Best motorcycle cleaner & how to clean your bike | Dish-soap, Muc-Off, S100, Motul, Pro-GreenMX...

[@bennettsbikesocial]

UPDATE 10 OCTOBER 2022. SIX NEW PRODUCTS HAVE BEEN TESTED THAT ADD A NEW BEST BUY: www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/products/motorcycle-maintenance-and-servicing/best-motorcycle-cleaner

[@houjous5131]

Do you have a best for dirt, mud and salt? Or if they are on your best list, it doesn't matter?

[@houjous5131]

Jungle gel and the modular insect seem the most promising.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

@@houjous5131 I'd say that the best on there are the best overall, so no need to narrow down to the type of dirt

[@robertinofontaine3269]

Before thus video I used various car washes on my bike, what an eye opener. Currently use Pro Green MX Snow Foam & After Shine brilliant stuff. Thanks

[@spikerobinson5692]

Tipping my hat in recognition of the time, effort and attention to detail - cheers

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks very much! Cheers, John

[@informedcarpet]

Are you a Bennetts employee? 😂😂😂

[@Swoop10]

The way 2021 is going I just use a duster to wipe the dust off my bike no need to clean it 👍 great video

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Not long until 29 March... It'll be worth the wait! Cheers, John

[@ronrookledge4311]

I’ve spent the last 20 years in the cleaning and restoration industry and been part of end user product testing. I have to say that’s probably the most thorough and best consumer advice video I’ve seen on cleaning products and you should be proud of this video considering that you also came to the right conclusions! Well done and keep up the good work. By the way, I’ve been using fairy liquid for years now and it works a treat with no corrosion and my hands are so soft 🤣

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks SO much! All the best, John

[@girlinagale]

I washed my new Royal Enfield with Fairy washing up liquid, good result, only lots of water drying stains even though I took it for a good ride afterwards. So I have an electric leaf blower arriving today, £33 compared to double that for a pet dryer.

[@edmartin271]

I can’t of been the only one to be thinking “come on washing up liquid” before it was given a special mention. Don’t use it myself but what an underdog story 😂

[@bennettsbikesocial]

I knew it didn't have salt in it, but I wasn't expecting such a good result. Cheers, John

[@Faithinthedock]

My daily bike (Thunderace) is now going to get 'treated' to Aldi washing up liquid. A surprising result...

[@bennettsbikesocial]

@@Faithinthedock Thunderace's still look absolutely stunning. Nice one!

[@Faithinthedock]

@@bennettsbikesocial Thanks alot. There's something appealing about a bike with dials and carbs. 😁😎

[@bk83082]

My red 95 VFR750 (the Testarossa of bikes) is lovingly washed with dish soap after long days of murdering bugs.

[@alrecaps8682]

Bloody behemoth of a video, your tests are always so great ! Shouldn't have taken down the previous video, just make it clear there's an update Can't wait to see your future tests

[@h8510129]

amazing content! as a researcher myself it's great to see ppl performing more accurate testing methodologies.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks! All the best, John

[@Jonathan-L]

Hands up anyone who didn't pause this video at least 666 times to make a note of the recommended products?

[@bennettsbikesocial]

The article linked in the pinned comments and description has them all... plus a new recommendation!

[@christaylor491]

Starting to become my go-to channel for bike advice, keep up the good work guys 👏

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks very much! Cheers, John

[@johnhudghton3535]

You just won a subscriber. Congratulations on a thorough and honest series of tests. Aldi Magnum washing up liquid -well who knew?

[@LTVoyager]

I worked for a Ph.D. Chemist many years ago. He always said that the only difference between a safe chemical and a poisonous one was the concentration. Even water is fatal if you drink too much of it. So, basically everything is dangerous with high enough concentration or long enough exposure. Nothing is “totally safe” and we need to always keep that in mind.

[@Roberttttttttt]

What I got from this? Fairy liquid it is then. No complaints about salt but it will strip polish

[@abhishekdhibar9641]

This channel is a hidden gem. ❤️

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks very much! All the best, John

[@AleksiJoensuu]

As it is a corporate channel that's part of Bennett's marketing I'm sure, hard to see it really as "hidden" ;) But yeah I agree though. Especially I like it as it's corporate channel that ACTUALLY gives you something useful. I'd go so far as to say it's at least one of the best motorcycle publications out there. I mean, I learn more from this channel than much of the dedicated motorcycle media house channels.

