On a group ride the other weekend someone remarked to me that it was time I shelled out for some more tyres (I knew that). They then added that the bike was looking a bit scruffy and could do with a good clean (I knew that, too)
So last week and over the weekend I set about remedying both situations. Some almost new second-hand tyres from White Racing Products at Ingleburn solved the first bit and yesterday I decided it was time for a wash and polish. The bike has 122000 kms on the clock and, prior to my purchasing it a couple of years ago, had sat outside in the sunshine for over two years, unprotected. So I was had no illusions whatsoever that it would scrub up like new but, having spent the time, I was mildly surprised at the result.
A good wash down was followed by a generous application of Cut and Polish which restored some gleam that I thought was long gone. Brake cleaner got the disks and calipers looking much better and a lot of time spent on the rear end and chain area with a brush and some kerosene restored it to a much brighter semblance of newness. It is amazing, but, every time I clean the chain, it never ceases to surprise me how much gunk builds up around the countershaft area and the chain runner. Surely this must contribute to drag and inefficiency? Anyway, the chain is now much cleaner and all the area around it has been cleansed of oily build-up.
Armor-all is frowned upon by many, I know, but cleaning the seat and all the plastic bits has them looking black and shiny as well. The mirror stalks have a rubber shroud around them (known in VFR circles as “condoms”) but these are still grey and wouldn’t come black no matter how much I applied (result of being left in the sun for an extended period) I don’t mind having the seat a little slippery as it allows some movement if I decide to get silly and hang off the seat in the corners.
But, all in all, it scrubbed up pretty well. At some stage in a previous life the bike has been in an accident as the VFR stickers that should be on the lowers of the fairing on each side are missing, but I don’t think I’ll replace them; the “clean” look is fine by me.
Now all that is needed is a 5000 km service and a new filter and things should be good for a while.
small e says
It’s a clean machine…..
Phil Hall says
Indeed. The trick will be to try and keep it that way!