Wheel Cleaner

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poosu

poosu

• Nov 18, 2020

• #1

Tried the search with no luck so here's a dumb question. My 1999 R1100RS has the alloy wheels which are getting dirtier than I like. I don't mind some TLC and elbow grease but the degreaser I use doesn't do much. I'm not super fussy, but the bike does look better with clean wheels. Any suggestions?

 

jdubick

jdubeemer

• Nov 18, 2020

• #2

Spray on some Simple Green and hose them down. If they are still dirty spray it again and use a paint brush to loosen the dirt.

 

skibum69

slave to gravity

• Nov 18, 2020

• #3

Simple Green Max has worked well for me.

 

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poosu

poosu

• Nov 18, 2020

• #4

Seems simple enough.

 

rangerreece

RangerReece

• Nov 19, 2020

• #5

Plexus and a microfiber rag will clean anything to showroom quality. No hose or water required.

 

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poosu

poosu

• Nov 19, 2020

• #6

Short reply. Simple Green was no better than the other degreasers I have us

This bike has 100K on it with average care. I like a clean bike but I'm not Mr. Clean.

I looked into Plexus and found it's pricey, but not unreasonable. However it specifies plastic and the wheels are definitely not. $22/can is kind of high for something that doesn't work. Has anyone had success with Plexus on wheels?

Other possibilities?

After story: Took the bike for a nice morning spin over to WalMart to get the Simple Green. A bit cloudy but comfortable Central Florida morning ride. Got back, let the bike cool then went out with my Simple Green and scrub brushes and went to work, front wheel first. Got to the rear and as I was rotating the wheel for cleaning I felt a bump. A quick glance and there was a well used small bolt head sticking out of my tire. With the Simple Green, little bubbles were slowly coming out along side.

 

indiana_jones_i

New member

• Nov 19, 2020

• #7

rangerreece said:

Plexus and a microfiber rag will clean anything to showroom quality. No hose or water required.

Click to expand...

Correct, even metallic surfaces.

 

jagarra

Gerard

• Nov 19, 2020

• #8

When I picked up a used wheel off a LT model a few months back it was pretty crusty from lack of cleaning. What I found that worked the best were SOS pads, they cleaned the wheel with no issues.

 

rangerreece

RangerReece

• Nov 19, 2020

• #9

A post plexus session in the garage; wheels and all.

 

1

179212

Active member

• Nov 19, 2020

• #10

Clean Wheels

I am afraid if I clean my wheels they would get dirty again, they also would make the rest of the bike look bad.
Finally whatever time I spend cleaning my bike is time that I would never get back.

 

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rogerc60

Member

• Nov 19, 2020

• #11

I use Spray 9. Buy it at Wal-Mart for about $6. Wet the wheel with water, spray on the Spray 9, scrub lightly with a long-handled kitchen brush (to get into all the nooks and crannies), rinse with water. Wheels look like new.

 

fmdualexhaust

Member

• Nov 20, 2020

• #12

My wheels are painted which may make a difference but, I've had good luck with meguirs final detail.
Cleans the brake dust very well.

 

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rogerc60

Member

• Nov 20, 2020

• #13

The wheels on my '03 R1150RT are painted, as are the swing arm and final drive. Spray 9 on all of them, hasn't harmed the finish at all. I've tried Simple Green before and was underwhelmed.

 

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danevans

Member

• Nov 20, 2020

• #14

S100

I have had good luck with S100. Anybody else use this stuff?

 

braddog

Minnesota Nice!

• Nov 20, 2020

• #15

danevans said:

I have had good luck with S100. Anybody else use this stuff?

Click to expand...

I have in the past, with good results.

This thread made me take a look at the wheels on my oilhead. Not pretty.

Oh well, probably will address in the spring.

 

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poosu

poosu

• Nov 20, 2020

• #16

Is S100 available at retail or must it be ordered on line?

 

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danevans

Member

• Nov 21, 2020

• #17

S100

It is a Harley Davidson recommended product. I assume it is still on their shelves. I have not looked in a while, I bought a gallon of it.

 

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jaybird1150

Member

• Nov 21, 2020

• #18

I have used GoJo hand cleaner without grit with a toothbrush to clean a 88 RT engine with very good results.

 

PAS

New member

• Nov 21, 2020

• #19

There was a guy that attended many rally's and did bike cleaning/detailing. He used a product called Totally Awesome to clean and de-grease the bikes. Available for a $1. at most stores. Its the bomb!

 

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poosu

poosu

• Nov 21, 2020

• #20

Living almost in Daytona Beach I do have lots of motorcycle stuff nearby. I discovered J&P Cycles has all of this stuff so I set out this AM and picked up a $28 spray can of Plexus. I immediately tried it when I got home and sadly it did nothing. I even used a toothbrush to work it into the tight spots. My wheels aren't terrible but those stains have been there a while. Does anyone know if the wheels on a 1999 R1100RS are painted? I could spray them at next tire change. SOS pad seems like it would take off whatever finish is on them.