[@Snoupity]

@@AleksiJoensuu I damn near agree with you :D

[@tonyb622]

Excallent and informative. Now where did I leave that washing up liquid! Note, as an alternative, I use a cheap Titan wet/dry Vacuum (on blow obviously), rather than a bespoke bike dryer. Used on my road/off road bikes and my car, with excellent results, it blows warm air by default and cost £40!

[@bennettsbikesocial]

I've got one of those - very handy! Another option is a pet dryer; they tend to be more powerful than the Titan. Cheers, John

[@writestuffmedia]

Absolute legend. Fantastic test, I *HATE* cleaning bikes but you've actually made me want to do it as well as you do. Can't offer higher praise than that.

[@writestuffmedia]

PS nice use of the Wilhelm scream 😉

[@bennettsbikesocial]

@@writestuffmedia Thanks mate! I'm just gutted nobody has noticed the hidden theme to the corrosion protectants video! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXPKd2NtfpyHh68

[@mrkennethporter]

A product that I use after cleaning to rinse of the bike. Finish Rinse Aid for dishwashers. I fill a 6 liter pressure sprayer and add a squirt . It smells nice and It stops streaking from tap water. Which is a problem here. I'm hoping it's safe on plastic.. could you test it properly

[@andrewwelbourn9577]

Brilliant review thanks. Glad my cleaning regime is safe, I used the old Muc off which didn’t foam, but the new stuff diluted 1 part Solution to 2 water works much better. Looking forward to the chain cleaner and lube tests and hoping again I’ve chosen correctly with SDOC. I like the small cans for touring and the big ones in the garage. I’ve a Bruhl blower / heater coming soon and really enjoy cleaning the bike, something I used to find a real chore. Keep up the reviews, thanks again.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks very much! Chain cleaners will be a while, but the lubes test is in progress... that's a big one in organisation, and I'm using an independent lab for the testing I can't do, so it's been a real challenge. Cheers, John

[@Bladebars]

The money I’ve spent over the years on detailing gear. Now I’m going to Aldi

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Pick up some of their moody Pringles too - they're lovely! Cheers, John

[@Bladebars]

@@bennettsbikesocial not sure how good of a degreaser Pringles will be but I’ll give it a shot 😂

[@bennettsbikesocial]

@@Bladebars Probably not that great, and I'm pretty sure they're quite heavy in sodium chloride!

[@Fiatmannen1]

Apply scrub rinse done. Have never given it much thought and will not begin to.

[@johnDukemaster]

You really did some hard work here mate! Thank you so much!

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks very much! Cheers, John

[@Richie65afc]

I use paraffin to clean the rear wheel, because this wheel gets all the crud and fling off from the chain oil. I don't think paraffin has any affect on the paint on the wheel. I wash the paraffin off after. Does anybody else to do this or have a better way?

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Paraffin proved totally safe in my testing. Meths on paint is a very different matter... Cheers, John

[@JohnGhani]

I've used WD40 and GT85. Both are mostly paraffin by composition and make life easier when cleaning the wheels later on!

[@aleksrodins]

Does paraffin can be substituted with Turpentine??? Or this is completely different chemical? Thanks

[@bennettsbikesocial]

@@aleksrodins Paraffin and turps (or turpentine spirit) are different things, and as I didn't try that I'm afraid I can't help, sorry! Cheers, John

[@aleksrodins]

@@bennettsbikesocial Thanks!

[@rickdelmonte1682]

Thanks for the great effort: very informative. I have been using S100. I trust it because of my experience in the Porsche air cooled world. It was the only wheel cleaner that would not damage the anodized aluminum finish on the forged Fuchs wheels.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

It's scary how much damage some products can have the potential to cause. Cheers, John

[@TheAdventuresofPhilJones]

Great video. Funny enough I mention washing up liquid in my cleaning video as it was all I used to use. I’ve recently discovered Auto Finesse Citrus Power as a Pre-Wash and then Meguairs Snow Foam. I’m also talking about cleaning exhaust pipes so I won’t give my favourite product away just yet! As someone who loves cleaning their bike, I really enjoyed watching this. Thanks for all the effort! 😁👍

[@oliviermagere]

I can honestly say I use Bennetts insurance for my bike because they fund your work. Just so well thought out and done.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thank you SO much! Hope my boss sees this! Cheers, John

[@arsssis]

You’re not the only one!!

