Cleaning Techniques?

Hello All,

     I recently purchased my second sixth-gen and this thing is a filthy mess, literally. It has definitely been neglected in the cleaning department; the previous owner was "a rider not a shiner." In other words, he was a tool and did not know the importance of proper maintenance. The chain is caked with old grease and the areas surrounding it are as well. I've already ordered a new chain and sprockets but I'm curious to know how you guys clean the porous aluminum bits. I've cleaned up the swingarm but the grease remains in the pores. Naturally, oven cleaner comes to mind, but I don't want to use anything too harsh. So I pose you with the question, what do you guys use to clean up your bikes, especially the porous aluminum?

Hare

Hare, I've used a fine brass bristle brush, lots of warm water and some elbow grease to clean up marks on both my old 5th gen (frame) and 6th (top triple clamp).  It would help to see how bad the  spots are that you're trying to clean. 

I use brake cleaner on the swing arm. I'm careful to not get it on painted surfaces but it makes quick work of the sludge and gunk there.

You can use Kerosene to clean all those bits. Stuff will dissolve away like butter with very little elbow grease. It won't hurt the plastic bits either. Sometimes there are finishes on those ,what appear to be plain, metal parts that brake cleaner can actually destroy.

WD40 works really well at removing oil, tar and grease.  Another plus is you can spray it into some tight areas.

Good luck.

Mark

for plasics and general bike wash.. SHAMPOO! 

  :fing02:

WD40 or Goo Gone and a tooth brush.

I second the kerosene option.  I've used it and compared to WD-40 it is more effective for chain spooge.  You can buy chain cleaner (Tirox) in spray can, which is essentially kerosene.  Don't know where I would buy bulk kerosene around here.

I second the kerosene option.  I've used it and compared to WD-40 it is more effective for chain spooge.  You can buy chain cleaner (Tirox) in spray can, which is essentially kerosene.  Don't know where I would buy bulk kerosene around here.

I've seen kerosene for sale at car parts stores (O'Reilly) and hardware stores. Usually stored near the paints.

Purple power & a stiff bristle scrub brush

WD40 or diesel fuel...diesel at most fuel centers. Either one works well...allowing a little soak time and generous elbow grease on old toothbrush. Follow up with clean rags to wipe off the oil film.

Kerosene and a nylon brush. Brass will totally F the O or X ring in your chain. Then spray it off with the hose and douse with wd40, ride around the block and hit it with chain wax. Let that set for 10 or so and wipe clean. My CBR chain was still good at 23k miles and that's with a few track days.

Soak Well with WD40 take ride to DIY car wash. set to hot w/ soap. Clean away. Rinse, Dry, Lube Chain.  

Spray with a hose, wipe with a towel.

I do this almost every year :ph34r:

Looks like kerosene is the way to go. That's what my old man uses in his parts cleaning bin; I just wanted to make sure it wasn't too harsh for the swingarm. I'm gonna put some in a spray bottle and give it a go. I'll post some before and after pictures when I get it all cleaned up. :happy:   

You can also get Kerosene at some gas stations....at least around me you can. It is normally in a pump by itself over in the corner and labelled K-1 Kerosene or something like that.

You can also get Kerosene at some gas stations....at least around me you can. It is normally in a pump by itself over in the corner and labelled K-1 Kerosene or something like that.

I don't think Ive ever seen a gas station around here that has that. not even the old ones that are still in buisness. I think I'll pay a little more attention at the places I fill up at to see what they got.

Kerosene has been on my to buy list for a while.  Big box hardware stores were supposed to have it by the gallon for the heaters they sell at $10 / gal if you can believe that.  There is supposed to be a little hardware store nearby that sells it, but with my work hours and theirs it's been a no go.  Still hoping to find some to clean chain and stuff with...

In addition to the kero, pick up some Gunk concentrate at the auto parts store. Mix it in the Kero according to the directions and it will basically act as a soap allowing you to wash away the crud with water.

^ This sounds like an interesting idea.

MightyHare, I love your avatar.  (Rest in peace Chesty, where ever you are.)

this is very popular in the uk http://muc-off.com/en/14-motorcycle

In addition to the kero, pick up some Gunk concentrate at the auto parts store. Mix it in the Kero according to the directions and it will basically act as a soap allowing you to wash away the crud with water.

