afternoon people

so the sun is out, there is no wind, or snow..... for the first time in months i have put my leather jacket on

So during lunch time, i got my cleaning kit that i keep at work out. set about it with some muck off, a bucket of warm water, and a hose.

i'm really disappointed (i've only have the bike since december, got it second hand for a steal) this is the first time i have had chance to give it a quick clean. all of the other bikes i've had have been fared sports bikes, and when you have them clean (even the old ones) they have a certian bling effect. my xt still looks drab. little scuffs here and there, the panels are swirled, the covers are faded, and the metal work looks life less.

I know there have been some real anal fanatics on here who have spent hours on their rides. unfortunately i do not have that time.....

So. If you were me, with limted time resource, how do you get your bike to go bling?

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XTX in the best colour BLACK
Yamaha Touring Screen, Yamaha Hand Guards and Deflectors. DNA stage 1&2 and KEV Fuel MOD on the way.

paying me

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TBH mate, if you've used the bike over winter and not cleaned it since Dec, then i'm afraid you're going to struggle given your restriction on time etc.

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WD40 on the black paint
Wax (not polish) on the plastics
Polish on the silver stuff.

and the spokes never look good and bling.

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2008 XTR Mods : DNA Stage 3 Airbox, PC111, Carbon Cans Ovals, Steve Ruth built XTR734cc Big Bore with - High Desert Dyno (HDD)/ Cuervo Racing Gas Flowed / Ported Head fitted with +1mm Valves & uprated Springs, HDD 5050 Camshaft, HDD +3mm Throttle Body, CP 105.5mm 11:1 Piston, Custom Mapping, Piasini ECU, Renthal 613-01, Barkbusters VPS, Pivot Pegz, Touratech Bashplate, Foam Grips, Kev's O2 Sensor Mod, Kev's Extra Coolant Cooler, Wilbers Progressive Fork Springs and Rear Shock

This is why i want MArchesinis

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I THINK it would be worth going for what you really want, as the Talons will be just as much work, and prob the same price, if not more.

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2008 XTR Mods : DNA Stage 3 Airbox, PC111, Carbon Cans Ovals, Steve Ruth built XTR734cc Big Bore with - High Desert Dyno (HDD)/ Cuervo Racing Gas Flowed / Ported Head fitted with +1mm Valves & uprated Springs, HDD 5050 Camshaft, HDD +3mm Throttle Body, CP 105.5mm 11:1 Piston, Custom Mapping, Piasini ECU, Renthal 613-01, Barkbusters VPS, Pivot Pegz, Touratech Bashplate, Foam Grips, Kev's O2 Sensor Mod, Kev's Extra Coolant Cooler, Wilbers Progressive Fork Springs and Rear Shock

get it professionally cleaned followed by an acf50 treatment. I've done mine before and after winter for �39 each and my bike is gleaming.

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Simplest solution - stop caring

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I spent a lot of money on travel and racing motorcycles - the rest I just squandered.

XT660Z - Commuter, Adventurer...Racer?

www.dashmoto.net

Other bikes >> MT-03 / CG125BR-J / ER-6F
Departed >> ZXR400L3 / EC300 / DR-Z400E / DR800S / GPZ500S / GS400

dont clean it and make it look rustic (should be rusty!), like mine!

I'm with Keith - ACF50 is the key.

But,,,,,,

When the salt goes (and there is still lots of it around, even though you can't see it) you want to get the bike looking a little, spring like...

MuckOff, TechWash, or the like (steer clear of domestic cleaning stuff like washing up liquid) will clean the ACF50 away. People have different methods, but esentially you need to soak the bike, wash it, soak it and wash it (repeat as needed) until all the grease has gone.

I would steer clear of WD40, this is a degreaser and will wash out any lubrication it comes in contact with (head bearings etc ) if not used very carefully. MuckOff do an after wash spray that is basically a light oil. Spray on, the water gets displaced and you can polish it up with a cloth to get a good shine. Whilst not suggesting you do this, I've oversprayed my brake disks on occasion and it cleaned off easily (after about 20 meters actually !)

On the other hand, Uberthumper has the right attitude, they are after all for riding...

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Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.