Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > General Motorcycles only > Cleaning and Polishing

[Rob B]

I have just seen an immaculate 888 SP5 and while it was nice to admire the little bits of detailing the owner had done it made me wonder when he gets the time to ride it.

I was wondering how people keep the really clean specials immaculate. If you polish a swing arm while it's off the bike how do you keep it all looking great? Getting your polishing rag in around the damper is a good way to chew all the skin off your knuckles. Does anyone actually strip bits off their pride and joy to primp and preen?

Regards,

Rob

[Nigel C]

dear oh dear oh dear !!!

i think you may regret posting this

there will be serial polishers crawling out from the woodwork for this one.

gonna be a long thread i think

[Sticky]

I wonder this aswell. Mine gets a wash and polish when I can't get out on it, ie looking after kids in hols etc. otherwise I prefer to ride.

[nelly]

I find that once a bike is "truely" clean, then keeping on top of it is pretty easy.
I "stripped" my 748 down two years ago, see "9 1/2 weeks" on the old board.
After that, If the bike gets really ditched (it has happened) I use a mild degreaser such as Muc-Off or Dirt Attack and give everything a thorough soaking. I then use a garden sprayer to clean in all the nooks and crannys, then use soapy water and the garden sprayer again.
I find the garden sparayer better than a hose as the volume of water is less, but you can actually get quite good pressure out of it. Lots of water and Dukes doesn't usually mix too well, especially if you have an early Datatool
Every once in a while, I pull the body work off and clean the chassis that you don't usually see.
I've never really liked using strong degreasers on the bike because of washing the lubes and greases away. The gentler cleaners work fine.
For polishing, I use Color-Glo every now and again, and Plexus regularly.

[Nigel C]

Hmmm where's all the polishers gone then this post ain't going to run and run then !!

i'll get my coat

[Sticky]

They're out polishing!!

oh dear oh dear oh dear ....

polishing ... how unbeleivably pointless ...

at least cleaning serves a purpose ....

but i dont do either ......

[Nigel C]

what don't you clean Dibs you or the bike



:P

[rcgbob44]

Ok I admit it, I enjoy polishing my bikes.

I find it very relaxing to escape into the garage with a bottle of wine and some music!

[Rattler]

...............why don't you just buy a new one!!!:P:P

Tim