Hi All, Ordered my first bike and researching maintenance and cleaning but getting lost with it all. one guy sprayed gt85 over whole engine/exhaust for protection...is this recommended? what would be the essentials? Muc off bike clean Muc off Matt finisher What for protection? Engine and exhaust? Also stuck for chain clean and lube? Dry/wet what’s best? bike is a bobber black and thanks in advance for any suggestions.
Wow mate, you will have opened a massive can of worms with this one There are so many differing views and opinions on this and depends on how deep you want to get in to it all. Some people are absolutely obsessive in their cleaning regime and find a special comfort in what they do and how they do it, followed by those that just like their bike to be visually clean and then there's me who will without fail clean my bike at least once a year using car shampoo and water Similarly with chain maintenance there are so many opinions on what is best (and I'm sure you will get all of them on this thread) but ultimately you will gravitate towards what you're happy with. For me I use a chain wax but have a watch of this for your own piece of mind
Thanks for the advice. Be using the bike probably 9 months for commute and weekend rides so will need to consider corrosion prevention. Great to be getting the bike but hadnt thought just how much the accessories, locks, lube etc would rinse my wallet!
I had the same when you start realising how much you need to think about but luckily for me I got an older bike with scars so I'm not as worried as you will be, but prevention is by far the best advice and putting a bit of extra cash into it now will save a whole load of cash fixing issues later. For ease I use motul chain cleaner and motul wet chain lube (I think it's wax) you pay a bit more for convenience but I don't do that many miles. Get it cleaned, waxed before and after winter and then use a spray on sealant after routine washes to keep it protected and easy to clean, just make sure whatever you use is safe for the materials bike is made out of and painted in
I have owned bikes for ~40 years and have a simple cleaning and lubricating regime that hasn’t varied much but this is based on my bikes always being garaged at night and never left salty when riding during the Winter. Muc-off motorcycle cleaner Muc-off motorcycle protectant ACF-50 (I previously used WD-40) Silkolene wet chain lube (I have some Muc-off dry lube but they say the chain needs to be thoroughly cleaned before switching from wet to dry lube) Lots of rags
Sdoc 100 cleaner ACF50 for prevention as previously stated. I use the muc off bike polish as it was bought as a present but it does seem pretty good. I would however take the Stuart fillingham stuff with a pinch of salt as he spouts some absolute claptrap these days.
Waxoyl is very good but looks a mess. I spray the underside, hubs, brake calipers and a few bolts, nooks and crannies of my Street Twin with it. Hardly notice the waxy/matt finish in those places and gives peace of mind, especially if salt on roads. Normal wax on painted parts is under-rated in my view, even spray on liquid wax for fiddly bits. I used to spray the whole bike with ACF50, but muck sticks to it and builds up quickly unlike wax where muck slips off. So now mostly just puff the ACF50 into the hidden bits, under the tank, seat, side panels etc. Always hose off after a trip on salted roads, even if no time to dry it after.
I could'nt possibly acuse you of being in feckwit mode brother....... however I tend to use it fairly sparingly so it seems to be lasting ok . I used the muc off one once and it stained the seat so i stay away from it now. Their bike polish is pretty darn good though.