Kinda lengthy but hopefully a lot of good info.
When I do a bike, a good "cleaning" it starts at $150.
I spray
S100 Total Cycle Cleaner on both of the wheels.
I spray the wheels with S100 and let it sit a few minutes
Then I use a soft wheel brush, scrub and
thoroughly rinse.
NEVER EVER use any tire dressing on a motorcycle tire!
Motorcycles turn by leaning. A tire dressing can cause death.
I'll use a good tire
cleaner to make sure the tires are black.
NEVER use RainX on a H-D OEM windshield. It will ruin 'em.
Yes, RainX will cause the H-D OEM windshield to fog.
It's not right away, but it'll be ruined in a few months.
I use PlastX Clear Plastic Polish for windshield scratches.
If the windshield is removable, place it aside to clean.
This also allows better access for cleaning headlights etc.
I like using Liquid Glass on Harley OEM windshields.
I've done this for years and have never had one fog up.
Coatings would be ideal but at $350 a pop I don't want to try.
I've used 0000
wet, on chrome, but only if severe pitting.
I would rather use chemicals...0000 causes fine scratches.
Very few sealants will work on chrome exhaust pipe temps.
Chrome is chrome and it can't be "polished", just cleaned.
My favorite tool for washing a bike is Mr. Clean Auto-Dry.
This was a perfect tool for washing a bike. You are missed.
It used to take me 3-4 hours just to properly wash a bike.
It can do a "good" bike wash with a MC A-D in 30 minutes.
Yes, you can use (if careful) a foam cannon/gun to wash.
I use a quality Merino mitt (and bucket...my MC A-D leaks).
Use a Metro Vac Blaster sidekick or small blower to drying.
This is a
VERY necessary tool to get water out of the nooks.
Then remove all saddle bags, either hard bags or leather.
This allows you to clean the rear wheel and fender area.
If needed, do S100, wait, brush & rinse on the rear wheel.
If leather, clean and dress with a leather rain protectant.
If fiberglass hard bags, you should clay & protect 6 sides.
This is important on the bottom as it gets the road abuse.
I use Pig Spit (yea, it's a product) on the black cast metal.
This includes the black brake calipers & black motor casing.
I also like removing the seat(s) for cleaning on the frame.
Check if the seat is leather. Do not use greasy dressing!
This should go without saying but sometimes ya' gotta.
Some are vinyl and require a different dressing product.
When using a hose "keep water away from electrics".
Yes, motorcycles are made to be ridden in the rain...
Water around gauges, electrics etc. can cause damage.
NOTE: Only the Speedometers on Harley's are waterproof.
Waxes, Sealants and coatings can all be used on the tins.
This includes fenders, gas tanks, saddlebags, fairings etc.
Use caution around custom pin-striping with no CC on top.
One more item: Be very careful of Harley's Vivid Black paint!
Well that's all I can think of off the top of my head. ENJOY!
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