First Wash in 10 Years: Harley Davidson Motorcycle Disaster Detail Step By Step Cleaning Process!

[@mayadenton9329]

The transformation from what it looked like before to after the detail was absolutely stunning and satisfying to watch. Amazing what you can do with some microfiber towels, cleaning products, and a polishing tool. Always so much fun to see these videos! Keep up the good work Larry!

[@94muddertrucker]

I think this is actually the first time I've ever seen you do a motorcycle. I've always wondered if you ever do motorcycles cuz you never do any videos on them. They are more time consuming than what a lot of people think.

[@akaredcrossbow]

People don’t want to pay the price for a professional motorcycle detail. They think it’s small, so it’s easier and cheaper. They don’t understand what goes into a professional motorcycle detail. It can take as long, or in most cases longer than a car.

[@noregertsyamsayin8011]

I hate detailing my bike. I can easily spend 10 hours on it. Its also more rewarding when done though

[@fishmonger3796]

@@akaredcrossbow yep especially with small spoked wheels.

[@PhilbyFavourites]

Toothbrush is essential….

[@PMTZ.]

@@noregertsyamsayin8011 Amen to that. so much nooks and crannies that needs to be cleaned

[@joncorwin6134]

Having a neighbor and friend like Steve is awesome. Especially when doing some of these resurrection type videos. A great resource for your channel.

[@Gintonious]

As a long fan of this channel, and a motorcyclist, this is of course your best video ever. Thanks!

[@krisbeasley3446]

Hey Larry if you are ok with a few holes in your lift you could use the "Quickjack Motorcycle Lift Kit" and use something like a clevis pin for easy removal.

[@markg.2501]

NAILED IT!!!!!

[@131Vetal]

Hi:) or maybe just put couple ob boards or smth like that on top of two parts of the lift, to create one flat area, that can be lifted:)

[@larrys5198]

That's what I was just going to suggest. Also adding a couple flush mounted floor D-rings for a couple stability straps and that'll be rock solid!

[@andrewhodgson8770]

How did you polish the inside of the forks and swingarm without taking wheels out or mudguards off. Or did you just polish the bits you can see

[@gregorybrown6048]

Thats exactly what i was going to suggest. Perfect minds think alike

[@bhumiriady]

Looking awesome as always, Larry! Also, it's nice to see motorbikes receive the AMMO NYC transformation treatment. Keep up the awesome work!

[@chargerman426]

The primary and rocker boxes are clear coated alum. So unless you remove the clear you will never get that POP of a polished alum. Thats why people that want that pop chrome them or powder them in whatever color they want (generally black).

[@glumdogtrillionaire]

If it were clear coated, the pads wouldn’t have turned carbon black. Unless all his steel wooling removed it.

[@akaredcrossbow]

There is no clear coat on Harley aluminum parts, not even on stock aluminum wheels. It’s all raw polished aluminum. If you want to keep it shiny then you polish it and clear coat it yourself, or you polish the raw aluminum yourself every other weekend. If the parts were clear coated there would be no black residue/oxidation left on the pad or cloth.

[@matthewbn199]

Not correct. No clear coat on Harley aluminum. Is is bare metal

[@akaredcrossbow]

@@matthewbn199 take some aluminum polish to your polished or non polished aluminum on your Harley that is factory. Use a white cloth and see what is left on the cloth, black/dark residue. The residue is oxidized raw aluminum.

[@chargerman426]

@@matthewbn199 Maybe you all are only dealing with new bike but I'm telling you on the older stuff like this one its cleared. Did this work on my 05 Electra Glide. Tons of threads out there about it as well. Again can't speak to anything newer than that...

[@iDropPhats]

Great job Larry! For the rear wheels, if you can, try to shoehorn a wheel woolie onto a cordless drill, or a corded drill in the gap where you put the bit and run it on low speed. Use that to agitate product and it’ll save your fingers from early onset arthritis trying to get into the wheel gaps and as long as you’re not spinning it up really fast, it will be safe for the wheels!

[@jcsrst]

Having owned several Harleys, I can say the paint is usually really well done. The chrome not so much. Nice to see you bring this bike back to life!

[@mathiasnkristensen]

I've looked at this bike in the background for so long, wishing you'd detail it. Finally it's happening.

[@svgPhoenix]

Using your lift to get it out of the truck was both ingenius and hilarious to watch

[@marshprofessionaldetailing9794]

Wow I'm blown away at the difference you made with this Harley. Great work. That bike looks fantastic.

[@M1LAD81]

Absolutely fabulous work, Larry! What a mammoth machine and with all the intricate areas needing attention you did a sterling job. Bravo!

