Rim Cleaning Tips

[JohnnyCanuck]

What are people doing to really clean and polish up the front and rear rims. Mine have brake dust and a white powdery looking residue that can't be taken off with regular cleaning. Any suggestions on good cleaning products that won't damage the finish of the rims? And, are Rocket rims made of aluminum?

 

[mully95]

I suggest getting them powder coated. My bike is a 2010 model and can tell the wheels are tarnishing quicker than I would like. If I'm not mistakien the aluminum wheels are clear coated ... in which... there's not a whole lot that can be done. I'm talking more down the lines of having mine powder coated black in which it will be lot less maintenance.

 

[JohnnyCanuck]

That's probably something I'll have to do at some point but was hoping someone has had success cleaning them up a bit. I've completed enough projects for 2012, I think I just have the Stebel left in me for this year, now just want to detail it and ride!

Anyone with success cleaning up the rims?

 

[scowherd]

try the following 2 products in the order listed below i have had good luck with them.. of course mine are not clear coated

Aluminum Deoxidizer - California Custom Products Inc.

Metal Polish - Polish Metal, Chrome, Aluminum, Brass, Plastic | California Custom Products Inc.

 

[bonecarver]

Mine were in pretty bad shape, while I had the wheels off before replacing the tires I went at the rims with mothers wheel cleaner.... not much help, I then used rubbing compound and a buffing wheel on a drill... while it was a little messy, it sure did shine up the rims.... of course you can always do what I did to the rims on my VTX a couple of years ago... many hours with the drill press.....





Made them sparkle in the sun....

 

[mully95]

This is what I use on my muscle car bare aluminum wheels. It works.... believe me. I have not tried it on my motorcycle wheels because of the clear coat... if they're even clear coated... I'm curious now myself.

White Diamond Metal Polish and Sealant

WHITE DIAMOND METALS POLISH - YouTube



Now the cheaper way is aluminum tool box cleaner in which you can get it at Lowes on the truck tool box isle. I have both and its the same stuff. I didn't realize this until I ordered White Diamond and it arrived at the house.

 

[nolton]

How much time do you want to spend on them?

Just a quick day job will not help with your problem.

 

[JohnnyCanuck]

Are the rims on a 2008 standard Rocket clear coated and, if so, will I destroy the clear coat by using these products?

I was hoping this job would be a few hours rather than a few days. If this is a few days I'll just wait until next year and get them coated I suppose.

My main concern is ruining the clear coat or the finish on the aluminum - assuming they are indeed made out of aluminum.

 

[scowherd]

Are the rims on a 2008 standard Rocket clear coated and, if so, will I destroy the clear coat by using these products?

I was hoping this job would be a few hours rather than a few days. If this is a few days I'll just wait until next year and get them coated I suppose.

My main concern is ruining the clear coat or the finish on the aluminum - assuming they are indeed made out of aluminum.

the products I suggested are non abrasive and should not break the clearcoat.... but if they clear coated you would be wasting your money using any metal polish they are not designed for cleat coated surfaces. A good cleaning and a coat of wax is really all you can do for them if they are clear coated.

It is very easy to tell if they are clear coated .... get any metal polish and apply with a clean rag and rub a small clean spot on the wheel. if the rag or wheel turns black where you rubbed chances are you can benefit from any of the products suggested .... If it does not turn you are wasting your time and money wash and wax them and get them powder coated or have the clear removed so you can polish when you have the time and money.

 

[mully95]

Are the rims on a 2008 standard Rocket clear coated and, if so, will I destroy the clear coat by using these products?

I was hoping this job would be a few hours rather than a few days. If this is a few days I'll just wait until next year and get them coated I suppose.

My main concern is ruining the clear coat or the finish on the aluminum - assuming they are indeed made out of aluminum.

If you use a little of the cleaner I mentioned and the surface doesn't turn black then they are clear coated. You only have use a little bit on a small section of the wheel to find out. I will do a test on mine tomorrow and let you know.