[@paulgarritty8978]

Brilliant really enjoyed that… very interesting about washing up liquid… One little trick I use to make my plastics and really pop is using Wetting a rag with WD40 and rubbing it in… works great on wheel rims to and cleans away chain fling in a jiffy 👍🏻😊

[@aaronkumada2167]

Dude you put waaaaayyyyy more work into these vids than you’re getting credit for. Big like from California bro 🤘

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks very much - hopefully it'll pick up some views! Cheers, John

[@soupdragon1]

Same as some others here the bike usually just needs dusting as she is scared of rain and temperatures below 16c 😂

[@terrigoddard3448]

Jeez. I remember when it was just Gunk or Jizer and a bucket of water.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

And chains were easy to pop off and clean in a tin!

[@Grahamvfr]

Yes that lovely smell of gunk on a warm engine 👍

[@JHallam77]

Love this channel. Makes me wanna choose Bennett’s as my insurer for next year, unfortunately they weren’t able to match my premium. Anyway, love the videos, great channel

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Cheers, and sorry to hear that! Hopefully next year!

[@veronicaalessandrello1022]

I knew there was some level of Doctorate behind your work. It would be so helpful if motorcycle manufacturers offer these cleaning products tailored to the materials they use.

[@DiagolonRider]

i bought a thing of that pink 'Muck Off' stuff and it actually works pretty good. it cleans the $hit off and polishes it at the same time. i really like it

[@JDMz]

*Muc off.

[@Oilyhands749]

Been using neat fairy liquid and a paint brush washed off with warm water on mtb motorcycle and cars for years , Another excellent vid , top work .

[@andrewvickers4487]

These ultra-thorough Bikesocial reviews are so needed these days - far more helpful than the "top" this or "best" that from youtube celebs. Well done!

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks SO much! Cheers, John

[@jaym7880]

You need to include Motoclean on one of these videos

[@jamest5149]

Love the detail and extent you go to, plus the addition of expert advice and comment 👍

[@DonlineUK]

Thanks, excellent & very thorough video. Appreciate the effort you put in. My tuppence worth: SDoc 100 Gel & MuckOff are my favourite bike cleaners.

[@winksmt01]

I've been using washing up liquid since the 70s no problem at all. I also use muck off and good old gunk.

[@tweetchris46]

Fantastic vid.....I really wasn't expecting that from washing up liquid, the forum "experts" won't like this at all lol

[@captainaverage721]

First job clean the chain and rear wheel with a paraffin rag to get rid of chain wax and rinse well.I tend to hose the bike down then liberal use of mucoff, agitate worst dirt with a stiff brush other areas with soft brush then hose bike down again. Snow foam from the Karcher leave for a few minutes then hose down again and use whatever car shampoo is on special with a couple of wash mitts and dry with microfbre drying towels. I'm currently using cheapo Astonish car polish seems to work well and only costs a fiver! Don't think I've ever waxed a bike I've owned because of the residue builds up in all the wee footery bits the cloth can't reach. ACF 50 the bike and wipe the cycle parts down and the use the same cloth on the plastics brings them up like new on my cb650r

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Sounds great! Personally I'd probably do the snow foam before the Muc-Off and brushing as I'd want it to dwell and loosen some of the dirt first, but nice work! Cheers, John

[@captainaverage721]

@@bennettsbikesocial Thats a fair shout I'll give it a try

[@bennettsbikesocial]

@@captainaverage721 Ultimately though, I reckon that as long as people are aware of material compatibility, if there's a cleaning method or product that works for you, stick with it! Cheers, John

[@theradiantchild]

Can you get this stuff in the states?

