What best to clean VFR800 frame, top tree, etc with?

The exposed parts of my frame, top tree, and similar material sections (aluminum, a bit coarse) get dirty and I am trying to figure out what best cleaner to use to really get them clean. Perhaps a cleaner with a brush or something. Top tree is probably bad off because previous owner had a keychain flapping around nicking it up. But there are parts of my frame that could look cleaner but I am not sure what really gets in there and cleans it good, any ideas?

 

For those hard to get at places, a 2" medium quality flag tip synthetic paint brush works well. All sorts of "cleaners" on the market based on alkalines or detergents. For heavy duty crud removal there is "GUNK".

Folks like Meguirs have washing detergents that are mild. Strong solutions of household dishwashing detergents can remove wax. For removal of hydrocarbons, stickers and vinyl graphics, plain paint thinner aka k mineral spirits (at a higher price..same damn stuff) or Stoddard solvent.

Best bet on that scratched tree is to cover it up.. To really clean up a VFR ya gotta pull the fairing to get it all. I'd start with compressed air.

Those DIY coin operated car washes work too. Soap cycle and rinse.

Don't use one of those elcheapo parts brushes with the crinkly filaments. They will scratch your paint and clearcoats.

 

Billy !! Where's the irony and sarcasm ?? Don't go all soft on us now.

Cleaning products are discussed on the Ladies of VFRW forum.

 

Honda has a chain cleaner (Pro Honda High Performance Chain Cleaner )that works absolute wonders for this. I used t just use it on my chain but I've found that it is safe for the entire bike (except for the windscreen, lights, and seat which I haven't tested). The stuff truly works wonders as it just melts whatever gunk it comes in contact with but leaves painted surfaces and metals like new. If any work is required, a toothbrush and a paper towel are generally more than enough. I've used all sorts of chemicals and cleaners and I've simply found nothing that works better. It is non-chlorinated as well so unlike brake/carb cleaner, it doesn't dry your hands out either.

I can't find the part number for it right now and I don't have a can handy since I left it at my parents last weekend when finishing up work on the bike. I'll try and get a part number for you as it isn't easy to track down and isn't even listed on Honda's website.

 

FYI, here is a site that talks about it real fast. It is the center can in the picture.

News of the world of motorcycling > Pro Honda Oils Chain Lube And Cleaner

 

wow this stuff sounds great, plus i can use it to clean the chain (assuming its o-ring safe)!

 

Definitely post that part # when you get a chance. I looked and their latest chemicals catalog doens't show chain clean, just brake and contact cleaner. They have both chain lubes, I hope they didn't stop making it, but perhaps they just changed the name?

 

The guy asked a legit question without any long story about his mamma's cookie recipe, 8000 words where 200 would do fine, fucking mileage, and a subtle reminder that he is a cousin four times removed to Valentino Rossi. Plus as everyone knows, "Cleanlinness is next to Godliness and only God can make a tree."

 

It is hot shit. They still make it as I bought a can a few weeks ago. When I moved a year and a half ago my new Honda dealer hadn't heard of it either. It isn't on their website and it isn't on their brochure. She called their Honda rep and bought a few cases. Now they use it like crazy in their shop.

I gave my neighbor an almost empty and he still has it. He is at work right now but will text me pictures later hopefully and I'll give them as soon as I can.

 

You can buy it here it looks like:

Honda - 08732-CHC00 - CLEANER, CHAIN

and it is on this Honda Oils & Chemicals PDF on page 5:

http://prohondaoils.com/wp-content/themes/prohonda/pdf/ProHondaCatalog2012.pdf

If you don't want to order it online, take the part number 08732-CHC00 to your local dealer and have them order it.

 

Is there an MSDS sheet on this product? Keep us posted on what it does to rubber. plastic and insulation.

 

I have no idea. I've used it all over my bike like I've said and no issues at all after over a year of use including the plastic pieces around the swingarm, brake lines, calipers, rim and tires, chain, fairings, frame, swingarm, and more. I've literally had it on everything except the windscreen, lights, and seat... and I guess the dash too.