Best way to clean a dirty bike?

[1980Gs250]

So I would like to start some cleanup whilst waiting for parts. Whats the best way to remove a lot of the old grime and dirt? Would taking a waterhose to it be a bad idea?

[GateKeeper]

simple green, scrub brushes, baby bottle scrub brushes, rags, clean water, car wash soap, elbow grease.

high pressure water can go where you don't want it to go, but can be used around non electrical areas, say around the swing arm, shocks, rims, to try and take off any built up crud

is the bike torn down, or together, what parts are you waiting for, could also play a role on how and what to clean

I used a pressure washer, but mine was down to a frame and almost nothing else on it

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[1980Gs250]

The parts I am waiting on are a new starter button kill switch master cylinder and caliper rebuild kit at the moment. the main areas id like to clean are around the engine swingarm and rear wheel. there appears to be a lot of road grime accumulated. The bike isnt really torn down. Although I plan to tear it down for a repaint once its running well.

simple green, scrub brushes, baby bottle scrub brushes, rags, clean water, car wash soap, elbow grease.

high pressure water can go where you don't want it to go, but can be used around non electrical areas, say around the swing arm, shocks, rims, to try and take off any built up crud

is the bike torn down, or together, what parts are you waiting for, could also play a role on how and what to clean

I used a pressure washer, but mine was down to a frame and almost nothing else on it

.

[salty_monk]

My friend swears by the orange degreaser wipes for everything....

[trevor]

+1 on the simple green! Lots of brushes too.

[bccap]

So I would like to start some cleanup whilst waiting for parts. Whats the best way to remove a lot of the old grime and dirt? Would taking a waterhose to it be a bad idea?

Best way ? That's easy. Show up at Trevor's with a two four.....

[trevor]

Best way ? That's easy. Show up at Trevor's with a two four.....

Yep that works too! Lol...what I lack in mechanical know how, I try to make up in "detailing". Lol..

[spyug]

I think he's closer to Gatekeeper. He's you're man for detailing on the right coast . Even gets paid for it......with real money........in advance Mind you it may take him awhile to get to it as he's got a new house to finish sorting out for the missus and 2 FZ750 to resurrect. Mind you money talks so flash some cash and he'll bump you to the head of the line.

Show us what you can do. Before and after shots please.

good luck,
spyug

[GateKeeper]

Thanks for the vote of confidence....

Interior of the house is all but completed, now we move onto the yard....and the outside, hot tub install, so we need a concrete pad poured, bushes trimmed and removed, and flowers planted...should be fun

Yes the Harley will get done, and so will the FZ's, well at least one....warm weather is upon us....

back to the OP, check out Trevors posts, or mine, or any of the other guys who have done what your about too, you will find all sorts of tips and tricks and ideas that will make it easy for you to get that bike nice and clean......

post lots of pictures....

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[SVSooke]

I like Canadian Tire's citrus engine degreaser for the real caked on grease.Tried others but it's the one that works best.

[MisterCinders]

For engine grime, hit the bad areas with a load of WD40, let soak, then scrub. After scrubbing use degreaser to wash off the grime and the WD40.

[trevor]

Found a new product today to make my black engine look new.
Here is how it turned out...
Yes Glenn you can borrow it for Eddie


Ok here is the kicker...I wanted to get S100 Black engine brightener but could not find it. So I went to my local Potato Shop, where I new they would have something for cleaning a black engine, lol. And found this stuff...don't ask how much..I'm embarrassed to say.

Ok..now here is the funny part..Later I took my dog to the dog park and realized I had no poop bags. A definate no no...Then I looked at my little Harley bag that the cleaner had come in, and thought, what better way to make use of it!LOL...My Dog thought it was funny too!!

[Son of the Beach]

I'm speechless...

[eddie21]

Ha ha! Poop-tato poop-tato poop-tato! I'm glad the HD product worked on a Suzuki, then it should work on the Kawi as well! Thanks Trevor!

[gustovh]

After you get it clean, nothing but Lemon Pledge, best windshield cleaner that you can find. Lemon Pledge will clean everything, and shine everything. Just spray on, let set a bit and wipe off, will not hurt anything on your bike.
V