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CLEANING AND PROTECTING MOTORCYCLE ACCESSORIES

Vinyl

It is more important on motorcycles to use a preservative and protectant on rubber hoses, vinyl seats, and various plastic components because of their heavier exposure to UV rays and industrial pollution. A premium carpet cleaner, slightly diluted, works extremely well on vinyl seats and bags. After agitating the surface, use a 100% cotton or flannel towel, slightly moist to remove the cleaner. Vinyl protectant should be applied with a soft cloth and worked into the surface. After a few moments of allowing it to work into the surface and absorb essential oils, buff off the excess with a clean soft cloth. Remember, motorcycle seats are not meant to be slick, so buff vigorously to remove any excess.

Leather Seats and Bags

Never use products that are made for vinyl to clean leather. These are much harsher cleaners and can sometimes damage the leather. Cleaning leather seats and bags is extremely important. Proper care and cleaning can actually double the life of the leather. It will keep the leather soft and supple to the touch. It will also prevent the cracking that is normally associated with age. TIP: Leather cleaners and conditioners are not strictly for use on leather seats and bags alone. These products also work great on boots, leather jackets, and chaps. When cleaning leather, the pores are opened and natural oils can be replaced to prevent deterioration and cracking. Using a premium leather conditioner after cleaning will seal the pores and replace the natural oils. Apply the cleaner to a clean 100% cotton or flannel towel to insure even distribution. Never apply directly to the area that you are about to clean. Allow a few minutes for the cleaner to be absorbed into the leather. Buff gently with a slightly moistened soft cotton or flannel towel. Be sure to rinse with several moist clean towels. It is essential that you remove all of the leather cleaner before applying the conditioner. Remember that leather is a natural skin. It does not like abuse any more than your own skin; therefore, a gentle rather than aggressive approach is needed. Now that the leather has been cleaned, apply the conditioner in the same manner. Allow the leather to absorb as much as possible so that natural oils can be replaced. This will keep the leather soft and supple to the touch. As with cleaners, it is important that all excess conditioner be removed.

Preservatives and Protectants

After cleaning your bike, be sure to apply a coat of premium preservative with UV blockers to all rubber hoses and plastic cables. I do not recommend using preservatives and protectants to condition brake petals, foot pegs, and floorboards. Surface conditioners when wet could become slippery. Always consider safety first.

SOME FINAL SUGGESTIONS

I know this might seem like self-serving advertising, but these suggestions work so well for me that I can't help sharing.

Windscreens

For a heavy buildup of little critters on your windscreen or ferring, try using Mothers Car Wash full strength. Works Great!
In my opinion, Mothers Plastic Polish is the best plastic polish on the market. It will buff out hairline scratches, stains, flaws, and small nicks. It leaves a tough layer of polymers, which will protect against sun damage. Also, those tough little critters that adhere themselves to your windshield will be much easier to remove.

Tires

Tire dressings enhance the appearance of any detailed cycle. But, there can be much more to dressings than meets the eye. Motorcycle tires are manufactured with two major compounds that should you. One is carbon black and the other is wax. These molecules are designed to work their way to the surface of the tire during rotation to prevent cracking and to lend protection from airborne pollutants. Carbon black absorbs UV rays and dispenses the energy as heat. As ozone attacks the tire, the wax is depleted. As the tire rolls, wax from the tire is designed to be pushed to the surface. This process is referred to as blooming, which replenishes the surface wax protection. When a tire sits and hasn't been rotated often, ozone is allowed to attack and dry rot and cracking appears on the surface. Several of the nationally advertised products contain raw silicone, which can actually dissolve the wax and contribute to premature tire failure. Any dressing that you use should have a strong repellent to UV damage. There are two that I recommend; one is Mothers Duration, which has a slightly glossier look. It will hold up well through multiple washing. Mothers Preserves Protectant has a somewhat flatter look. Both have strong UV blockers to protect against ozone attack.

REMEMBER - DRESSINGS SHOULD ONLY BE APPLIED TO SIDEWALLS, NEVER TO ANY RUBBER COMPONENT OF THE TIRE WHICH WOULD COME IN CONTACT WITH THE STREET.

Showtime Instant Detailer

If you have detailed your bike and it has been a couple of days since you have been on a ride, a quick touch-up with Mothers Showtime Instant Detailer will remove dust and fingerprints. It will leave your ride looking freshly detailed.

If you have saddle bags, consider carrying your Showtime Instant Detailer and a towel to quickly remove any fuel splash when filling your tank - the paper towels, squeegees and window cleaners provided at a gas station can wreak havoc on your paint surface.

Now that your motorcycle is in top shape, maintaining its appearance will be much easier.
We hope this information has been helpful and don't forget to stop by our "Tips and Tricks" section for additional information.

If you have any suggestions, tips, or tricks that you would like to share, we would appreciate hearing from you.

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