffee then sprayed the bike down and it was as clean as a very clean thing.

For the bits you can't get to with a brush just spray it on. Here's a quote from somewhere.

For tens of thousands of the UK’s motorcyclists, winter is a time for hibernation. The purists might not like it, but the roads tell their own story; winter means hanging up the leathers and putting the bike away – but that’s where danger lurks! Out of sight out of mind can spell disaster for a motorcycle. Failure to clean and protect before tucking the bike away for a few months can result in the white fur of corrosion taking hold on all that expensive alloy - let alone stripping the bright plating from nuts bolts and brackets - and this where Sdoc100 Power Gel can save the day.

Sdoc100 Power Gel is a unique corrosion free, specialized motorcycle-cleaning product from one of Germany’s top chemical companies and voted Best Buy 2007 by the influential German motorcycle magazine, Motorrad.

Sdoc100 Power Gel is acid-free yet delivers incredible results without the danger of corrosion associated with many popular brands. Furthermore it actually protects the bike from corrosion after cleaning, prevents paintwork discolouration and prevents water spotting! (It contains corrosion inhibitors too, which are particularly useful combating Britain’s salty winter roads if you are tempted to go for a blast!).

Follow the Sdoc Code:

* Spray the bike liberally with Sdoc 100 Power Gel
* Let it soak in and do its job (a 15-minute soak should normally do the trick, longer if very cold).
* Rinse off
* Inspect to ensure all dirt has been removed
* Dry off and leather-down

That’s it, job done! This sophisticated cleaner even contains polymers to ensure a spot free sheen without the need for polishing, but for a longer lay up and some extra protection, a polish wouldn’t go amiss, but what ever you do - you can rest in the knowledge that damaging corrosion has been held at bay!

 

[Andy Hird]

get some all purpose cleaner - at look for daisy APC -put some of that on leave it for a while and then using a proper cleaning brush work it in - flush with water and ur done

Seriously ??

Do you put it on neat, or dilute it ??

Cheers

Andy

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Hi Folks

How do you clean road grime that gets into the cylinder fins on a 1200 ??

I used to use Gunk on my 1100 and it lifted it no problem. But when I used Gunk the other day it didn't seem the same formula, as it didn't foam when sprayed on, it was just like liquid. Anyway |I tried Gunk then T Cut and it didn't touch it !!

Maybe the paint finish isn't as good as the 1100, because the grime seems more ingrained on the 1200.

I also have the same problem with the rear hub near the wheel mounting screws

Anybody got any good tried and tested suggestions ??

Cheers

Andy

Cif Lemon or Lime Mousse

Spray one side, leave it for 2-3 mins, whilst working in with a small brush and rinse off with a hose

Then repeat on the other side

Also works on Throttle bodies/hubs/spokes/engine casings

 

[claw]

Has cif lemon cleaners and the like not got salts and acids in them helping corrosion

Same reason you should never use fairy liquid on bikes and cars

 

[Pukmeister]

Be very careful with any citric acid based cleaning agent (lemon stuff). It can chemically etch or react with the finish and cause lasting cosmetic damage.We used to use a product called 'citricleen' which cleaned ships decks and was evil stuff. I would personally avoid any such product near my bike.

I would strongly recommend SDoc100 Gel as already stated, its powerful stuff but doesn't seem to harm my bike in any way. I'm now using Heing Gerickes own brand of Gel cleaner as its cheaper and I suspect it is the same stuff in a different bottle as it also works very well.

Go to Poundland or similar and get yourself a cheap toilet brush with stiff bristles to agitate between the engine fins. Spray on the gel cleaner, agitate then leave for ten minutes, then simply hose off with fresh water.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Be very careful with any citric acid based cleaning agent (lemon stuff). It can chemically etch or react with the finish and cause lasting cosmetic damage.We used to use a product called 'citricleen' which cleaned ships decks and was evil stuff. I would personally avoid any such product near my bike.

I would strongly recommend SDoc100 Gel as already stated, its powerful stuff but doesn't seem to harm my bike in any way. I'm now using Heing Gerickes own brand of Gel cleaner as its cheaper and I suspect it is the same stuff in a different bottle as it also works very well.

Go to Poundland or similar and get yourself a cheap toilet brush with stiff bristles to agitate between the engine fins. Spray on the gel cleaner, agitate then leave for ten minutes, then simply hose off with fresh water.

I've been restoring classic bikes for years and never had a problem.
Cif is great and the GS comes up a treat.
As with all cleaning products, don't leave it on for more than 3-4mins and wash off with loads of water
If it won't damage your chrome bath taps, it's hardly like to mark the GS

 

[swissrob]

Seriously ??

Do you put it on neat, or dilute it ??

Cheers

Andy

perfectly serious - i used it neat and at 75 - 50%, no worries at all.

i have tried sdoc100 and thought it was crap TBH.

 

[MikeP]

Should you ask Barry?

 

[Big Lee]

I use WD40 then rub in in with a washing up brush then a spray of Mucoff to get the residue away. Nice and shiney!

 

[FatBob]

If it won't damage your chrome bath taps, it's hardly like to mark the GS

You must be joking! i think my bath taps will take a lot more punishment than my GSA. The bike is 6 months old and had corrosion in several places!

Another vote for Sdoc100 from me, and I use it because another mate who rides an RT recommended it. I also got a set of cleaning brushes from Hein Gericke, long thin wire things that are quite good for poking into also the nooks and crannies and for getting between the fins.

 

[Boxergs]

Try white vinegar

Honest!...it works, spray on, scrub with toothbrush or similar...rinse off with water.....works wonders and cheaper than most cleaners. Also effective on wheels and spokes...in fact almost all of your bike.

maybe I'm just a tightar5e?