Cleaning your GSX1400 - an outline

[gsxbarmy]

So here's what I use @VladTepes

- Wheel Cleaner: I use Bilt Hamber Auto Wheel Cleaner (not sure if this is available down under) as what I like about it is that is aggressive on dirt and brake dust but not on the wheels (many wheels cleaners like wonder wheels have a certain amount of acid in them to cut through the crud which gives you very limited time to work with it). I've also used Valet PRO Bilberry Wheel Cleaner (which is probably available down under) - its excellent, but I find the Bilt Hamber a bit better. Neither is aggressive to the wheel or the paintwork, but does cut through the crud. You just need to let it dwell for a while.

- Foam: I assume you mean Snowfoam. I use the Autoglym Polar Blast Snow Foam applied with a Meguiars Foam nozzle as I find it tends to "stick" a lot longer to the dirt and not just roll off (although it all depends how the gun is set up)

- small polishing machines: Personally I have the Meguairs G220 which I've found very good - many people like the DAS6 as an option as well, very similar to the G220 (although the G220 has now been updated to the MT320).

- surface protectant for plastics - Meguiar's Boat Marine Plastx Clear Plastic Cleaner & Polish. in between (quick washes) I top this up using ArmorAll to just take off any water marks after washing (so I use ArmorAll as a Detailer in between full polishes)

[DP1400]

I guess the way in which you clean your `14 depends a lot on whether its a daily ride (an all weather machine), or whether its used as often as possible in decent and good weather. Thankfully, my `14 slots nicely into the latter category. I do my best to keep it really, really nice, but, I don`t spend hours shining every nut & bolt. Personally I prefer a level of patina reflecting the miles covered etc. etc.
On that basis, my cleaning technique may sound a little basic to the purists our there, buy hey, it works really well. So here goes:-

Firstly, having no main stand fitted i always wash/clean the bike on a paddock stand ensuring that both sides are equally accessible.
I`ll then stuff old rags into each exhaust outlet to ensure no direct water ingress. After an initial light spray over with a hosepipe i`ll wash the entire bike with hot soapy water using a sponge. All of the hard to get places inc. between the engine fins and beneath the block i use a car wheel brush - i find these get everywhere that i can`t access with the sponge and are perfect to clean the underside of the bike too. Once completed i`ll wrinse the entire bike off and give it a quick wipe down using one of those moisture absorbent cloths (which are readily available in numerous outlets). Then, having `junked` the rags from the end cans i fire the bike up and leave it ticking over for a few minutes. The excess moisture soon evaporates.

I use the following for the final `finish` - all of which i really rate and have been using for years:-

Painted metal, plastics & general chrome - Auto Glym super resin polish.
Alloy - Solvol Autosol.
Rear wheel (yep, mines white!!) - Gunk engine degreasant spray. Spray it on, leave for 5 mins, agitate with a 1.5" gloss type paintbrush and rinse off with soapy water. Good as new!
Finally, i`ll apply Muc-Off dry or wet chain lube inside and outside of the moving chain.

Job done and ready to roll.....

[Hooli]

I don't understand the concept of this thread.

[gsxbarmy]

I don't understand the concept of this thread.

[VladTepes]

Thanks @gsxbarmy barmy . Yeah that's what I meant (snow foam).
Do you clean the chain first before washing the bike?
I reckon it makes sense to clean the chain first then wheels, then wash / dry / polish, then lube chain at the end before putting the bike away . Yeah?


I'm gonna head to https://www.carcareproducts.com.au/ outlet at Murarrie on Saturday to pick up some bits and pieces for the car and bike.

This will include a snow foam lance because - fun ! (and the New Mazda 3 looks WAY better when its clean).


So maybe I'll wash the bike this weekend - it sure needs it !

[Hooli]

I wash my chain first, in paraffin, along with the wheel, rear sprocket, swing arm & bits of the rear bodywork as it gets chain lube off. Rinse with water  & then wash the bike.

As you say, it makes sense.

[gsxbarmy]

Thanks @gsxbarmy barmy . Yeah that's what I meant (snow foam).
Do you clean the chain first before washing the bike?
I reckon it makes sense to clean the chain first then wheels, then wash / dry / polish, then lube chain at the end before putting the bike away . Yeah?


I'm gonna head to https://www.carcareproducts.com.au/ outlet at Murarrie on Saturday to pick up some bits and pieces for the car and bike.

This will include a snow foam lance because - fun ! (and the New Mazda 3 looks WAY better when its clean).


So maybe I'll wash the bike this weekend - it sure needs it !

Yep, always clean chain first. When re-lubing, I always stick a sheet of cardboard in between the chain and the wheel to stop lube going all over the newly polished bodywork.

Have fun with the snow foam. Takes a while to get the lance "just so" for a good covering, but fun as you say.

[VladTepes]

Well the foam is fun !  Degreased rar end, cleaned all around wheels/brakes etc. Foam and rinse. 2 bucket wash. Blow dry

Looking very good so far.
Next jobs
- clay bar tank
- give it a polish and protect
- lube chain (yes will be taking extreme care including your advice)

Naturally now I've done that it looks like it will rain this week, so might catch the train and finish the bike at night.