AndyS Posted October 21, 2017 Share Posted October 21, 2017 Well I have finally got Wethead, and it sits alongside my trusty old Oilhead. I can't help but make comparisons. Here's one of them. The Oilhead is SO easy to clean in comparison. The Old Oilhead balances so perfectly on the centrestand, so maintenance and washing of the wheels is peachy. The Wethead is SO front heavy So the question? Washing techniques. Particularly the front wheel and cylinders with the maze of castings and deep finning? How are you all doing it. General tips,and tricks for the whole of the bike are welcome. Link to comment
LIRider Posted October 21, 2017 Share Posted October 21, 2017 Although the Wethead does sit nose down on the centerstand, I find it easy enough to rotate the front wheel by just pulling up on the spokes at the very front. It does take a little more time than the rear but not by much. Link to comment
rickmoen Posted October 21, 2017 Share Posted October 21, 2017 I use BMW branded wheel cleaner - comes in a black, plastic bottle. Just a couple of squirts per section of wheel, a quick wipe, and its done. It really works well! Link to comment
strataj Posted October 21, 2017 Share Posted October 21, 2017 Well I have finally got Wethead, and it sits alongside my trusty old Oilhead. I can't help but make comparisons. Here's one of them. The Oilhead is SO easy to clean in comparison. The Old Oilhead balances so perfectly on the centrestand, so maintenance and washing of the wheels is peachy. The Wethead is SO front heavy So the question? Washing techniques. Particularly the front wheel and cylinders with the maze of castings and deep finning? How are you all doing it. General tips,and tricks for the whole of the bike are welcome. Like LIRider said it's easy to turn the front wheel. I add weight to the rear of bike to get the front end off the ground, easy to change out. I find taking the wheels off is easier then my Oilhead was (02R1150RT) . Taking off the body panels is no comparison, you're going to love the Wethead, just watch those tabs... Congratulation and enjoy! and welcome to the almost dark side : ). Jay Link to comment
AlanS. Posted October 22, 2017 Share Posted October 22, 2017 Same here with the front wheel and Simple Green to clean the wheels, brakes, windshield, and anything that needs bugs or road grime removed. Link to comment
PadG Posted October 22, 2017 Share Posted October 22, 2017 Congratulations, Andy! However, as people always said.....no pictures, and it didn't happen!!! Link to comment
garr2 Posted October 24, 2017 Share Posted October 24, 2017 Two chopping blocks sitting on the rack get the front wheel off the ground for cleaning. Ian Link to comment
AndyS Posted October 24, 2017 Author Share Posted October 24, 2017 Gotta get me some logs! Link to comment
T-88 Posted October 24, 2017 Share Posted October 24, 2017 Where did you get the chopping blocks?? I double-checked both the Touratech and Wunderlich catalogues and couldn't find them! LOL. Sorry, I couldn't resist. Tim Link to comment
AndyS Posted November 29, 2017 Author Share Posted November 29, 2017 So you guys hoik the front wheel off the ground and then spray it with a cleaning substance. Does that easily clean the 'hub' section of the wheel which is quite awkward to get to? Link to comment
Oldrider51 Posted November 29, 2017 Share Posted November 29, 2017 On my 04 R1100S I use a scissors jack with a pad under the engine to slightly lift the front wheel off the ground, then spray on any good wheel cleaner, Amorall, Mother's, etc., then spray off or get a wheel brush from Autogeek that bends to fit into the tight places to save your hands. I also use a brush on the cylinders to clean between the fins and other places. Good Luck Link to comment
Rob L Posted November 29, 2017 Share Posted November 29, 2017 (edited) I clean the wheel rim and spokes as best I can. The front hub is too hard to reach. I usually do a better job cleaning the wheels when I replace tires. Edited November 29, 2017 by Rob L Link to comment
Paul De Posted November 29, 2017 Share Posted November 29, 2017 While the log approach works under the same principle and is much less expensive, I leave all my gear in the large top case and side bags while cleaning the front wheel. If the gas tank is low on fuel it lifts the front wheel off the ground. I suppose you could put a right sized log in the cases as well which would avoid an unfortunate scuff if a log should tumble off the rack...just remember to offload the wood before heading out on a ride. Link to comment
Paul De Posted November 29, 2017 Share Posted November 29, 2017 So you guys hoik the front wheel off the ground and then spray it with a cleaning substance. Does that easily clean the 'hub' section of the wheel which is quite awkward to get to? I tend to avoid a lot of the wheel cleaning products as I think they are harsh enough to dull the powder coating over time. Besides, if you are riding no one can really see your dirty hub and if someone should comment about your RT being dirty they are likely that part of the cruiser crowd who spend more time shining than riding and their opinion should be given the appropriate consideration (none). Link to comment
