XCP vs ACF on new engine cases.

WhiskyMac

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I'm picking up my new R1300GS next week. Given the cost of it I'm keen to look after it. I've used ACF50 in the past on other BMW's and also XCP Clear Coat. I wanted to check that either was OK with the new 'teflon' type engine coatings and which people would recommend?
 
I think it would be prudent to only use what Bmw Motorrad recommend! ACF50 is used by the dealerships for winter protection and accepted. If you go putting on anything that is not in line with BMW’s corrosion schedule and you have an issue further down the line, they will most possibly throw out any warranty claim regarding issues with coatings.
 
Alistairfinlay said:
I think it would be prudent to only use what Bmw Motorrad recommend! ACF50 is used by the dealerships for winter protection and accepted. If you go putting on anything that is not in line with BMW’s corrosion schedule and you have an issue further down the line, they will most possibly throw out any warranty claim regarding issues with coatings.
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Thanks, that makes sense.
 
Have to say - that is an informative and balanced video. I like how various aspects of the products were assessed, not just the ability to prevent corrosion, but also the final look, the ability to remove and the effect on non-metallic materials. As a long time user of ACF50 and still a firm believer of its benefits, I would be keen to try the XCF Clear Coat rust blocker as an alternative. Once the current supply of ACF runs out, I might stump for a bottle of XCF...
 
I've used the XCP Clear Coat on my F900XR. To be honest, I found it stickier than the ACF50 I'd used in the past. It looks amazing when applied, but never really cures - it sort of leaves a tacky coating. I think this is by design.
 
I used xcf clear coat last year. Really liked it, lasts longer than acf50 and once dry is less runny.
 
I had a corrosion claim last year just at the end of my three year warranty. I had all my engine casings replaced etc. I told them that I used XCP rust protector, applied professionally. There were no issues whatsoever with the claim.
 
the woodster said:
I had a corrosion claim last year just at the end of my three year warranty. I had all my engine casings replaced etc. I told them that I used XCP rust protector, applied professionally. There were no issues whatsoever with the claim.
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Thats refreshing to hear and top marks to your dealer. I had issues with the paint coming away from the bottom of my fork legs on my XR when it was less than a year old and got the third degree from my dealer. They stated I hadn’t been using the correct listed wash spec and the stuff I had been using couldn’t have been ph neutral.
What a load of tosh, turns out it’s a known problem, had the complete fork legs replaced under warranty after I spat my dummy out! I’ve only been using the dealer for over 20 years and have purchased over 10 new and used bikes from them.
 
Alistairfinlay said:
Thats refreshing to hear and top marks to your dealer. I had issues with the paint coming away from the bottom of my fork legs on my XR when it was less than a year old and got the third degree from my dealer. They stated I hadn’t been using the correct listed wash spec and the stuff I had been using couldn’t have been ph neutral.
What a load of tosh, turns out it’s a known problem, had the complete fork legs replaced under warranty after I spat my dummy out! I’ve only been using the dealer for over 20 years and have purchased over 10 new and used bikes from them.
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Good to hear that you also had success with your dealer. I've always nurtured a good relationship with a local dealer but it has to work both ways. It stopped working for me in Tunbridge Wells and I have instead used Sycamore in Witham for 3 or 4 years now, despite the weary travelling. It does seem to be patchy what people experience and I suppose that's to be expected, to a degree.

There are some very basic rules for making a complaint or warranty claim and I always start there. I tend to read the posts about bad service from dealers and IMVHO, a little knowledge of statutory rights v BMW warranty would sometimes ease things along. I read of people with very basic faults on new bikes not being looked after by their dealers. I have to assume that they are being reasonable and polite when challenging this and although I have never had to do so with a BMW dealer, the service of a statutory notice under the Consumer Act 2015 to assert your rights tends to focus minds. Nothing's perfect and you could be told to 'do one' and 'see you in court' but since I started asserting my statutory rights in this way, I have not been unsuccessful.
 
I also find XCP a bit stickier, and tends to discolour as it's been on a while (and allowed muck to stick to it because it's tacky).
XCP is something I use where it's not easily seen, like the undercarriage
My preference is FS365 after every wash (it doesn't stay on the bike as long as ACF50 or XCP) on the engine cases...
 
Hatcho said:
Have to say - that is an informative and balanced video. I like how various aspects of the products were assessed, not just the ability to prevent corrosion, but also the final look, the ability to remove and the effect on non-metallic materials. As a long time user of ACF50 and still a firm believer of its benefits, I would be keen to try the XCF Clear Coat rust blocker as an alternative. Once the current supply of ACF runs out, I might stump for a bottle of XCF...
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Same here, but a 1L bottle of ACF-50 applied with a compressor does 20+ full bike applications as a guess, even when we had 4 bikes and I sprayed them at least twice a year a bottle would last 2+ years, so I am probably at least 18 months from the XCP experiment.
 
