Detailing a sporksbike. Do's and Dont's. Need some tips

[david11g35]

So I will be detailing my first motorcycle this weekend. The bike is a Honda CBR 600 it belongs to my buddy. What are some Do's and Dont's?

How do I go about washing the bike? Can I use a pressure washer to wash off bottom part on the bike?


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[Cosmin]

if you wanna see your buddy again , than no dressing on the tires.
i don`t wash my bike with pressure washer,i use onr , some degreaser or wd40 on the lower panels.
watch for decals if any , you can claybar the bike , bike should be waterproof but i will not take the chance. on the exhaust you can use metal polish , i will not use any stealwool.
if you dress the seat make sure is not slippery or too greasy.
under headlights usually is the air ducts so less water there in case you go with pressure washer.
is all i get in mind right now

[tuscarora dave]

If you use a pressure washer definitely do not concentrate the pressurised water anywhere near wheel bearings, swingarm bearing/bushings or the steering bearings, watch any electronic boxes, wires, fuses etc. where water can short things out. Pressure washers and bikes in general aren't a good mix.

Bucket, soap, mitt, Daytona speed master wheel brush (and mini) go well together.

And everything Cosmin said.

[david11g35]

Thanks for the advice guys. I have DP waterless wash I think I'm going to give that a try instead.

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[david11g35]

Bump for any other advice

[EWtheDETAILER]

If its Chain driven or even shaft driven... I typically use a separate sponge for the lower back end of the bike. Typically this area collects a large amount of grease and chain lube than tends to get thrown all over that area of the bike. Also when detailing the rims I like to detail half of the rim, stop and roll the bike forward, then finish detail the other side of the rims! Always sit on the bike to move it forward or back as it is the safest way to move them.

When the bike arrives be sure to ask the customer if there are any particular dirty areas on the bike... usually the customer will point out the areas they really want to see clean!


Also I would avoid the pressure washer! Too many fiberglass and small trim and accent pieces to potentially damage.

[SonOfOC]

There's no need to hose or pressure wash a sportbike. Save that method for the dirtbikes.

Spend 30 minutes to remove all the fairings, leaving the tank and headlight piece. Now you can waterless wash or ONR the fairings. Then polish and apply your favorite wax/sealant ect.

You will also have a naked bike that is much easier to detail. You can really get the hoses, frame, brackets, ect.

I like to Opticoat the entire bike. All fairing pieces, frame, tank, swing arm, and wheels. It works better than any other wax or sealant. After that you keep the bike clean for years with quick detail spray and an occasional shine booster with Reload spray.

[Ray@Autogeek]

My recent moto detail: http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/motorcycle-care/56189-sportbike-detail-w-new-wolfgang-products.html

S100 Total Cycle Cleaner Aerosol (http://www.autogeek.net/s1tocyclae.html) works really well and makes washing your bike soooooo easy. Of course I use Pinnacle Rinseless and Waterless Wash as well, depending on how dirty the bike is.

Having a wheel stand on the front and rear makes cleaning the wheel much easier too. Just pop it in neutral and spin n' clean. Like KJW Detailing has here on his bike:

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1575/medium/2009_GSXR_600_7.JPG

+1000 @ NO tire dressing.

If you offered chain cleaning and lubing that would be a great upsell :props:

[david11g35]

Thanks for the additinal tips

[Mirror Finish]

Can I use a pressure washer...

I may own one but I would never use a pressure washer on any 2 or 4 wheeled vehicle.