To Wax or Not to Wax

[TwoLukes]

Hey S-10 Riders, a newbie here in Las Vegas heading to the Ouray Rally next week. I'm wondering if any of you wax the big blue thing that sits in front of my belly ;-) ? If so, what kind of wax and any thoughts on putting a tank protector film over that beautiful blue? and if so, what kind and where to get it? Hope to see you all next week. . . Luke

 

[Karson]

there's 3m clear tank stickers or techspec (google 'em) tank pads for your knee/crotch area. otherwise i'll wax it once or twice a year when i wash the pig with some meguiars nxt v2.0 spray wax

 

[JohnB]

I like Turtle Wax Ice. It's synthetic and leaves no white residue anywhere. That means you can apply it to just about any surface whether metal or plastic (not the tires or brake disks of course).

 

[Boondocker]

I use Lemon Pledge regularly, mostly to pick up the dust. Leaves a nice scent though Bees like it too. I'm sure it's not the best in in anyone's book, but it's quick, easy, cheep, and better than nothing.

For tank protectors, Tech Spec makes a kit for the Ténéré. I got the generic kit and cut my own. The pre-cut Ténéré kit it better.

 

[coastie]

Just the spray polish.

 

[saddletramp]

I use spray way on my tank & other black parts quite often. I really like the Turtle Wax spray I believe its called Blue Ice? I used the car wash on my travel trailer after a long road trip & it really cleaned it up. It was recommended on a RV website.

For long term protection I've used those plastic tank protectors that you rub on that are supposed to protect. No Way! They yellow & get dirt under the edges. When I use a tank bag (non-Yamaha) I take plastic saran wrap from our kitchen & put it on the tank. It sticks with static electricity. When I return from the trip I pull the plastic wrap off & the tank looks new. I do cut a hole around the gas cap though - otherwise it takes forever to fuel up!

 

[Duconce]

Honda Pro Wax and Cleaner was the best one I have used. It's now call Original bike Spirits spray cleaner and Polish. Does a great job and is easy to use

 

[528Hz]

masking tape. when you done, simply peel it off and you have a clean paint ::004::

 

[Duconce]

What are you part owner of 3M ,does the tape just come of the windshield ?

 

[TwoLukes]

Great answers from all! Thanks for all the inputs. I'm waxing it tomorrow and I think I'll forgo the film and agree with Saddle Tramp that yellowed and curled up film is disrespectful to the machine. I have a tank bag and the Saran wrap is genius! Thanks again to all of you. Keep riding and hope to meet you in CO next week. Luke
PS Boondocker, let me know if you and our other Las Vegas S 10 friends go on a ride sometime. . . .

 

[Kevhunts]

I'm lazy and don't want to spend hours detailing my bike so, I use this stuff...

http://www.originalbikespirits.com/products/spray-cleaner-polish/

 

[DinX]

You're going to laugh, but I use Pledge furnature spray on my motorcycles (the one with beeswax in it).
I get better and easier results than stuff like Turtlewax.

 

[Mark R.]

What is this cleaning and waxing thing of which you speak?

 

[Karson]

What is this cleaning and waxing thing of which you speak?

The thing I do when I get to the point of not recognizing my own bike from all the caked on mud

 

[Swagger]

I always wash the bike using nanotech stuff which has corrosion inhibitors in it. I tend to use Autoglym resin polish products on the tins/painted panels. Use Pledge or Mr Sheen for pretty much everything else. The spray polishes apparently help protect/preserve the rubber and plastic parts. Spray it on a cloth not the bike.

 

[528Hz]

What are you part owner of 3M ,does the tape just come of the windshield ?

comes right off ::008::

 

[528Hz]

You're going to laugh, but I use Pledge furnature spray on my motorcycles (the one with beeswax in it).
I get better and easier results than stuff like Turtlewax.

It's no laughing matter. Pledge is widely used in detailing pricey vehicles. It keeps dust off the bike for a while as well.

 

[GrahamD]

Wax on Wax off every six months..with Mr Sheen (or pledge) in between especially just before I use a tank bag.

Ancient Japanese tradition..

Karate Kid Lesson 1 (Wax on Wax off)

 

[creggur]

I use Original Bike Spirits spray for general cleaning/spiffing-up - works great, and I do it often so no need for a hose/wash rag/chamois.

Three or four times a year I'll get all OCD and go nuts with this stuff:
http://www.pinnaclewax.com/souveran.html

Yeah, it's pricey - but I've used it on my cars for years and it's awesome - besides, my baby is worth it...

 

[bruised]

my bike had all of the 3 m plastic on it from prev. owner no yellowed or peeling yet and protects it from scratches or wear from tank bags im happy w it