MartinK said:
I also find XCP a bit stickier, and tends to discolour as it's been on a while (and allowed muck to stick to it because it's tacky).
XCP is something I use where it's not easily seen, like the undercarriage
My preference is FS365 after every wash (it doesn't stay on the bike as long as ACF50 or XCP) on the engine cases...
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There's a clear XCP now.
 
MartinK said:
I also find XCP a bit stickier, and tends to discolour as it's been on a while (and allowed muck to stick to it because it's tacky).
XCP is something I use where it's not easily seen, like the undercarriage
My preference is FS365 after every wash (it doesn't stay on the bike as long as ACF50 or XCP) on the engine cases...
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I use a microfiber cloth soaked in ACF50. Each cloth soaking last at least a year, use it both the R1150GS and the KTM 1290 and no corrosion on either, neither did my R1200GSA when I traded it in after 9 years. Still on my first bottle, so far it’s lasted 6 years. Before ACF 50, WD40 was my anti corrosion treatment of choice.

Had XCF professionally applied to the 1200, one year, but didn’t find it any better or worse than the ACF50.

However I do rinse the bikes down after each ride in the winter and they get regularly cleaned, with an application of the ACF 50 afterwards.

I don’t think the 1150 looks any different to what it did back in 2006 when we had those rides down to Moffat from Edinburgh, just a few more miles on the clock.
 
Just my personal opinion, but having used both ACF50 and XCP rust protection, I think the XCP lingers a bit longer and doesn't need topping up as frequently. I ride through the winter normally and rinse it down after each ride. When I do my Spring deep clean it is harder to get off the fins and engine casings. I think the Bennetts video kinda confirms this.
 
I've gone for ACF50. When I picked the bike up they said it was their preferred option. I think the XCP (even the clear coat) leaves a waxy residue. It's probably better but, even when using a microfibre to remove the excess, it felt like I was smearing wax around.
 
WhiskyMac said:
I've gone for ACF50. When I picked the bike up they said it was their preferred option. I think the XCP (even the clear coat) leaves a waxy residue. It's probably better but, even when using a microfibre to remove the excess, it felt like I was smearing wax around.
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Makes the plastic look smart.
 
Gave the XCP clearcoat a go yesterday... observations

Easier to spray apply from an aerosol can then ACF50 - in my experience ACF50 is so thick it almost doesn't spray out, just dribbles - which works and saves lots. I just dribble on an old tooth brush and apply on the bare metal surfaces where it comes with nothing, and on to brake calipers, bolt heads, pipe unions etc.

You need a mask - never noticed ACF50 get airborne but XCP clearcoat lingers - and now I can feel it next day in the back of my throat - WEAR A MASK !!!

It smells naff compared to ACF 50, not unpleasant but not aromatic

Its currently a sticky shiny wet clear coating that doesn't wipe off like ACF 50 does - it mentions it dries out - and hours later the smell in the garage suggests they could be right - saying time to dry depends on how thick it went on

No idea how the brakes will cope - I will wipe the discs down with paint thinners before I try to ride - but ACF 50 always leaped on the discs when your back was turned and nothing gets it off - and you have no brakes for at least 6 months, I expect this will be similar - great !

ACF50 I would say is a restorative product - it brings stuff back and removes corrosion on metals and makes plastic like new. I even use on electrical circuit boards - I suspect XCP clearcoat is just a protective film and has no other qualities - AFC 50 was designed to stop corrosion between riveted joints on aeroplane skins and has amazing creep, allowing it to reach parts you either missed and didn't cover well

It not cheap - I did two bikes quite thoroughly - but no seats or body work off, or such - but the can is now empty - at £15 to £18 a pop depending where you source it, that's pricey, a can of ACF 50 usually last me a couple of years

I would say ACF50 worked well as a cleaner - spray on, buff off - leaving protection behind on any surface - this is more like a can of lacquer - that washes off with fairy liquid a lot more easily than ACF50

I would never worry ACF50 was near rubber or O rings like the shock or fork seals - But this stuff I will get off the damper rods, I imagine it will do the seals mischief on these moving parts

time will tell...

oh dear

XCP RUST BLOCKER CLEAR COAT is suitable on metal surfaces.
It creates a long lasting protective barrier
to protect any steel, metal or alloy surface against the effects of rust and corrosion. Use it on exposed metal
surfaces, including engine components, suspension units, undercarriage, chrome, chains, electrical
connections, motors, shafts, spindles, as well as tools and equipment for shipping and storage, and many more



ACF-50® is an industrial product designed to prevent and treat corrosion on non-ferrous and ferrous
metals, protect electronic equipment, and to lubricate/penetrate mechanized parts.
Uses advised against: None unless specified elsewhere

 
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