| Author | Message | ||
     Rockstarblast1 |
Ok here it goes....got my bike 2 months ago. I wash it after every long ride and get any tar or crap off the bike. Since then iv only used car soap and washed it normally. Well when I bought the bike my dealer gave me a s100 or 1000 or what ever the crap is for free (50 dollar value) well I never used it. But last night was the first bike night and I was in a hurrey and pulled the kit out. There is a all purpose cleaner that you just spray on the whole bike and hose off right away. It says right on it SAFE for ALL bike surfaces. Well um no!!! This stuff messed up my rear rim big time!!! Looks nasty and dirty from what it did 2 my finish. Lucky I didn't get it on the rest of the bike yet so my frame and front rim and swing arm are OK I guess. But the back is shot. What do I do? I haven't brought it to my dealers attention yet seeing it happened last night. But I have a feeling there gunna tell me I'm sol! Normally I could understand but this is a free product that I was given by them to use. And all Harley Buell dealers sell this from what I know. Someone help please thanks Chris | ||
| Jramsey |
I've used S100 for the last 15 years with out any problems. I spray the whole bike, paint,polished,and chrome surfaces all. Excellent product just pricey. Maybe its the cheap Chinese powder coating? | ||
| P_squared |
You already know the answer. Talk to the Dealer. Explain POLITELY that you used their 'gift' last night for the 1st time, and then show them what it did to your rim. Ask POLITELY what can be done to rectify the situation. If you have a good dealer, I'm sure you both will come to a solution that leaves you both satisfied. | ||
| Spectrum |
I'd bet money it really didn't mess up your rim finish. Just interacted with the exhaust soot to leave a ugly residue. Most cleaners won't remove the soot and cleaning attempts with these just make it look worse. Get some ArmourAll wheel cleaner to remove this residue and I'd expect your rims will clean up good as new. | ||
| Rockstarblast1 |
Well when the rim is wet it looks fine when it drys it looks like crap. I have rim cleaner at home just was scared 2 use anything else to make it worse. Is there any thing that is known to damage the rim finish? | ||
| Spectrum |
when the rim is wet it looks fine when it drys it looks like crap Yep, This is exactly what I experienced. Exhaust soot residue is still there. I would be scared to use some Wheel Cleaners as well. The ArmourAll I know from experience didn't damage the finish. Try the ArmourAll Wheel cleaner and a wheel brush (nylon bristles). Then rinse and wash with regular detergent. | ||
| Rockstarblast1 |
K ill try that. I was iffy about using a brush also. So armor all works pretty good and no damage to paint? Also what do you guys use for tire shine seeing you can't use regular stuff becuse its dangerous. Also tho the rim looked better before I cleaned it with the s100. So does it still sound like soot or no? Like 100 times better befor I used the product | ||
| Xl1200r |
Use the S100 with a brush and it will take everything off. I've used S100 on every bike I've owned, including 2 Buells, once of which an 1125 just washed last weekend with S100. The back wheel takes a little more work - you can't just spray on and rinse off with all the exhuast soot. FYI - S100 is nothing more than 2/3 diluted simple green, so I just make my own. For the extra scummy bits, I use a stronger solution with good results. I would try it again with a soft brush before going back to the dealer. | ||
| Jaimec |
I use S100 wheel cleaner all the time without problems. I don't think there's a significant difference in the formulation other than that the wheel cleaner is in a gel-based solution so it sticks to the wheel surface without running off before it has a chance to start loosening up the dirt. | ||
| Rockstarblast1 |
Ok so basicly no matter what kinda s100 it shouldn't hurt anything. | ||
| Jaimec |
Nope. Shouldn't. Take a DEEP, calming breath, then ride over to the dealer, calmly explain what happened, show him and then ask if he has any ideas why that might've happened and what could be done about it. | ||
| Court |
Sage advise. I'd be in that "I'll bet you really didn't damage them" camp. But that's just cause I have never heard of this. I'd start with precisely the advise Jaime offered and see how it works. | ||
| Rockstarblast1 |
well i went and got armor all wheel cleaner.. let it do its thing and scrubbed... it looks better BUT its dark and raining outside and i did it in my poorly lit garage. so i wont know untill the sun comes out i hope 2 marro ill keep you all posted | ||
| Mainstreamer |
Just hosing it off will not remove all the brake residue. Spray again, work with a wheel brush(or a rag, or sponge), hose off. All will be well with the wheel and you'll be a happy guy. I've used S100 for many years, go through 1-2 gallons a year. GREAT STUFF, never any damage!! Keeps my stable nice and shiny. | ||
| Badlionsfan |
I'd be willing to bet a lot of money that you didn't damage your wheels, just broke loose the nasty combo of brake dust and exhaust soot that cakes on the rear wheel of these things. I've used S100 on Xb wheels and never had an issue. Ya just need to use more elbow grease dude! | ||
| Crowley |
A good scrubbing with WD40 cleaned up my rear rim. | ||
| Doerman |
I have been terribly remiss in cleaning my bike lately. It has been at least a few months since I gave it a good bath. needless to say, a nice buildup was deposited on my rear wheel. So I went to the task armed with a variety of tools found under the kitchen sink. I thought perhaps the residue that was built up on the mag wheel had some chemical resemblance of what build up in the stove. So I decided to give "Easy Off" oven cleaner a try. I applied it by spraying it on a paper towel and rubbing it in on the wheel making sure it did not get anything on the tire. I gave the wheel a good coating and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Then I hosed off the stuff and wiped it dry. Marvelous results. | ||
| Brapbrapbrap |
I like this idea! | ||
| Fresnobuell |
NIce, Ozzie. Rear wheel soot is a problem for everyone it seems. Thanks for the heads up. | ||
| Mainstreamer |
Most oven cleaners contain a mild form of acid, as do some wheel cleaners..... I'd not use that on any of my bike parts. Not sure how powder coating will hold up to oven cleaner over the long haul. Certainly not good for your tires. | ||
| Zac4mac |
Corrosive - yes. Acid - no. Oven cleaners are lye-based, Sodium Hydroxide/Caustic Soda. Very strong base. Attacks organics, will dissolve hair and flesh | ||
| Mainstreamer |
Zac4mac... thanks for setting things straight! | ||
| Badlionsfan |
I used to use oven cleaner on my 99 Z28 wheels. They were clear coated, never hurt them. Not sure what it would do to the softer rubber of bike tires tho. | ||
| Rockstarblast1 |
Well the armor all did the job for the most part. I guess it wasn't messed up. Lol as for other wheel cleaners armor all is the ONLY one that didn't say "not safe for powder coated rims or motorcycle rims" in fine print. Even the other name brands say huge on the front "SAFE FOR ALL RIMS" then you read the back and its a dif story. +1 for the armor all. And a scrub brush. Now I just need 1 of thoes spiny stands so I can rotate my back tire while the bike is on the ground | ||
| Spectrum |
Glad you got it sorted and the finish is still good. Yes a rear stand was the first accessory I bought for my bike. Makes cleaning the rear wheel a lot easier as well. | ||
| Slaughter |
Also - I am a believer in the S100. It DOES say it's "Safe for all surfaces" - but it ALSO says NEVER LET IT DRY!!! Wondering if maybe you had some spots that may have dried??? | ||
| Rockstarblast1 |
nope never dried... and it wasnt just spots it was almost the WHOLE rim on the right (exhaust) side |