[@razzle1964]

The clean water might be hard to come by! 😉

[@sammoon013]

13:23 Wilhelm Scream Banter

[@dynamotightstar3472]

This is how Tesla slipped up. Offer a very cheap/free solution and the big boys will be coming for you. You will live on through KZbin though 🤣🤣

[@wolfurine]

Brilliant test & a video I'm sure I'll keep revisiting in the future - off to stock up on Aldi Magnum now haha! Also who us giving this a thumbs down?! The spotty squids with super -short attention spans? 😂

[@bennettsbikesocial]

I doubt this is popular on detailing forums! Cheers, John

[@ΛέανδροςΠαπαδάκης]

Thank god for that video I'm gonna buy an aldi bottle ,an ounce of carnauba wax and call it a day Thanks mate

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks for watching! Cheers, John

[@mkultrakill1385]

Same :D

[@cgolding2587]

Great test and review thank you for waisting away your life to do this 🤣

[@akirasanakirasan5347]

All bike designated cleaning products are very expensive. I use Elbow grease degreaser for years and is very very good. Car shampoo from Poundland. The best way to prevent flys from sticking to screens fairings and indicators is.... back to black silicone spray. After washing and drying the bike i polish ith lube it then lightly spay BTB over the areas that are targeted by the bugs. When you come to washing they just fall off.

[@mamlukavlogs6353]

sir can you do a video on steam cleaning the bike . much controversy going on around it . some says it damages the bike bearings etc . whats your take on steam washing ?

[@razzle1964]

So, to summarise it seems that it’s not WHAT you use, it’s HOW you use it? Not unlike my views on education/university, etc. I had a friend whose Father did History at uni - he went on to become the Chairman of Ford UK. He told me he had a mate at uni who studied Music & went on to become an auditor at a Central Bank. My point … it’s not what you learn, it’s how you learn.

[@moi5627]

What about Sugar Soap? A friend of mine swears by it, but I have always doubted it's compatibility with custom (or indeed any other) paint jobs.

[@johneden7066]

Great well researched comparisons, I used to use Waxoil on my VFR 750 back in the day when I rode all year round, now I still ride all year but use ACF-50

[@UPTHETOWN]

Yup, Dr Downpipe + Magnum + XCP + wax, that's what I do now (changed to Magnum following your previous, excellent video, thanks). Not many exotic plastics on my 40 year old bike though

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Good work! Doesn't matter how old it is, just how much you love it. Cheers, John

[@SmokinBob]

I clean my bike once a month at most by chucking washing up liquid and warm water over it quickly. The dirt and scrapes means the bike has been on some adventures rather than in the shed

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Sounds good to me - bikes are for using, though I am a bit anal about cleaning. Still, I like the scrapes on my Grom. Cheers, John

[@SmokinBob]

@@bennettsbikesocial I’m thinking of getting the benelli tnt 135 as a fun bike instead of the grom

[@bennettsbikesocial]

@@SmokinBob it' a hell of a lot of fun, and cheaper, though after trying both I decided to buy the Grom (the one in this video): kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYTQnKikYtydabM

[@bennettsbikesocial]

That was the TNT 125 that I tried though, not the 135

[@SmokinBob]

@@bennettsbikesocial I bought the benelli today in the 125cc model as the 135 is America only at the moment. Might put a big bore kit on it but looking forward to getting it on Tuesday

[@florianalexander9183]

Thank you so much for putting the effort in twice! How "legal" is it in the UK to do your bike wash at home? Over here in Germany bike and car wash is only allowed in special areas (mainly cleaning or petrol stations) because they use an oil filter in their gullies.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks very much! That is a very good point. To the best of my knowledge, a private vehicle owner can legally wash their car or motorcycle on their drive. I just did a bit of digging but I will have a longer look at this, as it appears it could potentially be an issue for any business that makes money from valeting. The document below is withdrawn now, but there's very similar guidance for Scotland and Northern Ireland. Cheers, John assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/485190/pmho0307bmdx-e-e.pdf

[@thegingerbeardedbiker9147]

When’s the latest video out? I’ve used TruTension banana juice and Oxford mint - they both seem to work well, it’ll be interesting to see what you find out about them

[@NJLinSpain]

I just discovered your outstanding video. What a superb job you did. As a (now retired) university professor, I give you an A+ for your comprehensive and scientific approach and for your clear, informative and enthusiastic explanations. If you consider the tens of thousands of pounds one can pay for a bike, spending a 100 pounds or less on the best cleaning products is an excellent investment. Thank you for the time and effort you put into the project. Fabulous!