I'm intrigued. Kerosene with gunk as a catalyst sounds like it'll whammy some grime.

^ This sounds like an interesting idea.

MightyHare, I love your avatar.  (Rest in peace Chesty, where ever you are.)

He is the epitome of manliness.

If you can't find kerosene, diesel is a cousin, and JP5, JP8 or Jet A used in turbine engines are very close cousins to kero and for cleaning purposes will do the same.  When I want to clean some heavy grease, I tap off a pint or so from my diesel pickup's fuel system drain.  Occasionally I'll get a gallon or so in a can like I do gas for my mower.   Any airport that services or fuels helicopters or turbine aircraft should be able to sell you a bit of JP or Jet A as well if dispensed to an approved container.    

A can of Goof-Off from any hardware store and an old tooth brush will have it off in no time. Then just wipe off the residue with an old wrag.

If you can't find kerosene, diesel is a cousin, and JP5, JP8 or Jet A used in turbine engines are very close cousins to kero and for cleaning purposes will do the same.  When I want to clean some heavy grease, I tap off a pint or so from my diesel pickup's fuel system drain.  Occasionally I'll get a gallon or so in a can like I do gas for my mower.   Any airport that services or fuels helicopters or turbine aircraft should be able to sell you a bit of JP or Jet A as well if dispensed to an approved container.    

You can also use Tiki torch fuel and it kills mosquitos. 

I am the LAST guy who should be posting on this thread. As you were.

Nope I'm the last guy.

You can also get Kerosene at some gas stations....at least around me you can. It is normally in a pump by itself over in the corner and labelled K-1 Kerosene or something like that.

I don't think Ive ever seen a gas station around here that has that. not even the old ones that are still in buisness. I think I'll pay a little more attention at the places I fill up at to see what they got.

Do a Google search - Where to buy kerosene in Omaha, NE.  It comes up with a list:

http://www.superpage...e/S-NE/T-Omaha/

Disclaimer - May want to call first though. I actually only see 1 place that lists it specifically.

http://www.superpage...&dls=true&bpp=1

If you can't find kerosene, diesel is a cousin, and JP5, JP8 or Jet A used in turbine engines are very close cousins to kero and for cleaning purposes will do the same.  When I want to clean some heavy grease, I tap off a pint or so from my diesel pickup's fuel system drain.  Occasionally I'll get a gallon or so in a can like I do gas for my mower.   Any airport that services or fuels helicopters or turbine aircraft should be able to sell you a bit of JP or Jet A as well if dispensed to an approved container.    

You can also use Tiki torch fuel and it kills mosquitos. 

Its just kerosene but it is easier to find for some people in some areas.

Whelp, I gave it a go today. Pulled the chain and sprockets and began cleaning 26,000 miles worth of caked on chain lube.

[image: tumblr_mkt9mlmOL91s3k0p4o1_500.jpg]

The picture really doesn't do it justice; this stuff had apparently been there long enough to petrify. First I tried straight kerosene and a stiff bristled brush, no luck. Then I tried the gunk and kerosene mixture, no luck. Thought I'd let that sit awhile, came back an hour later, no luck. Frustrated, I broke out the carb cleaner and WHAMMY, the stuff turned to sludge. I got most of it cleaned up but ran out of daylight. 

I was stoked to find out that Cycle Gear has a chain tool-kit for $29.99. Only catch is you have to make another purchase; I bought a sticker and walked out the door for $32.00. I used it to press the old chain apart without grinding the rivets down first and it handled it like a champ.

http://www.cyclegear...t/p/36518_00000

Despite a sticker on the packaging that said "New Easier to Follow Instructions Included," there were no instructions. It is, however, a fairly simple tool to operate if you have any inkling of mechanical ability.

Good on you Hare. 

I would not use that stockton tool/cycle gear chain tool again to press out the link without grinding the pin first, those small pins in the tool are notoriously weak and will break frequently even on the first couple of push outs.

Its just kerosene but it is easier to find for some people in some areas.

