Oops...Marchesini's and Greased Lightning don't mix...

[StriderF4i]

Well, I'm a dumbass. Just letting you guys know not to follow my example...

My rear wheel was looking pretty grimey and nasty with chain lube all over it. I thought it would be a good idea to clean them up real nice. I clean my ATV with Greased Lightning all the time, and I read the bottle to see if it was okay to use on my wheels. It says it's safe for stainless steel and chrome, so I thought I'd be fine.

My wheels were pretty nasty, so instead of diluting it, I sprayed it on full strength and used a soft bristle brush to remove all the grime. I immediatly hosed everything off.

WOW my wheels were CLEAN!! Then about 2 days later, I noticed my rear wheel looked different than my front. I would describe it as looking more "raw". The front wheel had a nice shiny clear coat, and the rear looked like the bottom side of a pot (the kind you cook soup in). Like bare metal. Apparently I removed not only the chain lube, but the damn clear coat, too!

I took the tire off to get the wheel cleaned and re-clear coated. Also got a new tire. I wanted to run a 190/55 Diablo Corsa III, but I can't find one cheaper than $244. I settled for a 190/55 Qualifier. I'll have my scoot ready to roll before the SC guys meet up.

Evidence of my stoopidity:





You can see the clear coat in the center of the wheel, compared to how raw the outside looks...

[StriderF4i]

[TXRC51fatboy]

never ever ever use greased lightning or simple green!!!!!!!!!!!!

i have a stained swingarm from that shit, yea its safe for Al but its not safe for the clear coat.

throw that sheet in the trash and get some honda polish.

you should be able to have your wheel stripped and repainted or powder coated, then cleared.

from the looks of your rotor and hub seems to be real dirty, have you been riding in the sand again?

[StriderF4i]

No, I'm staying off the beach. There's still a little rust on the rotor from the salty air. I can't believe I farked my wheel. I've been contemplating having my wheels powdercoated a gold/ bronze color. I guess now's the time...

[beaugator]

WD40 works great to remove chain lube.... on anything! Just spray a little on the rag and wipe away...

[RVTMAVERICK]

Originally Posted by beaugator

WD40 works great to remove chain lube.... on anything! Just spray a little on the rag and wipe away...

+1, WD40 for Years and or Kerosine,

Hey TXRC51fatboy, "simple green" Really?

I've Never had a problem with this, Simple Green, this has actually become one of my Favs. for quick clean ups and wripe downs, getting rid of bugs and stuff!

[Utah996]

WD40 = remove chain lube/etc
Soup/water = remove WD40
Wax = shiny clean wheel

[CBR400RR]

Denatured alcohol also works great is safe and cheap and you can get it at any hardware store.

[TXRC51fatboy]

Originally Posted by RVTMAVERICK

+1, WD40 for Years and or Kerosine,

Hey TXRC51fatboy, "simple green" Really?

I've Never had a problem with this, Simple Green, this has actually become one of my Favs. for quick clean ups and wripe downs, getting rid of bugs and stuff!

agter the greasedligtning fiasco, i stay away from any of that stuff. kerosene, wd40 and honda polish only now

[Brandon]

Originally Posted by TXRC51fatboy

i have a stained swingarm from that shit, yea its safe for Al but its not safe for the clear coat.

are you referring to simplegreen or greased lightning?

[RVTMAVERICK]

Originally Posted by Brandon

are you referring to simplegreen or greased lightning?

Greese Lightning.. at full strenght is a deff. NO NO...

I guess some peps might have had a problem with Simple Green.. . This stuff IS pretty soapy so I'm surprised at this... I've seen NO problem on mine with simple green and use it for quick debug and degreese while I'm at work at work Lunch time... I spray it on and wipe off... Not even using water to rinse... Which is why I questioned TXBIGMan about his comment..

