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Dirty Bike

Discussion in 'Hangout Lounge' started by ladyhawke, Aug 21, 2009.

  1. ladyhawke

    ladyhawke New Member

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    Hey Everyone,

    So I just purchased myself a first bike. A 1982 Yamaha 550 Maxim XJ with about 14,500 miles. No offense to the previous owner (bc I know he is on these forums!) but the bike hasn't been cleaned in a while.

    Any Suggestions? Recommendations? I used chrome polish on the chrome, and simple green on the engine block, but there's just so many other parts and areas to the bike, what works best?
     
  2. 86xj700_indy

    86xj700_indy Member

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    put liquid Tide in a spray bottle and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes and then hit it with a pressure washer
     
  3. MN-Maxims

    MN-Maxims St. Paul Minnesota

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    Go and get yourself an assortment of small scrub brushes. Simple green and some warm water goes along way. When you get ready to polish the aluminum check out what some of the guys here have done.

    Good Luck with your new bike

    MN
     
  4. Wyldman

    Wyldman Member

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    Every bike I've had for the past 30 odd years always gets a WD-40 bath when I buy them. Usually takes 3 to 4 cans but gets off all the grit and grime I might otherwise spend hours cleaning. When I'm done I just hose it off and keep on trucking.
     
  5. Polock

    Polock Well-Known Member

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    power washer
     
  6. MN-Maxims

    MN-Maxims St. Paul Minnesota

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    If you use a power washer or coin op car wash be carefull of power spraying water into your swing arm bearings and wheel bearings. That can lead into a repair later you may not want to get into.


    MN
     
  7. alkasmeltzer

    alkasmeltzer Member

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  8. RickCoMatic

    RickCoMatic Well-Known Member

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    Two Cans of GUNK or STP ... Biodegradable Degreaser.
    Three Cans if its "Filthy"
    Ride home from the Auto Parts Store with the Cans
    Put the Bike on the Center Stand over you Driveway Drain

    Soak the hot Bike with the Degreaser.
    Keep it "Wet" with the stuff.
    15-Minutes later ...

    Hose-off the Nasty and behold the Hidden Beauty!
     
  9. Zookie400

    Zookie400 Active Member

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    +1 :D
     
  10. Polock

    Polock Well-Known Member

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    GUNK is really hard on rubber
     

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