Guide to cleaning dirty wheels

[Jefr0]

I've seen a few people on here ask about what's the best way to clean wheels, especially the rear with the chain lube splat and brake dust combination.

Most would agree that parafin would do the job although I've never used it myself.

This is just a little guide on what I use to clean the bike (It's my commuter/track bike which get's used all year round all weathers 5 days a week at least)

Here's what I use:

https://imageshack.us/a/img13/4264/cleanwheels3.jpg

Bucket of water with Autoglym Bodywork Shampoo
Muc Off wheel cleaner
WD40 for stubborn greasy bits and helps with wheels
Muc Off miracle shine for bodywork and wheels
3 in 1 oil for fork stanchions
Castrol chain cleaner
Castrol chain lube

Here's what my wheels looked liked before I started:

https://imageshack.us/a/img402/7031/cleanwheels01.jpg

https://imageshack.us/a/img827/4930/cleanwheels2.jpg

This is what I use on the wheels:

https://imageshack.us/a/img4/4306/cleanwheels4.jpg

I coat the wheel in Muc Off wheel cleaner and if needed a little WD40. Leave for a couple of minutes then get the sponge with foam on it and wipe off as shown here:

https://imageshack.us/a/img5/5338/cleanwheels5.jpg

It was literally just a wipe and it got it back to how they should look, as you'll agree quite effective At this stage you are just aiming to get them clean, not perfective (although you can leave as is if you want if you don't want to polish)

https://imageshack.us/a/img194/1484/cleanwheels6.jpg

One half done to show the difference:

https://imageshack.us/a/img641/5956/cleanwheels7.jpg

This is with both sides done, which I'm usually happy with as the bike get's dirty in no time having to ride it everyday.

https://imageshack.us/a/img832/7610/cleanwheels8.jpg

Next step is polish with microfibre clothes (I got a pack of 12 mixed colour on eBay for about £7, although ASDA sell them too)

https://imageshack.us/a/img197/2628/cleanwheels9.jpg

With the polish, it removes more dirt and any stubborn marks but also lets you do attention to detail to get them spotless. I could have spent longer getting every last bit but it's not summer yet!

https://imageshack.us/a/img715/3403/cleanwheels10.jpg

This picture shows the difference between how they look dirty and clean:

https://imageshack.us/a/img846/1585/cleanwheels11.jpg

Then both clean

https://imageshack.us/a/img196/3425/cleanwheels12.jpg

Before I had done the wheels I had cleaned and polished the bike. Next bit I do is the chain. I use a microfibre cloth with the Castrol chain cleaner and rub off the dirt (Parrafin also does the job) then hold an old cloth behind the chain and spray with the lube gets you this result:

https://imageshack.us/a/img607/2430/cleanwheels13.jpg

Then bike all finished (remember to lube the forks) will only last a couple of days in this condition but I like to keep on top of cleaning to stop corrosion if I can. Will be purchasing some ACF-50 for this winter.

https://imageshack.us/a/img69/876/cleanwheels14.jpg

Hope you like the guide. If you want to read up about previous cleaning that I've done on the bike look here:

https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=241484&highlight=
____________________
Rides: Honda XR 125 ('03) Honda CBR 600F ('91), Ducati 916 Biposto ('95)

[Matt B]

I like the Muc-Off products, they do work well.
____________________
stinkwheel: He had an animated .gif of a cat performing fellatio. It's not socially acceptable. It can have real life adverse effects on other people.

[bikertomm]

Sexy! I do love a pair of white wheels


Nice one
____________________
07' Honda Hornet now full powaah! My guide on performing an oil change!

[.Bishbash.]

Cool, I didn't actually realise they were white at first!


____________________
Current bike - GSX-R1000 k8

[ocatoro]

can't argue with good results, but try to add iron-x to your routine. it'll get all the metal filings off your brakes etc out of the paint and prevent corrosion. can see theyre still contaminated even though superficially clean.


bonus: it goes on clear and the filings "bleed" out red/purple.... looks dead cool.
____________________
CBT - 17/09/12 * Theory - 23/10/12 * Mod1 - 05/03/13 * Mod2 - 25/03/13 * BOSH!
Current - None but shed project H100 (first bike )
Past - ER5, '93 ZZR600, '92 CB400 SF, ZZR600 (again), yellow Monster 620, Blackbird - black Monster 620ie - '96 ZZR600

[steveh]

hmmmm, white wheelsss

I thought they were bare alloy at first, good job, it really transforms the bike!


steve.
____________________
Current : 06 Zx10r, 07 Wr450f SM, 74 850 norton commando, 63 bsa b40, 1962 Triton 650, 67 Triumph Tr6r, 1955 Triton 750, 1978 TY250E.