mileypop Posted November 29, 2017 Share Posted November 29, 2017 So you guys hoik the front wheel off the ground and then spray it with a cleaning substance. Does that easily clean the 'hub' section of the wheel which is quite awkward to get to? I tend to avoid a lot of the wheel cleaning products as I think they are harsh enough to dull the powder coating over time. Besides, if you are riding no one can really see your dirty hub and if someone should comment about your RT being dirty they are likely that part of the cruiser crowd who spend more time shining than riding and their opinion should be given the appropriate consideration (none). +1 Link to comment
RTinNC Posted November 30, 2017 Share Posted November 30, 2017 So you guys hoik the front wheel off the ground and then spray it with a cleaning substance. Does that easily clean the 'hub' section of the wheel which is quite awkward to get to? Honestly I never let my wheels get that dirty and when they are mucked up I only use Griot's Wheel Cleaner. Not harsh and never ever hurt any of my wheels and works well. Then I hit them with Original Bike Spirits Spray Polish. I DO ride my bikes and in the rain when on tours but clean it each day after my ride whether on a trip or a day ride at home. I have found that if you keep after a bike and never let it get too dirty they stay pretty pristine. But then again I am pretty OCD. This is my '06 RT when sold last fall .... 10 years old with just under 40K miles. Link to comment
AndyS Posted November 30, 2017 Author Share Posted November 30, 2017 Hi Ed. The point is, the wheels on the 1100/1150/Hexhead/Camhead are all easy-peasy to clean and keep clean, however the Wethead wheels are a nightmare to clean because of all the webs and internal finish.If my Wethead looks as tidy as my Oilhead is after 14 years I will be well pleased. However, I think it is going to take a LOT more effort to do so. Link to comment
RTinNC Posted November 30, 2017 Share Posted November 30, 2017 Hi Ed. The point is, the wheels on the 1100/1150/Hexhead/Camhead are all easy-peasy to clean and keep clean, however the Wethead wheels are a nightmare to clean because of all the webs and internal finish.If my Wethead looks as tidy as my Oilhead is after 14 years I will be well pleased. However, I think it is going to take a LOT more effort to do so. Hmmm ... I guess I have not noticed the RTW wheels being tougher to clean. My RTW has 8,000 miles on it and the wheels look pretty pristine. I have not noticed any increased difficulty in keeping them tidy. But I think the same theory follows ... .if you never let them get real cruddy then they will be easier to keep nice. That is just my process and one reason why it is nice to buy a "new" bike when you can. I do recall my first BMW, an R1100RT, that I loved but it had those uncoated wheels that were a real pain to get clean. The brake dust would just smear and not come off. The best product I found for those hard to clean wheels was S-100 Wheel Cleaning Gel. It worked like a champ. Link to comment
Rob L Posted November 30, 2017 Share Posted November 30, 2017 One thing that bothers me about using chemicals and waxes on motorcycle wheels.........The brake rotors also end up with these chemicals on them and the contamination will be transferred to the pads and may effect braking. If I clean my wheels with any chemical I usually wipe the rotors with Brake Clean aerosol before riding. Maybe its not necessary, but I do it anyway. Link to comment
RTinNC Posted November 30, 2017 Share Posted November 30, 2017 One thing that bothers me about using chemicals and waxes on motorcycle wheels.........The brake rotors also end up with these chemicals on them and the contamination will be transferred to the pads and may effect braking. If I clean my wheels with any chemical I usually wipe the rotors with Brake Clean aerosol before riding. Maybe its not necessary, but I do it anyway. I never really worry about that too much but I DO try and keep as much off the rotors as I can. Link to comment
JamesW Posted December 2, 2017 Share Posted December 2, 2017 You want to really have some fun getting the front wheel off the ground to spin the front wheel for any reason try an FJR some time. We're talking about a heavy front end as in REAL HEAVY! You'll come to appreciate your wethead for sure, no doubt. Link to comment
AndyS Posted December 4, 2017 Author Share Posted December 4, 2017 Well, I now have a small bottle jack dedicated to popping under the engine to elevate the front wheel a tad. Link to comment
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