taking care of dark custom - Harley Forum

dpr99 · #1 07-25-2009, 11:06 AM

So I recently bought an 02 Night Train. I love the bike but I've never had a black-out motor so I'm not sure the best way to clean and take care of the blacked out parts. For the black plastic I've just been using armorall wipes. Does anyone have a better suggestion?

What about the the steel motor parts like the fins? I'd like to find some way to clean and darken the wide surfaces of the fins and something else to bring out the unpainted chromish edges. Armorall wipes wont work because of the rough surface, it just shreds the wipes.

Honestly, this is my first bike so any advice on giving it a bath and making it sparkle are appreciated. I've discovered the joys of wadding polish though...oh man that stuff is awesome.

Hammerhead Pat · #2 07-25-2009, 12:05 PM

Welcome to the forum! My bike has a lot of chrome on it so I haven't had the need for the " black" cleaner. Someone is bound to jump in here soon with their results! You could always call the dealership and get their reccomendation, they seem to push the S-100 brand.

Gas Man · #3 07-25-2009, 01:42 PM

I know many who clean their motors with simple green.

As far as the denim/flat paints, best to use windex.

NightGlide · #4 07-25-2009, 08:19 PM

There is a product J&P Cycles sells, I'm sure you can find it elsewhere, called "Bike Brite Powder-Coat Engine Cleaner".

I've used it a few times on both bikes, spray on & let dry, makes the black powdercoat "shine" again.

dpr99 · #5 07-27-2009, 10:56 AM

Thanks for the insight and warm welcome guys. I was taking a dump at my dad's and found a copy of American Iron and loved the mag. It's nice to see the boards are just as good.

I wasn't too impressed with the knowledge level of the guys at my local Harley shop. Not to say that mine is great or anything, but the fact that my dad and brother can talk circles around them kind of makes me not want to bother. That, and I don't want to be told the best thing to use simply based on it being from their product line. I'd rather ask guys like you who are unbiased and just use what they've genuinely had the best results with, no matter what the brand name. I've heard great things about Hog Spit on blacked out motors. Can anyone comment on it?

C. Numb · #6 07-29-2009, 11:23 PM

+1 on the windex with black denim. It wont leave streaks because it just evaporates.

I usually just end up doing the rest of the bike with it too. lol.

Gas Man · #7 07-30-2009, 02:12 AM

Heck that's what my dealer uses and suggests.

JCourneyaP · #8 07-30-2009, 02:50 AM

We have few dark customs in my family. On the 3rd night after a full moon we........And then we tell no one. That is how I take care of a dark custom!

shovelmike · #9 07-30-2009, 08:46 AM

Welcome to the forum dpr99, I guess it's a good thing your dad keeps AIM next to the "throne".

#10 08-07-2009, 06:52 PM

I'm true to the whole idea of "dark custom", I've only washed mine twice in the last year. They're supposed to look old and worn right?