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate that! All the best, John

[@jamesperrin5691]

I tested dish soap with some mild steel and got similar results to you, ie, tap water made it rusty dish soap didn't. You didn't mention snow foam I'd love to see that tested, I'd be surprised if its any better than any other cleaner. You could also test pressure washers compared to had washing. Are they any good do they save time over hand washing? Thanks for all your hard work on this and other tests.

[@sergeantsodom6969]

Honestly Im the kind of guy that cries whenever the bike gets a spec of dirt on it, let alone having to ride it all seasons to work and back on salt-roads of the north, end up giving up half the time, but hey great video very detailed thank you kindly!

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks very much! Ride safe, cheers, John

[@martinrew9285]

Road salt is the Devil's work when it comes to bikes. I've had to rebuild calipers and even had a perforated oil filter because of it. Shocking stuff! Now use the Urban Misery Wagon (car) when they've spread that chemical nightmare on the roads.

[@jonathanmackie4884]

Just getting back to motorcycling after a decade and a half away. Your videos are a fantastic resource for information on what's available now, and how good they are, in all things bike related. Almost all my buying decisions from the bike I bought, to the cleaners I''ll use have been informed by watching your videos. And incase your employer doubts the value of your efforts; made me get my insurance with Bennets too!! Keep up the good work.

[@nibbsie2605]

Very interesting. I thought that washing up liquid can dry out the oils in rubber parts causing the rubber to prematurely degrade.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

There's a lot of fear about it. Ironically it was some of the car-specific cleaners that proved to have the most potential to cause damage!

[@cubtestdummy]

Really impressed by your back to back tests (not just this one), I now have a potential new new bike cleaning regiment. You have no idea how happy the washing up liquid result makes me. The XCP is a new one to me. The last bike I owned was 30 years ago and rust was simply a fact of ownership, I'll be looking into this further. Thank you for all the hard work.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks! All the best, John

[@e5m956]

Spray down with simple green, pressure wash, scrub with automotive car soap and microfiber, rinse... dry and finish with a spray wax like Turtle Wax ICE. My 1998 Yamaha Blaster still looks showroom...

[@bitoiu]

Anyone had experience with the Oxford range? I use so much of their kit that I wonder, given their modest price point.

[@JMJM75257]

Fairy liquid in hot water with a sponge and plastic brush. Rub in then wash off with cold water. No need to spend loads of money!

[@downhiller010]

What is, in your opinion, the best dilution ratio for dish soap? Did you get the same results at 1.5% and 10%? I see both are listed on the website.

[@Nick_R_]

Then there's me using sensitive skin baby wipes followed by a damp cloth...

[@TheMrWaby]

If it is ever a possibility that you and Project Farm could do a collaboration of some sort, that would absolutely blow up the internet. Thanks for your hard work!

[@bennettsbikesocial]

That would be fantastic, though I can't think of anything I could do that could be of benefit to Project Farm; that guy is the gold standard! Unfortunately I also have loads of other stuff in my job outside of videos, so just can't do as many huge projects as he does.

[@MasterOfNothing83]

I hope Bennett's are paying you well. Another thorough and informative video. Well played.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks very much! Glad you liked it! Cheers, John

[@michbushi]

So why would anyone use anything else than the washing up liquid? (Here: saved you 30 minutes)

[@1over137]

You never fell asleep after using the shower gel for a ham shank then. It killed the whole top layer of skin which ended up shedding like a snake skin and I found a brand new **** underneath. Not recommended. Soap is caustic stuff!

[@nickedwards5440]

Great test. Interesting to see that Muc-off is ok. I had a bad experience many years ago with it leaving streaks on a titanium end can & I have avoided it since. I do use Bilt Hamber surfex hd in various dilutions these days as it works well & seems safe. Maybe you could check it out in the future.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks Nick. Some non-motorcycle-specific products can be very popular - I used to use them too - but my testing showed that they can have the potential to be damaging to polycarbonate, even in low dilutions. I've also found that some can be very highly alkaline... if you get that soapy feeling on your hands during use, it's a sign that it's got a PH value up there in the 13s and 14s. Cheers, John

[@davidcann8788]

I use Bilt Hamber products too. The Sufex HD is brilliant. I use it highly diluted as a shampoo after initial washing with Silkolene Wash Off.

[@nitrorc4life1]

Do some deep research in the shower gels you use......some of the "chemicals" are concerning....

