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General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Best way to clean and polish the Savage?
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Message started by spacepirates on 04/02/08 at 07:50:31

Title: Best way to clean and polish the Savage?
Post by spacepirates on 04/02/08 at 07:50:31

I've been riding on and off through winter instead of properly putting the bike away for the season, and the elements have taken their toll on the bike.

I'm looking for suggestions on the best (safest, easiest, cheapest, etc) ways to really clean up a bike and make it shine.

The chrome is tarnished up, and in some places beginning to rust :'(. All I've been able to do so far is take a polishing cloth to what chrome I can get to and use some elbow grease, which gets off the really bad stuff but doesn't even come close to the shine it should have.

What do you guys do to clean up a bike and protect it? What brand of wax do you recommend? What do you use to get rid of rust spots? Do you know of any way to remove the "bluing" of a non-stock (Jardine) muffler?

I'll have to wait a few weeks to actually be able to clean my bike up, but I'll try to post before and after pics when I do!

Thanks!

Title: Re: Best way to clean and polish the Savage?
Post by furious70 on 04/02/08 at 07:56:24

Depending on the quality of the chrome, you can use #0000 steel wool on it to get rid of rust and corrosion. If the chrome is thin, this can scratch and damage the chrome, so be careful. But if it's rusted, you need something abrasive to knock that off, polishing rags or creams likely won't cut it.

Title: Re: Best way to clean and polish the Savage?
Post by steely on 04/02/08 at 08:15:42

I have always had really good luck with Eagle One Never Dull chrome polish. I put it on and buff with some 0000 steel wool. Then follow up with more Never Dull and a soft cloth buffing. Be certain that the steel wool is 0000 because anything courser will cloud or scratch the finish.

Title: Re: Best way to clean and polish the Savage?
Post by photojoe on 04/02/08 at 09:07:03

After doing the same research, I decided on Autosol for my chrome. For now, I'm using it on parts that are just starting to show signs of pitting and it's working well. Putting it on, rubbing it in, then polishing with a microfiber polishing cloth. I found it here: http://www.winterbrookfarmantiques.com/index.php?cPath=180&osCsid=07f27d218824327fe485e8b842703bf0. Bought the 2 tubes for $15.85. I'll probably use the steel wool method on my spokes, which are rusted pretty bad.

Title: Re: Best way to clean and polish the Savage?
Post by skrapiron on 04/02/08 at 10:52:34

I use Simoniz Chrome cleaner. Rub it on, let it sit, buff it off. It removes rust, reduces golding (won't budge it if its already blued), removes melted plastic (I cant get my kids to keep their feet on the bloody pegs!), tar, sap, road grime and leaves the surface bright and shiny.

For the paint, I just use a regular car wax and a soft towel.

Title: Re: Best way to clean and polish the Savage?
Post by bill67 on 04/02/08 at 11:15:36

I use clay bar to clean things up,and use Zaino bros show polish,it gives it a mirror shine and easy to use I've been using it for about 20 years.

Title: Re: Best way to clean and polish the Savage?
Post by spacepirates on 04/02/08 at 11:42:20

Should I be worried about getting any of these polishers/cleaners on leather saddlebags and/or a stock seat?

Not that I am particularly messy, but if you tell me X cleaner will burn a hole through my saddlebags, I'd probably just remove the bags all together for the cleaning process.

Where can I find some of these cleaners/polishers? I know that is kind of location-dependent, but it would be much easier (and probably cheaper) to pick up a cleaner from a chain store (auto-zone, sears, etc...) rather than a local dealer (who tend to charge you an arm and a leg for everything under the sun).

Title: Re: Best way to clean and polish the Savage?
Post by steely on 04/03/08 at 15:35:22

The Eagle One will not damage your seat or paint. It is available at most auto parts houses, and is not real spendy. I haven't used any of the others, so I can't comment on them.

Title: Re: Best way to clean and polish the Savage?
Post by sluggo on 04/03/08 at 18:43:44

uhh........ get the kids to do it. :o

Title: Re: Best way to clean and polish the Savage?
Post by FreeSpirit on 04/03/08 at 19:03:01

I like Meguiars Quik Detailer.
(Enhances gloss between waxing ,Ideal for fast touch up)........I use it every other ride(at least),so my bike never gets too dirty looking. Makes it look real pretty and shiny ;) And quick to use.

And as some one said ,the Eagle One Never dull.....on any rust! I'm still picky about my bike,havent had it a year yet :) Gets surface rust off fast!

(okay,there's my 2 cents worth ;)

Title: Re: Best way to clean and polish the Savage?
Post by Max_Morley on 04/03/08 at 20:30:35

Grime is not a crime, it is the sign of bike that is used as intended, not a garage /trailer queen. Max

Title: Re: Best way to clean and polish the Savage?
Post by Robertomoe on 04/03/08 at 22:17:03

there's a point where you need to clean it up a little-

the traffic cop giving me directions gave me a kidney shot on that one:
"are you a college student"
"yeah"
"is this all you could afford?"
"pretty much"
"alright, :) have a nice day"

maybe he was a "weekend" rider though ::)