Hi Folks,

Thought it might be useful to have a trawl through my cleaning materials that I use on the “Ghost”, these are not official products as such, just stuff I have been using over many years of use and keep the bike clean through the winter months…..

ACF 50

I’m lucky enough to have a “big blue” lift (see article on the club website https://bmwcluboxford.com/bike-lift/)which allows me to lift the bike to remove both wheels and spray ACF 50 everywhere (no not tyres or brakes…) which has proved itself year after year so its part of my normal winter maintenance schedule!

I tend to buy the large bottle and decant some into my trusty paraffin sprayer (you will need a small compressor) which gets everywhere, deep into the bike but doesn’t seem to use much – great!

ACF 50 is widely available but here’s a starter link: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/162764136075

Copper Grease

You may have seen in a previous newsletter, Bob Mack’s excellent article on Front Brakes and winter use, think “keep em” clean was the idea!

Copper grease is a very useful compliment to the tool kit, apply sparingly on the rear on the brake pads and hey presto, no more brake squealing when applying the brakes….. please note on my K1600 there is no need to apply this to the rear pads which are exposed to the elements.

Copper grease is widely available in various formats, this one is available through Opie Oils which has a discount for club members: – https://www.opieoils.co.uk/p-140354-granville-copper-grease-0149.aspx

WD40

Been using this stuff for years as an electrical connector protector and generally smelling the garage out.

Recently, I have discovered its solvent capabilities; have you seen what this stuff does to hard baked on tarmac, brilliant for exhausts, headers, bright metalwork, wheel rims anywhere the tar goes this stuff is magic and adds a nice protective film so it’s easier next time – a definite go to product!

You can find out more about the product and its uses at:- https://www.wd40.com/uses-tips

Wurth Ultra 2040

A great little product for protecting my switchgear on the handlebars, a quick squirt into the left and right hand handlebar mounted controls e.g. indicators, cruise control, main beam, mode button etc., ignition, fuel cap and pannier locks makes them as “smooth as a baby’s bum” ……

Wurth products are readily available from a number of outlets on the internet, below is a link to their own website / e shop:- https://eshop.wurth.co.uk/Product-categories/Multi-purpose-lubricant-Ultra-2040/31083008070902.cyid/3108.cgid/en/GB/GBP/

Fuchs Renolite Aqua

As the name suggests, this is a serious waterproof grease, used in the marine industry and liberally used on all my fasteners e.g. fairing, front mudguard, mainstand, side stand etc. as a antiseize agent

Makes a wonderful seal against the rainy elements and makes disassembly easier

This product is available through Opie Oils which has a discount for club members: –

https://www.opieoils.co.uk/search/go?w=Fuchs%20Renolite%20Aqua

GT85

I use this everywhere in the house, hinges, locks, children’s bikes etc, on the bike it main use is to keep the brake and clutch levers in tip top condition, not allowing the rain and dirt to spoil to fun and smoothness of lever action!

It also appears that Bahnstormer also use it on pivot joints such as the side stand!

This product is widely available on the internet:- https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/282838842089

Swarfega Wipes

When you have been out in the rain, and on one ride to the NEC this year snow flurries, the last thing you want to do when you get home, is get the pressure washer out and various other summer cleaning tools.

I find a decent wipe down, to dry and clean the bike off with these wipes, minimises corrosion and allows you to pop the WD40 etc on asap to protect your pride and joy.

I and others, have also used baby wipes, which are just as good if not more effective!

This product is widely available on the internet:- https://www.screwfix.com/p/swarfega-heavy-duty-hand-wipes-70-pack/31368

Fairy Liquid

First off, do not use this to clean any part of you bike with its far too aggressive and will strip away the protective layers….. not good if winter riding or even storing!

However, if you want a spotlessly clean visor or windscreen it’s hard to beat especially if you only use your fingers to wash, perhaps followed by a microfibre cloth and some visor cleaner for that added sparkle and minimal scratching.

Pro Green Motorcycle Wash

This stuff is amazing and makes you incredibly lazy…..power wash the bike; being careful around the bearings etc. and simply spray the Pro Green spray on, its PH neutral and won’t hurt your bike, so spray it anywhere, brakes, tyres etc. etc.

After 20 minutes, power wash the bike again and hey presto nice and clean. Vehicle cleaning has come along a long way since 2000, these days, environmentally friendly surfactants make this part of bike ownership very easy indeed!

I tend to purchase direct: – https://pro-greenmx.co.uk/

Gravitis 3.2HP Motorbike Dryer-powerful, portable bike dryer for dusting, drying

A bit of a luxury this, but if you ride year-round and have lots of winter crud to deal with, well worth a look….

The Gravitis Motorbike Dryer is perfect for blow drying any vehicle in minutes. Suitable for all makes and models it takes the strain out of drying your motorbike by quickly blasting off all surface water to leave your bike looking shiny, with no water spots and no chance of scratching the paintwork with a dirty towel. Get right inside those hard-to-reach or delicate areas without compromising on safety.

Each dryer comes complete with 3 nozzle attachments, so you can direct the airflow efficiently to whichever part of your motorcycle you are working on. The powerful 2800 watts motor generate a wind speed of 55-65 m/s with variable airflow settings and a choice of hot or cold air.

The portable dryer unit is made from durable steel with an 8-metre power cable and lockable wheels enabling you to move around easily as you work. The flexible, reinforced dryer hose stretches up to 11FT, giving you even more room to manoeuvre.

Conclusion
I hope you find these tips useful; these are not BMW recommended products, this is an article, based on personal experience of what works for me on my bike. Please ensure that you are comfortable with the intended use of any products on your motorcycle, try on a small area first and read the instructions carefully and enjoy trouble free winter riding!

Safe Riding

Dave Tomlinson

Social Secretary