[@mujjuman]

I live in a city and do not have access to running water in a way that I can wash and rinse off my bike. Trying to think of an efficient and effective way to wash away road grime and dirt off my bike.

[@zedddddful]

Hi have you had a look at muc offs new hcb-1 it seems like an easier to use acf-50 but no way of knowing if it's as good.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Not yet, and sadly it came out just as I was finishing another test. It's got to be better than the 'All Weather Protectant'

[@zedddddful]

@@bennettsbikesocial OK maybe on a future test then as xcp released their clear coat also since which seems impressive 👍

[@bennettsbikesocial]

@@zedddddful Yes - that one is in the new test, which took over five months (there's a spoiler in there). Sadly the new Muc-Off only got announced a couple of weeks back and I was almost completed then (there's timelapse again). Clear Coat is discussed in this video briefly. Cheers, John

[@floydian25]

The amount of work put in this video deserves a lot of views

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks very much! Cheers, John

[@leeroberts5193]

The time, effort and detail here is fantastic. Thanks

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks very much! Cheers, John

[@TomReinerDE]

Am I nuts? Am am pretty sure that I have already seen this video. Do I suffer from a serious form of déjà-vu?

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Nope, don't worry! This is version two. There's more at the very end of the video about it. Cheers, John

[@davegreenslade4539]

I will happily continue using washing up liquid then 👍

[@bennettsbikesocial]

It works, it's safe, and it doesn't have sodium chloride in it! Cheers, John

[@davegreenslade4539]

@@bennettsbikesocial thanks for reply John, I really enjoy your videos keep up the good work and thanks again 👍

[@bennettsbikesocial]

@@davegreenslade4539 Thanks very much! All the best, John

[@nealeburgess6756]

I'm very confused. Do you mean I am supposed to wash my bike, as well as ride it?

[@bennettsbikesocial]

It's purely optional! John

[@Diamondblaze]

hands down the best channel I have found that takes so much care into your videos and actually does all the science and gives you all the data you could possibly ever ask for , I appreciate the amount of work you put into these videos , please never stop this high level of work, im pretty sure I can speak for the rest of us when I say it really helps us a lot and spreads awareness of alot of misconception about some products.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

That's really, really kind - thanks SO much! All the very best, John

[@ladyjrider666]

Incredible rest. Thanks for the effort and clarity.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks for watching! Cheers, John

[@grahamhiggins1]

Superb John, thanks for your effort in making this! Reminds me of your rust proofer video which was equally as scientific and fantastic.

[@andrewjako7651]

Great video and testing. 👍 Just wonder - how about very popular Autoglym polar blast and wash ? I lnow it’s for cars mainly but would be really nice to know if could use same product on bike, save time and hassle buying numerous different cleaners…🤔

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Thanks! Good question... I've been using it and do get on well, but there are time you need a more heavy duty degreaser, and now XCP had a great value one, that's the best I've found for bikes. Cheers, John

[@tigerick7291]

So you use it diluted at 10% is my understanding. Is that right? Great tests and video, thanks.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Yes - that's right - that's what I tested it at. It's easier if you fill the bottle with water first, then add the washing-up liquid, otherwise it foams a lot as you try to add the water. Cheers, John

[@nickthequick]

Excellent review as usual from Bennets. You may not have to spend a fortune to get a great wash, but you still need a lot of products, a lot of time, and quite some private space with run-off for the dirty water. Not a great combination for those of us who live in apartments in the big city ... I take my bike to a "professional" bike wash, but I have no idea what products they use, I just know that it costs me a pretty penny each time I go there.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Hopefully this video showed that all you need is a hose, brush and washing up liquid in a spray bottle), but the apartment thing is a real problem. Though one option could be to use a garage forecourt's jet wash area, then take your own brush and cleaner - just use the lance for rinsing. Keep you distance around electrics and bearings and there's no reason not to use a pressure washer. I'd avoid the brush though as it'll have picked up no end of grit. Cheers, John

[@nickthequick]

@@bennettsbikesocial Yes to the soap and brush, but I had also just watched the video on anti-corrosion products (which you had no way of knowing) thus my comment ...

