Cleaning/Dusting the 1299

Hey guys,

Just picked up my 1299 last week. Coming from the Monster, I have a lot more painted surface to worry about keeping nice.

I currently have Plexus, Honda Spray Polish, and a quick detailing spray. I used the detail spray and a microfiber cloth to remove some smudges and dust, but I already see scratches. Being the anal person that I am, I want to keep my bike clean/dust free as much as possible, without covering my bike in swirl marks.

I considered picking up a Air Force Blaster Sidekick for the purpose of blowing the dust off, but I'm not sure if it's better to just go with a portable air compressor instead, or maybe I'm just using the wrong technique/cleaner/cloth combination to remove accumulated dust.

What do you guys use for cleaning when you're not wanting to fully wash the bike? Also, should I be using something besides the detailing spray for the wind screen? I see small scratches across that from removing bugs as well.

A wet microfiber cloth and a dry microfiber cloth. Nothing else.

I use what you use: Plexus on the plastic parts and then spray polish on metal surfaces. Use multiple microfiber towels. I only do this after I ride. Otherwise I don't dust; riding the bike removes that.

sweat and an old jock strap.

I never wipe anything off, it will always scratch. I leave her dirty until I can wash her down with water and soap. If you use the right soap you never have to wipe and that is the best way to avoid swirl.

treat paint just like all modern highline cars, gently, never wipe dry, always clean with gentle surfactant and keep layer of good wax on painted parts. I don't wash the bike but hand clean appearance parts with lots of quick detailer and such and using microfiber always. Ideally there's nothing wrong with thorough washing, but any defects in electrical assembly and lubricated parts will rear its end on you if you wash often. JMO

Mine never gets dirty haven't touched it since June....it's winter in Cape Town

reganc said:

sweat and an old jock strap.

Click to expand...

I know that Prince Albert has a comment just waiting for this quote.

I use Meguiar's Ultimate Waterless Wash and Wax.
But if you know about the red Pani's you'll know the clear coat from factory is sh*t. It develops scratches so easily. I got mine professionally Opti-Coated couple weeks of owning the bike and when the detailer was buffing out the tiny scratches that had already formed from a previous wash, he described it as "coming off like butter". It is ridiculously soft.
If the paint is really important to you, I'd suggest Opti-Coating, Ceramic-Coating or anything of similar product. I can only speak for Opti-Coating but once it's applied, it noticeably makes the red look darker, and tiny circular micro scratches aren't visible anymore in sunlight.

In addition to the above: Second time I saw my detailer and asked about waterless sprays he said exactly what Tinus said above, its best to always use a hose to wash the dirt off rather than just using waterless sprays by themselves. Wiping will always cause light scratches. With the Opti-Coat though, I haven't seen micro scratches appear much. But you wanna be cautious.

honda spray polish and cleaner, been using it for years and nothing else comes close. Plexi is too expensive and i prefer honda .

Put this stuff on .. Nanoformula.com | Nano Ceramic Protect 9H ? Twarde Ceramiczne Pow?oki Ochronne. Najskuteczniejszy system zabezpieczaj?cy lakier, tapicerk?, felgi, plastiki, gum?, szyby i dachy cabrio.

And if you can get the 10H it will last forever, plus it is easy to do yourself.

Perhaps consider a inside bike cover?

Or maybe just don't ride it.

I don't normally get involved with 'washed my bike' threads but I discovered furniture polish for the bike last week! Mr Sheen (no idea if it's available in the US under the same brandname?) is incredible. The bike looks like molten metal after, it's so shiny and smooth! My mates an ex Ferrari tech and has used it on his bikes for fifteen years without issue. Way cheaper than fancy polish and looks better