Kerosene is available here in CA at Home Depot and Lowes, can't imagine it wouldn't be available in all 50 and Canada. I've used it, WD-40 and Simple Green to clean up. Some old wives tell a tale about Simple Green eating aluminum but I rinse as soon as I'm done and haven't had a problem. 

I had read that they are prone to breaking, but impatience got the best of me. It really seemed like it'd be hard to bend the pin with the guide snugged up against the chain. IDK? Dodged the bullet I suppose.

So where is the after picture?! That looks like some pretty bad gunk, I am curious as to how well it cleaned up.

Looks just like my Motion Pro....

[image: motionpro.jpg]
 

• [image: MOTION_PRO_CHAIN_RIVETING_TOOL-7564.jpg]
• [image: CHAIN_RIVETING_TOOL-900194331.jpg]

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The bike is still pretty dirty but obviously much better than it was; at least I can park it without being embarrassed now. The weather was too nice today to be scrubbing a swingarm so I put it all together and hit the road. I'm very impressed with the el-cheapo chain tool; my first chain swap was a success. [image: thumbsup.gif]

[image: tumblr_mkuweikAvh1s3k0p4o1_500.jpg]

Stopped by the river to check my chain and couldn't resist snapping a picture. I love this machine.

[image: tumblr_mkuwgoXlSz1s3k0p4o1_500.jpg]

And that was with carb cleaner? Big improvement! Sent from my phone

Yup. I was scrubbing with the kerosene/gunk duo to no avail but carb cleaner literally blew the gunk away, albeit the thick stuff took some persuading.

Yup. I was scrubbing with the kerosene/gunk duo to no avail but carb cleaner literally blew the gunk away, albeit the thick stuff took some persuading.

 
Scrubbing? man that sounds like alot of work, are you running chain wax or something

Many years ago, not on the vfr, but another bike, I was having trouble finding a good street lube, cause I was having front sprocket wear issues, ninga stars by 10 or 15,000 miles. Dry lubes, teflon lubes, chain wax, 90 weight just not cutting it, either didnt hold up or attracted to much dirt or hard to get off Non lubed parts of the bike. I thought it was hopeless.

Then by chance , I was at a cycle gear, and this guy said he heard good things about the Motorex strong street green can(not available in california). I decided to try it and Holy moly, outstanding film strength, cleans easily with wd, and quelched my sprocket wear rates to nada. Never bothered with anything else since. Im still on the original rear vfr sprocket over 100,000 miles, but I did replace the front back around 53,000 miles, and it still had another 10,000 miles on it easily. Im convinced after trying everything known to man, there's no better longevity lube and ease of use on the market for the street, than Motorex strong street.

Kerosene starts to smell bad in a couple of months so I still use good
old gasoline on my customers bikes because its works the best and its
always handy... I scrub the pores with a fine copper brush found at
any Gun cleaning supplier and look it would take you only 9 days of
sanding and polishing to remove all the rough casting marks and bring
out the luster of the aluminum...

[image: gallery_3131_51_24023.jpg]
[image: gallery_3131_51_87607.jpg]

BLS always bustin out the motorcycle porn fapfapfap

I think we need to send you our swing arms, did you clear coat it afterwards?

[image: gallery_3131_51_24023.jpg]

Scrubbing? man that sounds like alot of work, are you running chain wax or something

Im convinced after trying everything known to man, there's no better longevity lube and ease of use on the market for the street, than Motorex strong street.

That's the wax that came on the chain; I'm gonna have to give Motorex a shot. It's gotta be good if Cali banned it.

Kerosene starts to smell bad in a couple of months so I still use good
old gasoline on my customers bikes because its works the best and its
always handy... I scrub the pores with a fine copper brush found at
any Gun cleaning supplier and look it would take you only 9 days of
sanding and polishing to remove all the rough casting marks and bring
out the luster of the aluminum...

Now that is plain insanity. I don't think my elbow would ever forgive me.

Its a very heavy synthetic lithium film base, but breaks down easily with wd40, quelchs metal to metal contact Big time. If you need to save money on sprocket purchases, it works well for that purpose.

For general cleaning of my 5th gens I use Heavy Duty Degreaser from Sam's Club, sprayed on, then scrubed with a toothbrush. Rinse and repeat until clean. For bodywork, Honda Cleaner and Polish.   