[@MrLurchsThings]

Last time I had to clean a bike this dirty, I actually started with the air compressor. Bikes (especially naked bikes) have so many nooks and crannies where dust and dirt settles. I found it it be a better start to release all of that before getting it wet. You point about multiple brushes is so true. In fact in some points I reached for a large modellers brush. If you can find some/any way of removing the tank on a bike like this - do it. A bit like removing the seats in a car, the extra effort pays off for getting to other parts of the bike.

[@matrixfd433]

I’d love for you to detail my Harley after I get back from my deployment next year. Been a big fan of your channel for a long time. Your guide has helped me try to detail my car every so often. But love when you bring life back to these machines we love.

[@peterh700]

I've found that dipping a wet cloth into pumice powder (the stuff they use to polish your teeth) does miracles on restoring chrome an keeping it shiny. Pretty inexpensive too :)

[@RICHOCHANGO]

Cleaning bikes looks tedious AF. So surprised Larry enjoyed it. Total professional

[@12peterroy]

As a guy that owns 5 Harley’s I found this to be informative and well as awesome.

[@aaronsulser5181]

Love it I actually work at a Harley dealership as a detailer been doing it for 2 years I have lots of trucks and tips for detailing bikes

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

Awesome job Larry! I have an Electra Glide and love it but it was a bit of a pain to clean it up to my liking when I first got it. If your lift is long enough you might be able to install a motorcycle wheel chock on one side that you can remove when you don’t need it. Once the bike is in the chock you can get off it and use 2 tie down straps to secure it to the lift.

[@Nakaamaa]

Good to see a detail on a motorcycle, best detail channel 👍🏼

[@waynecribb4922]

What we don't get to see you ride off into the sunset. I thoroughly enjoyed this video as I have a 1978 Electra Glide /75th Anniversary edition in my old building. Now more than I have wanted in a long time I want to go clean it up. Great motivation here in this video. Thanks for sharing.

[@jeffstonecipher1594]

Awesome job on this old twin-cam. Motorcycle detailing really does test peoples endurance and patience! Oddly for most people at home, a motorcycle lift just tends not to be necessary unless they prefer to do a lot of their own tire/suspension work. Somehow though I wound up with two lifts over the years (just gave one away to a co-worker) If you really want one for your shop, I would just recommend one of the smaller to medium size lifts, which tend to range from $70 -$300 -they all do get the job done. The larger professional ones start at $1000 and quickly go up- would be way overkill for your shop I would imagine. My medium sized "big red" was about $150 and lifts my Road King easily, and is easy to store out of the way all my other stuff cluttering up my garage. Really wish I used the thing more, but honestly most cleaning and maintenance for my bikes are just done on the kick stand

[@anthonylemon9015]

Thoroughly enjoyed the transformation, I love your enthusiasm and joy for your work. Thank you.

[@alanwallace3253]

Perfect Timing, I had hoped you might do a motorcycle someday. Basic skills and thoughtful application brought out the beauty hidden in the dirt and neglect. Instructive and satisfying to watch. 🙌

[@EricleNormand]

Thanks Larry, good show! It's good to see the Harley shine and hear it running👍

[@hutch814]

Been using fine steel wool for a long time on chrome. Plenty of lubrication and she works magic. Great tip you dropped here!

[@rockygiunta3552]

Great to see what you can do with a simple clean up Harleys hold up ..nice job

[@JeGill]

GREAT TURN AROUND. REALLY CLEANED UP WELL.

[@KURUZU43]

My uncle owns a Harley like that he loves it! it was really nice to see you bring it back Larry. It looks fantastic. A little bit of TLC like you guys said that thing will roll.

[@robertcallahan4065]

It's one thing to detail a car but a bike? Much more intensive! A pain in the rear! Kudos to you Larry for taking this one on.

[@ecrusch]

Man, a LOT of that old dirt could have been avoided by just throwing a cover blanket or canvas cover over it. You did a REALLY nice job bringing it back to respectability. Some general maintenance and that old girl is ready for a nice road trip.

[@Bugholeexcalibur]

Yay, you did a bike. Was waiting for this for a while. I never thought to cover the air filter on mine when I power wash it. Regarding to the lift, trailer that transport bikes have a slot where you can put the front wheel so it doesn''t move. The slot is two pieces of metal that form the slot for the wheel to slide into, you should get an adjustable one that can be used for different tire widths. I think you can make one yourself and bolt it to one of the lifts when ever you need them. Having 2 points to secure the bike with straps to the lift is also a win.

