Bike Detailing

[Shake&Bake]

A couple of quick questions for the professionals if you don't mind. I posted in the Middle East section looking for a detailer in Qatar but no responses, so looks like I may have to have a go myself. I have had by my car detailed before in the UK by G and know that it would take years to try and even get close to the finishes of professionals but there are no pro's here (which is quiet unusual considering the metal here!)

Anyway I bought a new bike here in December and to be honest I am not happy with the finish to the bike. There are no major marks on it but it has numerous swirlmarks that I want to hopefully remove. I have tried by hand using products received from G last year, which have reduced them but I can still see them. So my questions

1. Has anyone detailed a bike before and how deep is the paint compared to a car specifically a Ducati.
2. Is it recommended for a non pro to use a machine polisher as I think this is the only way to get it looking the way I think it should. What machine would you recommend?
3. What is the best product to use to protect the bike from the weather. i.e. strong winds and lots of sand equal very large sandblaster!! I am contemplating getting some form of clear wrap once I have the paint sorted.

Thanks fo reading and look forward to your responses.

[Auto finesse]

Hi

To answer some of your questions:

1. Has anyone detailed a bike before and how deep is the paint compared to a car specifically a Ducati.

iv have only detailed a handful of bikes in the time iv been detailing, paint work wise are usually the same type as on a car, as for thickness id not be able to even guess, but there should be more than enough to safely give it a polish to remove some swirling.



2. Is it recommended for a non pro to use a machine polisher as I think this is the only way to get it looking the way I think it should. What machine would you recommend?

You should be fine with a dual action polisher (DA) yes, but a rotary on something with all the angles and edges etc a bike has id say no not to start with. Your obviously not going to be able or confident enough to create the type of finish a skilled professional will, but just play it safe and take it slowly and you should get some decent results with the right products and equipment.



3. What is the best product to use to protect the bike from the weather. i.e. strong winds and lots of sand equal very large sandblaster!! I am contemplating getting some form of clear wrap once I have the paint sorted.

Maybe look at a sealant, id recommend Zaino


If you want more info and some guides on how to use and polisher, what polishes, pads and so on, i get your self on www.detailingworld.co.uk you should find all you need to know to set your self on the way to sorting out the paint on your bike.


HTH

James B

[RemaL]

I detail/keep my bike very clean. I have a Speed Triple so no need for machien use. Pain on most monder bikes are rather thin. I would rather apply wax, sealents by hand than machine personally.

Also ACF50 does a great job of protecting and keeping the bike free from rust. also FK1000P is great and been using this as well as Dodo Juice Hard candy Wax. works thread

Edited by RemaL on Saturday 30th January 12:35

[Shake&Bake]

Thanks for the advice guys, much appreciated.

[PJ S]

No regular sealant is going to protect against the sandblasting effect, but a clear wrap will, or some of the newer sealants starting to come to market may, with their glass-like hardness.
Pro application only though, and not much different from wrapping costs.

[RemaL]

forgot to add I have ventureshield on my Triple and working a treat of protecting the paint