It's the new breed, Jonnie
If you're washing and polishing your bike /QUOTE]
What's this polishing thing you speak of ?
Valet and ACF50
- Thread starter Andy66
- Start date
It's the new breed, Jonnie
If you're washing and polishing your bike /QUOTE]
What's this polishing thing you speak of ?
Something alien to a person who can't be arsed to do it
Something alien to a person who can't be arsed to do it
Which is why my last bike was Matt black
I've only ever used a light coating of WD40 on my previous bikes around exposed metal parts. If nothing else it always makes the next wash easier. Doesn't this ACF-50 stuff need reapplying after a good clean and polish?
Good question - I've never found a definitive answer.
I read somewhere that on areas in constant contact with the elements - should apply a light coating ever 3months if the bike is being used in all weathers and the other areas less exposed - every 6-12months, depending on usage.
So, I took that to mean - wheels and areas around wheels that get crap thrown up on them - every 3 months.
Less exposed areas of engine\frame - every 6 months and under seat\well protected areas and electrics - every 12months.
The good thing is that this stuff goes a long way and a can lasts for years
jonnyp
Registered user
Thanks for the training video - very informative !
I'm with JB on this one, never had anyone wash my bike. I use the time to check it over and to be honest, I enjoy doing it.
Never used ACF50 on any bike but may consider on this one. My hexhead was just starting to show some signs of corrosion after 20k miles and 3 1/2 years.
Only ever use a pressure washer if really, really necessary - not sure I'd be happy with this chap blasting my switch gear!
However it was good to see him give it a dry, had to show the misses that one she caught me doing the same (normally only wash the bike when I can take it for a dry out after so as not to put it away wet) she was thinking I was the only one that gave a bike, a soapy wash and blow job!
The wife on the other hand, does need a good scrub down and under seal, what's his number - that would save me a job!
I'm with JB on this one, never had anyone wash my bike. I use the time to check it over and to be honest, I enjoy doing it.
Never used ACF50 on any bike but may consider on this one. My hexhead was just starting to show some signs of corrosion after 20k miles and 3 1/2 years.
Only ever use a pressure washer if really, really necessary - not sure I'd be happy with this chap blasting my switch gear!
However it was good to see him give it a dry, had to show the misses that one she caught me doing the same (normally only wash the bike when I can take it for a dry out after so as not to put it away wet) she was thinking I was the only one that gave a bike, a soapy wash and blow job!
The wife on the other hand, does need a good scrub down and under seal, what's his number - that would save me a job!
I had AYB out last year. Would I have them out again? Probably not. I'm happy to ride in the winter, and as I only ride for fun, I have time to give the bike a hose off after every ride. I have one of those fancy air dryer machines, so can dry the bike after hosing it off. I now have some FS365, so come salt spreading time, I'll spray this on before each ride (it takes about a minute) then hose the bike down. If I had to commute though, and ride the bike all year round, then I'd not hesitate getting AYB back round.
Gecko
Registered user
Just watched this Youtube clip and saw a brand spanking new bike having some light dirt power washed off and then the bike looked like a brand spanking new bike again.....
I've always used ACF50 after every wash which i normally do every week. By reading this thread now, I now think I wash my bike to much 
and by the looks of it I dont use nearly enough ACF 50. i do know they (ACF) advise not to get on brakes or discs though
and by the looks of it I dont use nearly enough ACF 50. i do know they (ACF) advise not to get on brakes or discs thoughI think the main thing is to have it applied with a compressor once / twice a year so it gets in all the little nooks and crannies you can't easily get to, as well as protecting all the electrical connectors and suchlike buried away.
I did an experiment with pieces of metal in the garden for about four months over winter, and even with regularly throwing salt on them the ACF kept corrosion at bay - that was week s of rain and snow, so the stuff obviously sticks well.
You can also see the water bead off the ACF when washing so can probably tell when it is wearing off, I just wipe around the wheels, forks, swingarm etc. with an ACF dampened cloth now and again after I have cleaned the bike.
I would guess power washing would remove it quite quickly, as would pissing rain for areas that get the force off 60+ mph rain, or the front of the bike where water is thrown up from the front wheel.
Regardless of how quickly it may or may not get washed off, it is 100% certain it makes a big difference to how quickly your bike deteriorates so even a once a year application would do a lot for a bike over a few years.
I did an experiment with pieces of metal in the garden for about four months over winter, and even with regularly throwing salt on them the ACF kept corrosion at bay - that was week s of rain and snow, so the stuff obviously sticks well.
You can also see the water bead off the ACF when washing so can probably tell when it is wearing off, I just wipe around the wheels, forks, swingarm etc. with an ACF dampened cloth now and again after I have cleaned the bike.
I would guess power washing would remove it quite quickly, as would pissing rain for areas that get the force off 60+ mph rain, or the front of the bike where water is thrown up from the front wheel.
Regardless of how quickly it may or may not get washed off, it is 100% certain it makes a big difference to how quickly your bike deteriorates so even a once a year application would do a lot for a bike over a few years.
Captain Beaky
Registered user
Yup, that's my experience too.
My biggest regret is not knowing about acf when I bought my 1150. It would have saved a lot of heartache.
My biggest regret is not knowing about acf when I bought my 1150. It would have saved a lot of heartache.
Similar threads
