Didn't want to post until I actually HAD a VFR...just acquired a '98 two days ago from a private owner. Still gotta get new title, plates, insurance. Rode it around a bit the first day, seems to be okay, but seriously thinking about having a certified mechanic or Honda dealership give it the once over for my own peace of mind. Been lurking on this site, trying to pick up ins and outs of the VFR. First order of business: cleaning! Bike is dirty, metal pieces brown from age. What do you use to make that metal sparkle again? How do you clean the chain? Can I use car products on the plastic? Thanks for you input!
Welcome and congrats! Kerosene is what Honda recommends for degreasing/cleaning a chain. Some use "mineral spirits" but mostly I use WD-40 for cleaning it, but some others thing this might dry out the o-rings...I have not had a problem in chain life...but that is just me. To re-lube it afterwards, I personally use Honda white lithium chain lube, but some others like chain wax...pick your poison. "Simple Green" works pretty good on (non painted surfaces, or painted if you wash it off afterwards) getting grease and dirt off many surfaces. I would go buy a couple big bottles of the stuff. If the metal is discolored, you might try "Mother's Polish". For the paint, buy a car/bike washing soap, and then once it is dry I really like this stuff sold at Honda dealers called "Honda Polish", but there are other good brands out there as well. Or any good wax/polish brand might work. Having the bike checked out by a certified mechanice might not be a bad idea. Have fun and keep the rubber side down! :vtr2:
Mothers has a paste in a small jar that works wonders on metal, including Stainless Steel. It is also great for removing road gunk and chain lube from your rims. As far as the chain goes, I go to a pressure car wash. Ride for a while first to heat up the chain. Put the bike up on centre stand and saturate the chain and sprockets with WD40while the bike is running in first gear at an idle Get in and around the side stand cause gunk builds up there too. After it has soaked for a while, Pressure wash it off. Make sure you re-lube right away while the chain is still warm. As far as using car wash products, I have had not problem this way. Some may disagree and I am sure they will step up to the plate. May sound dumb but it has been done before. DO NOT ARMORAL THE TIRES!:brick: There may be other ideas out there that are better. Stay tuned and :welcome:
S100 bike cleaner works wonders, but you have to make sure to rinse it off real good afterwards. After it's clean, there's a product called "Original: Spray Cleaner and Polish" that cleans and shines any painted/shiny parts very well. The product was originally sold under the Honda label, but have since produced under their own. A lot of purists will scoff at this simple way of cleaning a bike, but I think it's best for the long run to touch the bike the least when cleaning it. Spray S100, pressure wash it off (if you have one), blow dry it with an air compressor, spray on Spray Cleaner and Polish, wipe gently. I detailed bikes all the time up until yesterday at the dealership I worked at, the system was not only expedient but worked very well. I prefer the spray polish and cleaner as opposed to stuff like Plexus, which doesn't clean at all and requires a lot of rubbing before you get the mirror sheen.
isnt it great fun cleaning your new pride and joy! dont forget to post a pic once its sparkly clean so we can all enjoy your hard work. check the FAQ's for advice on settings etc and posting pics if you have any problems, i found it very useful and well laid out. enjoy your new bike and ride safe.
