Maintaining motorcycle paintwork?

[the_lone_wolf]

Hi all

Very new to this detailing malarky, but interested in keeping my car, and to a greater extent my bike, in better condition:

Just picked her up on saturday, jet black colour so it'll show every swirl:



Are there any special things to consider when polishing / waxing a bike that would mean it's unsafe to use certain car products?

The bike only really gets used when it's sunny so the idea would be to keep the shine and mirror finish for as long as possible on a vehicle with relatively thin (compared to a car) paint

Am I right in thinking the basic process is Wash >> Clay Bar >> Polish >> Wax ???

Any particular products you'd recommend? I'm not quite into the same league as that guy who had the astra and all his paint thickness gauges etc etc, but it'd be nice to keep her looking good

Thanks in advance

[PJ S]

Procedure is what it needs, rather than a set regime each time.
First time round, it'll probably need the clay bar used, but a bit of clingfilm over the fingertips after rinsing will confirm that.
Polishing, as in removing swirls - if you want. Presumably you're referring to hand polishing as opposed to machine, in which case Autoglym SRP or Dodo Juice Lime Prime.
You'll need a good applicator, so grad a pair of the Sonus ones from ThePolishingCompany.com
While you're there, may as well get some 303 Aerospace Protectant to do the interior of the car with, wiperblades, exterior rubber trim.

I'd suggest going for a glut of Bilt Hamber products, which will keep costs moderate, and provide a good starting point.
Surfex HD for degreasing and other lighter duties at lower concentrations 3-5% and 10% are the main strengths you'll need to use it at.
Auto-clay - clay bar that uses water as the lubricant.
Auto-wash - as the name suggests, shampoo.
Auto-balm - paste based sealant (not a "wax") to protect the paintwork and chrome/stainless steel. Don't use on foot rests for very obvious reasons!

[Phil 46]

Gorgeous machine! i was looking at one of these the other day, wish they made a 1000 version

[the_lone_wolf]

Phil 46 said:

Gorgeous machine! i was looking at one of these the other day, wish they made a 1000 version

the rumour mills are always turning but i did see some concept pics of a 675 type bike with the 1050 engine in it the other day...

PJS, my apologies, i meant to return to this thread and thank you for your advice, i'll start looking out some products and hopefully keep her looking good

[the_lone_wolf]

PJ S - Just did the bike yesterday, degreased all the greasy bits, washed, clayed, polished and balmed

very happy with the finish, clay didn't pick up much but it's only done 600 dry miles so wasn't expecting a lot to come off

Thanks for the advice, I'll have to attack the car sometime soon, 50,000 miles on that and never been properly detailed before so should be ready for it!!!

[brakedust]

Gorgeous bike there fella, just got mile last week and will be using the Auto-Balm and Auto-Glym SRP as I use that on my TVR now thanks to PJ S

[motorbreath]

Not being funny, but Mr sheen works a treat! That and a auto glym did the job fine, especially when you cant be arsed (or dont have time).

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t286/avinall/KT...

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t286/avinall/KT...

Dont know how to post pics on here so they pop up so links it is... taking into account this bikes done nearly 36k

Edited by motorbreath on Thursday 30th April 20:38

[P17_GTA]

Anyone use detailing sprays on bikes?
Is the new megs one any good, or are car ones fine?

[PJ S]

A QD is a QD, irrespective of what paintwork it's being applied to.
So get whichever one takes your fancy.