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Bug stains

Started by RLD, Sun 05, Jul 2009, 20:19:23

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RLD

I spent some time this weekend trying to remove two year old bug stains from the fairing on my "new to me" 99 I/S. Needless to say, unless someone here has any great ideas, I'm afraid they're permanent.  :( The bike was stored for two years and the bugs are now part of the paint. I've tried wax, cleaners, bug remover, and hydrogen peroxide. Also, I have two year old oxidation on the wheels in a couple of areas. Buffing made it look a lot better, but I'll probably have to remove them and power buff them to get them better. I tried Eagle 1 cleaner and Mothers, both to no avail. Any great ideas out there?
Dress for the slide, not the ride. ATGATT
VRCC #2505

T.P.

Have ya tried this stuff ? from the makers of Sea Foam.   http://www.seafoamsales.com/bugs-b-gone/index.html    :cooldude:
"Well you can call me T, or you can call me P, or you can call me T.P. but you doesn't hasta call me Toilet Paper"

Disco

The special problems about cleaning bugs are 1) their exoskeletons can scratch clearcoat, and 2) the proteins sometimes respond better to enzymes than to detergents/surfactants.  Given the time the bugs had to react with your paint, it's probably time for some polishing compound and a good wax.  If that doesn't work, use rubbing compound (be careful) followed by polishing compound and a good wax.

Wheels are no fun, but much easier off the bike.  Do a YouTube search for polishing a Valkyrie wheel to see how others have done it.  I cheated.  I sacrificed high sheen for ease of cleaning and had them powdercoated.
2000 Bumblebee Tourer, 98 Yellow & Cream Tourer, 97 Rescue blower bike
22 CRF450RL, 19 BMW R1250RT
78 CB550K, 07 Helix
71 MT50 Trailhopper


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