Keeping it Clean?

[chris]

One thing I've noticed about all the 2nd hand beemers I looked at when I was shopping was how clean they all seem to be. Is this because the bike is so well made or just that the owners love them so much they can't stop polishing?
As I plan to ride all winter I was wondering how the finishes hold up to salt corrosion and if anyone has tried ACF-50 anti-corrosion formula spray? A friend here used it last winter on his new Kawasaki and it still looks like a new bike after four months of road salt.

[Boxer]

Most of us bought the self-cleaning package from the dealer. If you did not get it, you have been scammed.

The bike cleans itself. New German engineering.

[GeoffJ]

I've got a 'self-cleaning' package for sale. Just kidding.

I've found that BMWs have durable paint and other finishes that hold up well over the years. This is one of the reasons they offer a nice resale value.

I never heard of ACF-50 anti-corrosion formula spray and I wouldn't recommend it. Sounds like it would gunk up the finish. What's more, it might plug the pores in the engine castings, which could inhibit cooling.

To keep the bike clean just wash it with a car wash solution. Don't use dish washing solution. It's too harsh. Wax painted surfaces and treat rubber with a preservative. Of course, you'll never want to apply preservative to tires.

[bmerchant]

Chris

I commute 90 miles a day all year on southern (softie) roads so know a bit about cleaning.

I spray the main hard to get at bits with Castrol Bike Cleaner (I've tried 'em all and this is the best IMHO) and leave for a while. I then power wash with the cheapest/weakest power washer to clean off the majority of the crud. Then wash by hand with a car detergent - I use Halfords, not washing up liquid which has salt in it.

Nearly done. I then polish the plastic/painted bits just 'cos I like too, it doesn't help at all.

Last off I spray ScottOiler FS365 all over the hard to reach bits - dunno if it really does much but it 'freshens' things up - especially black painted bits like my recent Bonneville SE Black.

BTW, I have to resort to this process becuase my bike didn't come with the automatic cleaner. I think they only work in the US

[Doug]

You can wax wheels and other painted bits. I strongly recommend Liquid Glass!

[chris]

Barry
I'd seen that ScottOiler FS365 stuff at Busters, will get some. I usually do the same as you, soak it with muc off or motoclean which is great at dissolving grease, then gentle pressure wash, sponge it over and wax. I use Mer wax.
I was curious as to how the beemers stand up to salt as most bikes I've had have given in eventually despite my best efforts. About 8 years back I found a storeroom behind the wall next to my office and had them put a door through so I have my own private garage. I can work on my bike at lunchtime and keep an eye on it all day. I even put in a hot water hose and air line to the compressor so I can rinse and dry it when I get there.

[Kevin50r]

Try to make it to the bash in Marietta. I'll be there and it may be your only chance to see a dirty 1150r. Mine gets cleaned about twice a year sometimes less!

Anyone here from Kentucky. I rode thru there a couple years ago and got coal dust/mud all over my bike. After a couple good washes, (two a year remember) I still find spots of that gray, hard stuff. It sure is tenacious.

[acejones]

I just got back from 1500 miles through Mexico and my bike is filthy. I wash it about 2-3 times a year. It's a BMW, not a Harley !

[GeoffJ]

Liquid Glass is good stuff. I use it on my Corvette.

Y'all be careful with those pressure washers. I have one but never use it on my bike. Pressurized water can force its way into guages, which causes condensation and fogging on warm days. It can also damage gaskets or force its way past wheel bearing seals.

[dwayne]

Most of us bought the self-cleaning package from the dealer. If you did not get it, you have been scammed.

The bike cleans itself. New German engineering.

Self cleaning...thats why I told my wife I don't do housework...the place is self cleaning...if I leave it long enough....VIOLA! clean, magically. Yup, many a night spent on the couch me. LOL

[towerworker]

What is this stuff about pores in the engine castings?

Wayne
03r

[yjleesvrr]

You guys wax your bikes?

I wash each of my steeds about twice a year. That includes my truck and sedan. Oops! No, I haven't washed my truck in 3 years...

When I do wash my bikes, I use that S100 stuff on the engine and then rinse with a bucket of water (not caring to get all of it off). I use a sponge with regular car detergent for the rest. Next time I ride through rain (which I often do), my engine gets even cleaner because I didn't get all of the S100 off. And no, I have yet to experience it burning and leaving a residue on the motor.

My method doesn't work well if you want your bike looking like DJ's. But I'm too lazy to be as fanatical as DJ! He and DSKYZD got to have the cleanest motorcycles on the planet!

[dwayne]

You guys wax your bikes?

I wash each of my steeds about twice a year. That includes my truck and sedan. Oops! No, I haven't washed my truck in 3 years...

When I do wash my bikes, I use that S100 stuff on the engine and then rinse with a bucket of water (not caring to get all of it off). I use a sponge with regular car detergent for the rest. Next time I ride through rain (which I often do), my engine gets even cleaner because I didn't get all of the S100 off. And no, I have yet to experience it burning and leaving a residue on the motor.

My method doesn't work well if you want your bike looking like DJ's. But I'm too lazy to be as fanatical as DJ! He and DSKYZD got to have the cleanest motorcycles on the planet!

Umm, I never use wax. I use polish though. Zaino Brothers is by far the best IMHO.. Wax is okay but you'll never get the shine that a good polish and clay baring will give you, agian IMHO.

[KHaynes]

I've found a cleaning product for just about every piece of crud that has been on my bike. I am almost a compulsive cleaner and, along with DJ Downunder, I profess to have the cleanest bike(s) in Australia. To me, keeping it clean seems to go with owning a BMW.

[GeoffJ]

To me, keeping it clean seems to go with owning a BMW.

I agree. It's about pride in ownership.

[jm1515]

I've found a cleaning product for just about every piece of crud that has been on my bike. I am almost a compulsive cleaner and, along with DJ Downunder, I profess to have the cleanest bike(s) in Australia. To me, keeping it clean seems to go with owning a BMW.

I'm with you here...
After every ride I spritz my R with GlassPlus and maybe some bug remover in strategic places and towel off...takes me about 20min, including the wheels.
Anal, I know....

[prosper13]

Hi Chris,

I used the ACF-50 spray last fall to prepare the bike for winter. It puts a long-lasting greasy coating all over the bike, and indeed helps protect it against road-salt (and turns it bright and shiny, especially the black plastic parts). Nevertheless your chrome exhaust pipes will be corroded after winter Last winter even more than the previous one, since it lasted so much longer.

I spent all afternoon yesterday scrubbing the exhaust pipes with chrome polish applied on steel wool (is this correct?). This way of working was recommended by my dealer, and indeed, I can now proudly parade this beautiful bike for everyone to see and admire

[DJ Downunder]

I spent all afternoon yesterday scrubbing the exhaust pipes with chrome polish applied on steel wool (is this correct?). This way of working was recommended by my dealer, and indeed, I can now proudly parade this beautiful bike for everyone to see and admire

You did good...btw..they're not chrome plated...they look it..but they're polished Stainless Steel.

Chrome polish and steel wool is fine..any metal Polish is good.

DJ

[iowabeakster]

my tip for those with black motors.

I take a small foam paint brush. One that is small enough to fit between the engine fins. I paint a thin coating of Amour-all or some such stuff. It's like painting "new". I slop it on anything black: the rubber, plastic, cables. Real quick, real sloppy looks like showroom in a few minutes.


Then I get stuck on a gravel detour

[chris]

I'll be trying that ACF50 come next winter! Would have thought steel wool would scratch the finish but I suppose if they're pretty filty after winter you have to get nasty with it!

What's armour all? Never come across it>