[@deadbugdavey1744]

Just wondering if you have stopped using bolt hamber products? I've found them good but not great. I also had issues with sdoc gel cleaner when it marked the coolant pipes on a mt07. I'm going to look into the Fenwick's cleaner now as I've never heard of it

[@mlivy7]

How about snow foams as a pre wash? Are they generally safe on bikes?

[@TillDeathDualUsSport]

Very interesting. I just looked up the ingredients of Dawn Dish Soap. Sodium Chloride is listed on their website, as well as the bottle in my kitchen. Surely this has been mentioned in the many of comments?

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Not so much, but probably because it was mentioned quite a lot in the video, along with an interview with a doctor of corrosive metals. You must have missed that bit.

[@TillDeathDualUsSport]

@@bennettsbikesocial Negative. I watched the video in its entirety. From what I could find, Magnum Washing Up Liquid does not contain Sodium Chloride, where as Dawn does. Maybe it’s a regional thing? Nonetheless, it would be interesting to see the electrolysis test using Dawn, regardless of the amount of SC it contains, and regardless if it’s listed as a thickening agent. Pure curiosity at this point, not out to prove anybody wrong. Cheers.

[@pyromaniac12345]

Is it safe to use snow foams/shampoos containing wax on the brake discs?

[@cyrilb3013]

always a very good review, but you speak so fast, than google traduction don't arrive to follow you!!! what a pitty for a french man, who don't speak english, like you can see, i try to do it, so i think that people who watch your review are interesting by the subject, so if it take 31 min eitheir 28.28 min they don't care....

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Sorry about that. I've always spoken fast (and poorly), but I will try to improve.

[@mikefletcher6595]

Absolutely brilliant feature, very comprehensive, I learnt a lot. Been using Muck-off on my expensive push bikes for decades, now use the cycle version for everything. Was wondering about plastic shiners and revivers. Been using this Car Pride one on my Tiger, used it on my MX bike plastics when I had one, very cheap at only £1.30 a spray can. Does a great job on just about anything, frame, rims, vinyl, plastics, and not a pain to use unlike Autoglym vinyl one which is one of those horrible milky type ones that have to be rubbed in. But I do use the Autoglym tyre black on the plastics of my mini cooper, that is also a milky one, but it does make them look good, better than the gel version. So I was wondering, What is the best plastics/vinyl reviver? Expensive product of peanut butter... or Olive oil... GT85.... Staggering what some people have suggested. Many thanks.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Good question - one for me to have a think about, thanks! Personally, I just use the XCP or ACF rag on all unpainted plastics, after I've treated the metal. Cheers, John

[@mikefletcher6595]

@@bennettsbikesocial I did wonder if any of these sprays, gels and creams actually long term did more harm than good, causing black plastics to go that horrible grey colour even quicker. I'm guessing most of the fading is caused by sun damage, but you've now made me question what I know. Thanks again.

[@Ahduciekwndnbbbsvvvghhhyyyyy]

Im confused. Is there any Reason then to use anything but washing liquid?

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Some cleaners require slightly less effort and smell nicer.

[@loumencken9644]

At 20:30, the tester says,"You need to avoid chloride from any and all sources, for instance road [salt] and sea water, but not in washing up liquid. . . There's no sodium chloride salt to worry about." That is not true, at least not here in the US. After watching this video, I went to the grocery store and looked at the various brands of dishwashing liquid they had for sale, around seven or eight in all. Almost all of them had sodium chloride listed as an ingredient; one had magnesium chloride listed as a thickener. I found only one (Palmolive) that did not have a chloride listed in the ingredients, although I'm not a chemist so it could have been listed under another name I didn't recognize. I then went to a local Aldi's, and the dishwashing soap there had a different name than the one tested in the video, and it too listed sodium chloride as an ingredient. So the expert who is quoted as saying he doubted sodium chloride is used as a thickener in dishwashing liquid is wrong. Obviously I can't rule out that dishwashing liquids in the UK have different formulations that avoid using sodium (or magnesium) chloride, but before using dishwashing liquid to clean your bike, my advice would be to carefully check the listed ingredients, and if it contains sodium or magnesium chloride, avoid it. Even if it doesn't list a chloride as an ingredient, rinse your bike very carefully after washing (or do the electrolysis test to confirm there are none). Or just pay the extra money for a motorcycle-specific wash which presumably does not contain NaCl. You could of course do the electrolysis test on the bike wash to confirm it doesn't, but since chlorides are used in dishwashing liquids as thickeners, if the bike wash is thin like water that's enough proof for me. One last thought. The expert said the reason he doubted NaCl was used as a thickener is because it would leave spots on glassware. Here in the US, the makers of liquid soaps used in automatic dishwashers always brag in their ads about how they don't leave spots on glass. Is that because they don't contain NaCl and would therefore be suitable for washing bikes, especially because they also like to brag about how well they cut grease?

