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Safe way to clean/detail tires?

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    Safe way to clean/detail tires?

    So I picked up a '76 KZ900 a few weeks ago and the tires have decent tread but they look like crap. Obviously I won't be spraying any armor-all on them. My plan was to give them a good cleaning with soap/water or diluted Simple Green and soft brush but I am sure they will still be grey-ish.

    Anyone have a safe way to bring them back looking decent?

    #2
    Originally posted by russr33 View Post
    So I picked up a '76 KZ900 a few weeks ago and the tires have decent tread but they look like crap. Obviously I won't be spraying any armor-all on them. My plan was to give them a good cleaning with soap/water or diluted Simple Green and soft brush but I am sure they will still be grey-ish.

    Anyone have a safe way to bring them back looking decent?
    Before you waste your time, what does the date code say on the tire. Just because it has decent tread on the tire doesn't mean they are safe to ride on.
    sigpicMrBill Been a GSR member on and off since April 2002
    1980 GS 750E Bought new in Feb of 1980
    2015 CAN AM RTS


    Stuff I've done to my bike:dancing: 1100E front end with new Sonic springs, 1100E swing arm conversion with new Progressive shocks installed, 530 sprockets/chain conversion, new SS brake lines, new brake pads. New SS fasteners through out. Rebuilt carbs, new EBC clutch springs and horn installed. New paint. Motor runs strong.

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      #3
      I have used Back to Black on sidewalls with pretty good results.

      Comment


        #4
        Originally posted by Vmass View Post
        I have used Back to Black on sidewalls with pretty good results.
        Yep Joe had said the same thing. I have some so will try it.

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          #5
          shoe polish
          GSX1300R NT650 XV535

          Comment


            #6
            You can pretty much use any tire shine product as long as you ONLY do the sidewall and NEVER on the area which contacts the road...
            But check you date codes before you start cleaning. Might not be usable even though they have good thread left.

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              #7
              I've been told by people who work at tire shops that most of the spray-on tire-shine products will actually break down the rubber on the sidewalls.

              Hmm. Hang on a sec... Just how much of a sidewall is there on most motorcycle tires anyway?

              I would say if they can't be cleaned up with soap and water to your satisfaction then either deal with them or buy new ones.
              Charles
              --
              1979 Suzuki GS850G

              Read BassCliff's GSR Greeting and Mega-Welcome!

              Comment


                #8
                Originally posted by Vmass View Post
                I have used Back to Black on sidewalls with pretty good results.
                Never thought of that before until I saw this thread...

                Results last night...
                No signature :(

                Comment


                  #9
                  Mother's back to black?
                  sigpicMrBill Been a GSR member on and off since April 2002
                  1980 GS 750E Bought new in Feb of 1980
                  2015 CAN AM RTS


                  Stuff I've done to my bike:dancing: 1100E front end with new Sonic springs, 1100E swing arm conversion with new Progressive shocks installed, 530 sprockets/chain conversion, new SS brake lines, new brake pads. New SS fasteners through out. Rebuilt carbs, new EBC clutch springs and horn installed. New paint. Motor runs strong.

                  Comment


                    #10
                    Originally posted by trevor View Post
                    Never thought of that before until I saw this thread...

                    Results last night...
                    Great looking bike!

                    (All it needs are pods, jets and the seat strap. )
                    1982 GS1100E V&H "SS" exhaust, APE pods, 1150 oil cooler, 140 speedo, 99.3 rear wheel HP, black engine, '83 red

                    2016 XL883L sigpic Two-tone blue and white. Almost 42 hp! Status: destroyed, now owned by the insurance company. The hole in my memory starts an hour before the accident and ends 24 hours after.

                    Comment


                      #11
                      Originally posted by Rob S. View Post
                      Great looking bike!

                      (All it needs are pods, jets and the seat strap. )
                      Thanks Rob...lol on the pods. Too much work. It has a stage one now. As for the strap, it was tearing apart so I ditched it. Going to have the seat recovered soon.
                      No signature :(

                      Comment


                        #12
                        Originally posted by Rob S. View Post
                        Great looking bike!

                        (All it needs are pods, jets and the seat strap. )
                        Um NO...looks great like it is.
                        sigpicMrBill Been a GSR member on and off since April 2002
                        1980 GS 750E Bought new in Feb of 1980
                        2015 CAN AM RTS


                        Stuff I've done to my bike:dancing: 1100E front end with new Sonic springs, 1100E swing arm conversion with new Progressive shocks installed, 530 sprockets/chain conversion, new SS brake lines, new brake pads. New SS fasteners through out. Rebuilt carbs, new EBC clutch springs and horn installed. New paint. Motor runs strong.

                        Comment

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