Every so often I feel guilty so I decide to wash the Terra. I heard not to use Honda Pro Clean to shine it up as it will scuff or dis-color the plastics. Other than WD-40 what other options are out there?
I use car wax. As for parts that will get really muddy every trip out. I spray the swing arm and under the fenders with Pam cooking oil before I leave. Mud just falls off when I wash it.
Not sure about Honda Pro Cleaner...never tried it. BUT I've been using Honda Spray Polish on all plastics for years. Best stuff I've ever come across. Cleans & polishes for true color with brilliant shine. Easy on....easy off and buff. Wonderful stuff. Works great on lexan (or any poly) windshield too. Doesn't scratch. Just use a clean smooth cotton rag. I prefer an old white cotton undershirt (Tee-shirt) for the task. HF
I've been using S100 Total Cycle Cleaner on my bikes for the last 20 years - the liquid version that comes in a pump spray bottle. It's simple: Spray a good mist on the entire bike & rinse off thoroughly. Works fantastically. Then I usually just towel dry the major bits (seat, tank, instrument cluster, hand controls), start her up and let it idle a few minutes go for a short ride - a couple minutes at 40 MPH or better will do. Then just wipe off whatever residual water remains when you return (there won't be much!). As with adjusting the valves, just make sure your bike's completely cool before beginning (I usually wash my bikes in the morning after they've set all night). Of course that's good practice with whatever you decide to use. As is plugging up you exhaust pipe's outlet, and not blasting your instrument cluster, wheel bearings, etc. with a high pressure spray. If I really want to her "The Works" I'll go for a longer ride afterwards (long and fast enough to get some heat into the chain) and give the chain a good lube (a center or rear stand's invaluable here). I prefer to use Maxima Chain Wax but there are other's that work well too. Provided the bike wasn't coved in hard caked mud at the beginning the whole process, including chain lube, rarely takes more than 30 minutes. Good luck.
I washed my Terra once. It just had it's first birthday a couple of weeks ago. It'll probably get it's second wash before the end of 2014.
The Honda Spray Polish is great stuff. I've used it on some old plastics and it really polishes it up. I also spray inside the fenders and mud guard with WD-40. It really helps keep mud from sticking, I'm sure the Pam would work as well. Also, after I wash the bike or as needed I will spray the forks with WD-40 and wipe to remove water spots. I don't know if it helps with protecting the seals but it makes me feel better.
I'm a Ural owner. We don't w@$h motorcycles. Dirt and grime serve a purpose. Build up enough of it, and it will protect your plastics from damage by the sun. Enough mud around the engine will help contain leaks. W@$h all that glorious stuff off, and you're opening yourself up for a world of trouble.
almost any spray auto detailed....but I like Lucas slick mist from Walmart.....I think it makes the bike faster