[@leighcoulson2148]

Always used a bit of washing up liquid, unless it needs a bit more of a proper degreaser like the chain etc.

[@someguy9520]

From my experience, i treat cleaners like one would with radiation Exposure time, concentration makes things go bad. Rinsing with lots of water helps a lot Since i do hobby detailing on cars, i have a ton of cleaners for every part and for every material. But everything is "car" orientated After 2 years of cleaning my bikes(and the ones of my mates) with automotive equipment, nothing bad happened to plastics, anodizing etc I have to emphasize that i use the lower conentration and milder mixtures whenever possible If a shampoo says between 1:20 - 1:40 ratio i go for 1:40. Less concentrarion. If i need more cleaning, i go for a second round

[@vj2914]

What is that bike behind? Modified Africa Twin? How about those tyres? You must make a video about that monster! Very cool looking bike indeed.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Here you go... kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHXHp5qIr9mebJI

[@scottaspden7235]

Amazing work put into this and great scienctific backup.. I've used furniture polish spray such as Pledge or Mr Sheen with wax in it for years on bikes plastics and bodywork. Spray on a clean bike, polish with a microfibre cloth, it makes the bodywork and plastics shine, fills in tiny scratches, is hydrophobic and makes getting bugs off later much easier. So after a ride spray on a bit more, wait a short while and wipe off road spatter/bugs etc. We warned! Dont polish your seats as you and your pillion may end up on the tar! Paper towels should never be used on polycarbonates, screens, helmets and visors or any polished surface as they are abrasive and will dull said surfaces.. same with TFT computer screens and TV screens ..micro fibre only!

[@TheMRBREWIS]

Don't know if this is a stupid question but is hot water better then cold water

[@peva7945]

I'd day so, from my experience. My brother once had access to a hot hose for washing his trials bike, lucky chap.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

There are no stupid questions! Let me get back to you... Cheers, John

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Okay... I spoke to Dr Bob and he very kindly came straight back with an answer: Yes, hot water IS better, but (you knew there'd be a but)... "It only makes a difference if EVERYTHING is warm. 'Temperature' and 'heat content' are related but different - a spark from an angle grinder may well be at 1,500°C, but at half a gnat's-ear of oxidizing steel, its heat content (the ability to 'hold onto') 1,500°C will be limited. "Accordingly, the water may be hot or warm for an instant, but the heat content is low. Having said that, applying a large hot/warm sponge immediately after will warm bodywork up, and increase the solubility and diffusion of metal salts, which is good for removal... "So that warmth can be a good thing, and this is how re-sprayers prepare surfaces in advance of the first paint coat (corrosion inhibiting, of course!) "Surface prep is more important than the actual coating product (on many occasions), and there is nothing different regarding cleaning a coated system: do your elbow-grease best, and keep the surface warm when doing it!" That heat/temperature thing is worth understanding, and it was with Dr Bob's help that many years ago (before KZbin got big) I debunked the myth of cigarettes igniting petrol. The tip of a cigarette has a high temperature, but it's not got a lot of it, which means it doesn't have enough heat to ignite petrol vapour, however hard you try. A spark on the other hand does have enough energy to ignite petrol vapour, so don't mess around with petrol. That's a lot of movies ruined I know, sorry!

[@hookedonbass2640]

Have being washing bikes for decades and I use fairy, a warm bucket of water and a few different size brushes Sometimes gunk degreaser on some parts & a quick polish & wax on necessary parts & metal polish on the obvious - cheers John good effort

[@davidogilvie3572]

Fantastic video/s, thanks for taking the time and effort to go into so much detail, I have learnt loads from both videos👍

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Brilliant - thanks very much! Cheers, John

[@transalpernz]

Darn, Sodium Chloride is listed as an ingredient in both the dishwashing detergents I have at home... Palmolive being my main one.