Folks, I'm trying to develop a wash sequence for my new bike(2018 SP1) I have a lot of kit from doing the same with cars however is there anything I should be particularly mindful of my doing to this bike? TFT screen area and chain? I propose to: Snow foam the entire bike, Rinse, Muck off spray, Rinse, Car shampoo, Rinse, Dry What polish would you advice if any? I normally would spray engine components with light even coating of ACF50 once dry. Mike
Hi mate, if it’s a new bike to you I would do the whole lot then seal it as will only need maintenance washes after that. I would go something like Citrus wash Rinse snowfoam Rinse Shampoo Rinse Clay Rinse Polish Then seal with a good wax/sealant or ceramic coat Muck off is basically truck wash so wouldn’t use that but sdoc do something similar but better. As for polish I use autobright products like cherry glaze.
Is there any physical 'rubbing' or 'agitation' with sponge or brush in either of these sequences? ..you know, for the stubborn crap? ...or are these products in this sequence good enough.
Only on the shampoo phase for me.....I use wash mitt for the bodywork and mf cloth or sponge on the wheels and tires(never allowing it to go anywhere else on the car/bike) I don't like using brushes at any stage! I never allow anything to get that dirty it would require the use of one!
I’d say if the bikes a garage queen then the products are enough apart from the shampoo and mitt, if it’s used in all weathers then areas like the bottom of the shock/linkage might need agitating? The good thing with the products I use mate is you only have to put the hard work in once then it’s pretty much a quick rinse
In addition I would add: Swirls are made during the contact stages, I use a combination of multiple mitts and buckets with grid guards. Separate bucket for wheels/undertray and body work. Bought 10 wool mitts off ebay for £12 so essentially the mitt is not used twice during a wash. I do use brushes but specific detail brushes, good at getting into the nooks and crannies Pressure washer is both your friend and worst enemy keep it away from bearing and radiator fins. Also just worked out my vacuum has a blow function great for non contact drying
Great tips fellas. Think I'm going to get a plan together. Might buy one of the menzerna kits you referred to in a previous thread @Slick to finish it all off.
Have to add the Menzerna compound/polishes should really be seen as a one off paint correction kit before you seal with a coat. The 400 is for random deep scratches, 2500 for swirls and 3800 to remove hazing and bring on a mirror finish. If you intend on coating and your paint work is good you may only need a one step polish. I cant recommended the Menzerna stuff enough though, if @raphael uses it on gold its good enough on a Honda! In any case I will be using on the family cars too!
