Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > 998 / 996 / 916 / 748 > Cleaing OIL/GUNK/ETC 996 swingarm

Then why did you buy a bike in such a dirty condition if it offends your sensibilities ?

Cause it was very cheap and I could see through the dirt.

[Pete A]

One of the best degreasers available is brake cleaner, it's one of the few remaining solvents you can buy that contains trichloroethane, and as such is decidedly dodgy to use in anywhere but a well ventilated area!
Car shops flog it in either aerosol cans or you can get it in a 5 litre size, it is extremely flammable though, apart from the carcinogenic aspect of the trike content, so take care!
The make I use is "Xtend" - they also do Carb. cleaner which is great for removing all the petrol stain gunge, and as such it's pretty lethal as well!
Cheers,
Pete

[stephen hall]

Originally Posted by RCA

I have stripped the bike and Iam trying to clean the swingarm (which has clearly never been by the previous scumbag owner!). It has a layer of oil, dirt etc that I cannot shift, all I seem to be doing is spreading it around. I have tried several products and methods but it still feels sticky and looks dirty (er..)

I need a product, method that will shift the gunk? Any ideas?

I considered the dishwasher?
(thats a joke)

white parrafin as described in ducati,s 900ss bevel owners manual...have used same on all my ducs since the 70.s now to include 916sps & 900ss both mint condition! perfect stuff,dont damage rubber,nylon,plastic ali or steel in any way and brings them all up a treat ..it,s cheap too at £4 a gallon that ammount lasts me about a year why all the techno stuff ive no idea beats me but if you want to pay out for a fancy bottle of goo then go ahead...

[Pete A]

One further comment to add re. my post and using brake cleaner, it's not expensive at just over £2.00 a tin for the aerosol, but it evaporates completely leaving no residue or smell.
Then to finish off, have the whole swing-arm polished, then you can clean it with Autosol!

[zhed44]

another vote for "gunk" (TM).

probably not a good idea to get it on your back brake, tyre or chain though.

[gordonparker]

Gunk for me every time, have tried several others over the years but Gunk is the best !!