Brandon... You've been PM'd as well here... "Family Question" Not to jack the thread


Peace Jeff

[RAZR51]

A lot of great info here.
I use Simplegreen diluted with half water. Never on the tank tho. Spray on and let sit for 20-30 seconds, but don't let it dry. Seems to break up road/bug debris pretty good. Auto car wash everywhere else.

I've heard from a Honda mechanic and a few others never use WD40 on an o-ring chain. It breaks down the o-rings and they become brittle. I always use kerosene. I've wondered about lubing chain with motor oil (like the manual says) versus a chain lube.

Strider....$244 for just the rear Pirelli DC3 sounds high. Turn One Racing outside of Chicago sells Pirelli 190/55 120/70 DC3 combo for $277 mounted off the bike wheels....at many midwest trackdays. I'm sure their normal price shipped is very good also. Great people to deal with.

[Roooster]

Originally Posted by RAZR51

A lot of great info here.
I use Simplegreen diluted with half water. Never on the tank tho. Spray on and let sit for 20-30 seconds, but don't let it dry. Seems to break up road/bug debris pretty good. Auto car wash everywhere else.

I've heard from a Honda mechanic and a few others never use WD40 on an o-ring chain. It breaks down the o-rings and they become brittle. I always use kerosene. I've wondered about lubing chain with motor oil (like the manual says) versus a chain lube.

Strider....$244 for just the rear Pirelli DC3 sounds high. Turn One Racing outside of Chicago sells Pirelli 190/55 120/70 DC3 combo for $277 mounted off the bike wheels....at many midwest trackdays. I'm sure their normal price shipped is very good also. Great people to deal with.

Holy crap Batman, that is incredible! I was quoted $288 for a DC 3 at cycle gear here... unfortunately they are the only place that offers motogaurd (insurance for nails and the such) and I have gotten a nail in my past 2 tires.

[StriderF4i]

Wow. The $244 was just the rear at my local Cycle Gear. I get a 15%discount at the Honda dealer, but he was trying to charge me even more...

[RAZR51]

You might remember these guys. They are only $270 for a 190/50 120/70....and that is mounted and balanced off the bike, or that same priced shipped....as long as it isn't too far.

I have used the old Diablo Corsa, not the DC3 yet, I hear they are even better. The SuperCorsa is $330 a set.

[canuck51]

Simple green is corrosive. Don't use it around aluminum.

The best (cheapest, safe, effective) de-greaser is a gallon
of mineral spirits and a refillable handheld squirt bottle. It
doesn't stink like paint thinner or kerosene, it's not corrosive,
and it takes the grease off easily.

Get another handheld squirt bottle and a gallon of car wash.
Mix the soap up with some watter in the bottle.

When you want to clean your bike:

0) let it cool off

1) hose it down with a garden hose to get the mud off

2) use the mineral spirits squirt bottle and rags to get
the grease off

3) use the soap bottle and rags to get the dirt off

4) use a handheld bottle of "cheater" wax to
get rid of the soap smears and shine the paint
up real purty.

When the cheater wax bottle runs out, fill it up
with tap water and if you're a cheap bastard, use
it for #4 above.

P.S. Cheater wax is great for helmet visors, too.

P.P.S. Mineral spirits is a perfect chain cleaner,
too. I don't use any of that chain wax crap - just
a little 90W gear oil.

P.P.P.S. Don't like WD40 - it's an abrasive dessicant,
which is not something you use on a motorcycle that
you like.

[StriderF4i]

Got my rear wheel back from being powder coated clear again. It had a slightly blue tint before, now it looks more, I dunno, brown? Gold?? I love it. When it gets cooler towards the end of the year, I'll have him do the front wheel to match. They are slightly different, but I don't think you can tell if you don't know to look for it. I bought new bearings ($50) and just got new rubber mounted up. The guy powder coated my passenger pegs and clutch lever (it was silver, now it matches my Brembo brake lever). Here's some pics:

[StriderF4i]

More pics:

[StriderF4i]

Before and after:

[Hams51]

It looks fantastic!