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Have you Ever Realized..

Discussion in 'Hangout Lounge' started by coastie550XJ, Jun 11, 2007.

  1. coastie550XJ

    coastie550XJ Member

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    Have you ever realized how dirty your bike is, until you really start cleanning it..
    It all started from one tiny project, now i have the tank off, seat off, I'm getting in there and just clean and scrapping road tar off(i'm calling it tar cu thats what its reminding me of) i bought the bike from my dad and he bought it from a friend 5 years before i bought it from him, and i don't think any of them ever cleaned this bike, just the road mud, and grim and dirt that is all on this bike is so bad, i have gone through two clothes (which are currently soaking in the sink with dergent) that use to be yellow, are now completely black, and no use until they are clean, i'm going to be running out and getting some red rags too use shortly...
    Also been using a toothbrush, might be switching to a another one soon, as that one is pitch black also! I'm currently taking a break to eat some lunch but this is getting ridiculas,


    Ok ok.. i'll admit when i start cleaning something i really, and i mean really clean something and i'm not satifice until i think its clean, but this is too bad.. and i would try the pressure washer but i don't think it would work, as i'm scrapping this stuff off! oh well, once i get it to what i think is good for now, i'm taking the bike to work, and do one more wash down with the pressure washer and hope it will be good, and clean..
    anyway i'm done venting, off to auto zone to get these clothes! will post pictures once i'm done cleaning the bike... and maybe some pictures of the process! just to show you guys how bad this road grime really is!
     
  2. XJTurboDan

    XJTurboDan Member

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    But isn't it a great pleasure when you can see the immediate results of your work! What you are cleaning now is a protective layer of dirt left in place by the P.O. (Previous Owners) so that you can enjoy a clean well preserved relic from the past!
    I'm doing the same with mine, both inside & out.
    If you do decide to use a pressure washer later, just remember to bring along some plastic & tape along with plenty of clean dry rags. You'll want to protect the sensitive electronic areas from moisture.
    I thought I did this pretty well, but after a pressure car wash session, the bike started for about 2 seconds, died and refused to start again!
    I pushed it out of the bay and dried & disassembled several areas so air could circulate better. After many attempts, I finally got spark again, but I was getting pretty depressed!
    At least the bike came out much cleaner!!
     
  3. coastie550XJ

    coastie550XJ Member

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    well i never got to the pressure washer, found out that its broken at the moment, so will have to wait, at least now but the bike looks good!! i'm quite happy with the way it turned out.. but now i need to get some fine grit sand paper, and get the metal on there shinning good!! oh well next week!
    now on to grilling me up some steak and aspargus!
     
  4. BV-1

    BV-1 New Member

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    Might want to track that problem down there Dan, I have soaked both of my running bikes as I have a gas pressure washer at home, I was amazed, they ran with no problems at all.

    Then yesterday I got caught 100 miles from home in a torrential downpour, the kind that shreds exposed knuckles. I slowed down and took it easy for the 10 mins it blasted me and then kept on my way. I realized why they have to be so water tight as every inch of the bike was soaked but she ran good. I would hate to be stuck back under that cloud waiting for things to dry out.

    I'd start by looking at your coils, and wires, making sure they are in good shape and well seperated, then check for exposed plastic electrical joints.

    You could always wet the bike slowly while its running to find out where the issue is, but careful with water and spark plug coils, ie wear rubber boots.

    EDIT: The fact that it did spark for two seconds (started) maybe its fuel related? Gas floats, water sinks... make sure that your gas tank, fuel pump seals are good.

    Good luck!

    -Steve
     
  5. kevineleven

    kevineleven Member

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    Holy spellcheck!
     
  6. Scrape

    Scrape Member

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    It's good to hear about you and your bike Coastie. My bike was not near as clean as it is now when I first got it. There is a lot of work involved in cleaning bikes up sometimes but they get better every time you do it. All of those nooks and crannies are hard to get clean but if your determined, you can do it. I've spent many long nights alone with my bike trying to get it right. You can have ups and downs with bikes but in the end, diligence prevails and rewards follow. I know that our 550's are worth every minute that we spend on them because all you have to do is ride, listen and look at them to confirm it. I would have liked to see pics of your bike before you started cleaning it to see how it progresses the longer you own it. The steak and asparagus sounds good to me right now. Food and bikes...two wonderful things in life to enjoy. :D
    Have a wonderful evening Coastie!
     
  7. SalCycle

    SalCycle Member

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    spel chek...what's that.

    I hear ya Coastie, I'm doing the same thing. And I'm the same way...when I get to cleaning, I want perfection. I figure I won't be happy untill I strip the bike, paint the frame, and other parts, and get down and dirty on the engine. Give it some RickCoMatic-style detailing, etc. But, I want to ride the thing, and my winters are extremely busy, so...all I can do is work at it piecemeal.
     
  8. Polock

    Polock Well-Known Member

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    warm bike, Gunk, brew, garden hose, repeat as necessary
     
  9. Scrape

    Scrape Member

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    That's right...a good cleaner and low pressure water gets the bike ready to put a rag further to it with other cleaning and shining/polishing products. My bike motor was not in the best condition when I got it so I used something a bit harsher than Gunk. If you've ever used Westley's bleche-wite before on the tires of your auto, you'll know what it does. Don't use it around polished surfaces though and don't get it in your eyes. First wet down the surface of the motor and then spray the stuff on liberally. Let it set for a minute while using a soft, long bristled brush and rag to agitate the grime. Rinse off good and watch the crap just melt off....repeat if you need to. I wouldn't make a habit of doing this all the time but when your bike needs serious cleaning, strong products will do the job.
     
  10. coastie550XJ

    coastie550XJ Member

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    i was using bug and road grime removal and a rag, worked pretty good! then i attacked all the black plastic i have on my bike with Mother's Back to Black.. holy crap my trunk looks almost brand new! it use to be faded to almost a light grey now its black and shiney! i had to call my dad and tell him all about this.. its amazing though he has a new bike (2000-something honda) he told his friend who has a 1980-something honda and he wanted to know right away what the name of the product i was using.. Can't wait til i go home and show the bike off to dad now!! only three more weeks and i'm there! WHOOHOO!
     

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