Cleaning the wheels

[zimtuff]

I finally got around to tackling them again and found the only stuff that worked was Kitten number 2 cutting polish.
Whatever made them so dirty was below the surface and there was also a layer of corrosion in many places.
That got them shiny enough for my standards and I hope a less abrasive polish will keep them looking good.

 

[Badger]

Ct18

G'day Badger , i was warned against using CT-18 because of the caustic-like ingredients. Purple polish the best stuff i found ... until i got the gloss black powdercoat on my wheels

Thanks Tomcat. CT18 was indeed quite caustic a few years back but apparently was updated to be pH neutral and non-caustic. It reportly used to result in dulling of metal but these days doesn't seem to have any such effect. One of our bigger accessory dealers in Sydney recommended it - saying "you can spray it all over the bike." However, I only use it for the lower engine, wheels and lower fork areas, just in case. Then I use a milder wash for the rest of the bike. So far, so good.

Regardless, I'll look out for Purple polish and give it a try. Thanks for the tip.

 

[CanberraR3]

Hey badger, you can get Purple Polish on e-bay. Look for an Aussie seller; cheap!

 

[TOMCAT]

Thanks Tomcat. CT18 was indeed quite caustic a few years back but apparently was updated to be pH neutral and non-caustic. It reportly used to result in dulling of metal but these days doesn't seem to have any such effect. One of our bigger accessory dealers in Sydney recommended it - saying "you can spray it all over the bike." However, I only use it for the lower engine, wheels and lower fork areas, just in case. Then I use a milder wash for the rest of the bike. So far, so good.

Regardless, I'll look out for Purple polish and give it a try. Thanks for the tip.

I stand corrected.... Purple polish Deoxidizer is an incredible product, i didn't polish the wheels for the first 18 months . One go with the deoxidizer and they were like brand new.

 

[HellFire]

i have an 08 classic and i'm thinking that the wheels aren't coated, other than the black paint or powdercoat on parts of the inside of the spokes. i'll first clean the brake dust and assorted grime with some dawn dishwashing liquid with a soft rag. polishing aluminum becomes a lot of work, and i sorta like the bare look like excile cycles uses. easy to take care of if i don't get started polishing the rims.

Look close to make sure they aren't coated, my '08 Standard has a really crappy, soft, clear coat that everything sticks to. I tested a caustic cleaner on a small spot and it turned the clear coat milky so I just use soap and water until I can afford to powder coat.

 

[HansO]

My 08 STD does not a coating I use Purple Polish monthly but looking to find out if there is a clear powder coating cos the one disadvantage living on the coast is the salt air

 

[TOMCAT]

My 08 STD does not a coating I use Purple Polish monthly but looking to find out if there is a clear powder coating cos the one disadvantage living on the coast is the salt air

G'day Hanso, powdercoaters i use have a silver that looks like chrome..dull chrome i guess be best description. Thought it would look pretty good.

 

[zimtuff]

I stand corrected.... Purple polish Deoxidizer is an incredible product, i didn't polish the wheels for the first 18 months . One go with the deoxidizer and they were like brand new.

I havent seen Purple Polish for sale in WA,what chain of stores sells it over there?

 

[nolton]

Look close to make sure they aren't coated, my '08 Standard has a really crappy, soft, clear coat that everything sticks to. I tested a caustic cleaner on a small spot and it turned the clear coat milky so I just use soap and water until I can afford to powder coat.

Mine had a thin layer of clear and started showing milky stains. I took the rear wheel off to go darkside and while I could, I used purple polish and ****!! it looked better than new. I go back over it about every 3 months and it stays chrome like.

 

[TOMCAT]

I havent seen Purple Polish for sale in WA,what chain of stores sells it over there?

Got mine from the Mack truck dealership in Darwin while i was living up there. Think maybe Mack are the distributor here in Oz but im not positive, be worth trying your local Mack dealer.