That's the wax that came on the chain; I'm gonna have to give Motorex a shot. It's gotta be good if Cali banned it.

You might want to try a different product, I'm pretty sure the Motorex is available here in Calif.

That's the wax that came on the chain; I'm gonna have to give Motorex a shot. It's gotta be good if Cali banned it.

 
You might want to try a different product, I'm pretty sure the Motorex is available here in Calif.

 

Motorex is available in California, just not the type I speak of , its illegal in California


http://www.motorcycl...ong-Street.aspx

on the can it says illegal for sale in california

would anyone recomend taking a pressure washer to the bike without the farings on?

When I got my bike little over a year ago it looked clean on the outside but this early spring i removed all the fairings to find that it has not seen day light for quite some time, and the previous owner lived on a dirt road so its quite nasty.

I was concerned about all the eltrical components of the bike.

I like to use WD-40 and choke cleaner for getting oil and grease off the bike.

not a bad idea depending on which spray nozzle you have, do not ever get near the chain with it though, also might consider a self serve car wash and keep that nozzle away from the chain as well.

you will be going through your electrical connections after and spraying with WD, right?

would anyone recomend taking a pressure washer to the bike without the farings on?

When I got my bike little over a year ago it looked clean on the outside but this early spring i removed all the fairings to find that it has not seen day light for quite some time, and the previous owner lived on a dirt road so its quite nasty.

I was concerned about all the eltrical components of the bike.

I like to use WD-40 and choke cleaner for getting oil and grease off the bike.

 I do it all the time. I take the fairings off and pressure wash probably once a year. When I am replacing a chain, I take off the covers and blast all that funk out.

 Use common sense. Dont spray water into componets.

 I also keep my bearings well greased and electrical connectors protected.

 A lot of times if the bike is very dirty I soak the dirty areas with honda polish or wd. I then pressure wash it off and use simple green to clean further. My ride has 70k miles and it is not a problem, just be smart about it. Dont wash it and let it sit either. I also detail and ride immediatly. I had my swingarm apart recently and no sign of water anywhere.

:blush:   lol missed that post. thanks for the requote!

not a bad idea depending on which spray nozzle you have, do not ever get near the chain with it though, also might consider a self serve car wash and keep that nozzle away from the chain as well.

you will be going through your electrical connections after and spraying with WD, right?

WD and dialectric grease...

why keep the nozzle from the chain? as long as i grease it good afterwards I should be good right?

It can force water past the sealed O rings. Very bad for chains.

I use the Pro Honda Chain Cleaner all over on my bike.  It absolutely melts anything related to grease, oil, and tar that it comes across with very little elbow grease.  I use it in conjunction with a plastic bristled brush on metal parts and on a rag for plastic parts.  I've used it on my fairings for over a year now with no issues and will happily continue to do so.  I turned my local Honda dealer on to it after finding it at another dealership.  They have since then started carrying it and all their techs use it as well.  I've not found  a better cleaner for what it is needed for.  Dirt and general filth are washed off with regular car soap and water.

http://asp-us.secure...5&startPage=223

Honda Part Number : 08732-CHC00

It can force water past the sealed O rings. Very bad for chains.

Negative... water can not pass an O ring held in tension between the plates on a chain... it works as effectively as the O ring on your Dip Stick...

It can force water past the sealed O rings. Very bad for chains.

Negative... water can not pass an O ring held in tension between the plates on a chain... it works as effectively as the O ring on your Dip Stick...

[image: think%20with%20your%20dip%20stick%20jimmy.jpg]

Now what is that name again of rings that go round your dipstick?????   :unsure:  

It can force water past the sealed O rings. Very bad for chains.

Negative... water can not pass an O ring held in tension between the plates on a chain... it works as effectively as the O ring on your Dip Stick...

Larry you may be right but just as I would not point a pressure washer or car wash wand at my dipstick I am not going to point one at the plates on my chain either.

You may be absolutely right but I am not the guy who will be confirming it anytime soon. 

I may take a chain that was removed from an old 500 and lay it on the ground and hit it to see if any grease comes out but I probably wont unless I think of this thread the next time I have the pressure washer fired up or the next time i get bird poop on my truck or need to wash off the soilent green pollen that is covering the southeast right now.