[@ashudhar]

I recently had same situation for my Harley Davidson Street Rod, sitting in my parking for 18 months. I can understand the emotion associated with the bike after it starts working

[@famasmaster2000]

Absolutely divine . What a pro job Larry. What a pleasure to see

[@craigchapman3322]

Your level of skill and care is really impressive 👏🏻

[@carsonfiero4209]

Get a front wheel chock like a “condor” brand stand. You can bolt it on top of one side of your lift. They usually come with quick bolts to make removing them easy. It will hold the front wheel securely with the bike standing straight off the side stand.

[@PhotoDaveJax]

OG subscriber. If I trust anyone with detailing advice, it’s this guy. Much respect.

[@aeronx]

Good to see you featuring a bike! Looks amazing as always

[@arthur_mkiv8978]

Who wants to see Larry hitting the streets on this bad boy 🔥

[@arymidaz3491]

You did a cool transformation on this bike Larry. It always takes more time and effort to do the details on motorcycle. The washing and detailing process is easier using the center jack on the bottom chassis so the tires are free to spin, making it easier to clean tires and wheels. For the engine, especially the cylinder head, the most comfortable thing is to remove the gas tank. For restoration, mechanical assistance is needed to remove plastic parts such as the outer shield and front and rear fenders. Then you gonna really feel comfortable and satisfied doing the polishing and detailing. You did a great job Larry. Salute... Greetings from Indonesia 🇮🇩

[@kennyrichard1167]

You're an artist, Larry. Well done

[@randoliof]

Man, I wish I had a neighbor like Steve. Dude just seems like a fountain of knowledge

[@der_kluger_gunther8391]

omg now even a bike. and you handled it as good as the other detailing process, what a legend we have here

[@wokkelz]

Nice to see a motorcycle being detailed!

[@JMdDesign]

Keep up the good work. You inspire me to use detailing techniques to keep my car immaculate.

[@LukeSoler]

To use the car lift for bikes, you can place a strong piece of wood across the lift (having an H shape from top view). The bike wheels would sit 1 on each side of the lift (to support the bike's weight safely). The wood plank has to be wide enough to support both the wheels and the side motorbike stand on it, and also thick enough to support the little weight needed for the bike's side slung weight over its stand. I hope I see this method in action :P Obviously though, shake the bike to see how solid it is before actually working on it.

[@joehinkley668]

If ya ever get another touring bike like this one Lil tip you can pop those side covers you left on off.. they just push in a rubber bushing that way it's not to tedious to polish them on the bike ... love the work

[@kingofnewyork8818]

Larry is the detail worlds BEAST !!!!!!! Always hits with the best content!!!

[@djamesthree]

Motorcycle wheel vices/chalks can be purchased that would bolt to your lift, they are not expensive. If your lift is long enough. Then mount an eye bolts to either side for a tie down strap (1 per side). If you don’t mind drilling some holes in your lift, and assuming there is clearance underneath to allow for the bolts. If there is not clearance underneath it might be possible to attach these accessories using some low profile fixtures that are welded on to your lift that would allow you to easily mount and dismount the fixtures. Great video, glad to see this old warrior of a bike returned to its glory. A better solution might be to do the above to a steel platform that holds the wheel vice and eye bolts and then bolt the whole down securely to your lift. With that said, dedicated motorcycle lifts can be purchased quite inexpensively, if you have the extra space.

[@Dsandss]

Always wanted to see how you would tackle this job from your perspective. I’ve been detailing bikes for a few years now close to 20 a year. The before and after is extremely satisfying and I’ve had some amazing results. I actually specifically detail Harley’s typically no full restores just light compound and polish and metal polish. I loved seeing how you attacked the metal as I’m not familiar with that. Agreed with I always remove the bags first opens the rear wheel well. I didn’t catch what number steel wool you used but that does wonders. I thought the leather nourish was a neat trick really brought that seat back to life. -Dom

[@The528692]

Dom, he used 0000 steel wool

[@ziptie5793]

Harley rider from Texas checking in. Harbor freight and similar tool shops have a flat bike lift you roll the bike onto and lock the front tire into and lifts up to 4 feet in the air and makes it so much easier to detail and work on bikes hope this helps

[@Road_Rash]

When I detail one of my motorcycles, I first remove the bags, seat, side covers & anything else that's meant to be easily removed, like cell phone holders & things like that before I ever even get the bike wet...I clean all that separately...also, a motorcycle jack comes in handy by getting the bike up where you can easily reach everything without killing your back, plus you can spin those wheels around to get every tiny spot on them...

[@sarahs5340]

I love your channel so much. The older European car transformations are my favorite.

[@M0toroid]

I have been waiting for a motorcycle washing video from you for so long....... Please do more. There ae many bikes out there that would fit your style. Ducatis, MV Agustas. As a bike owner I'd be really eager to hear about all the things we all can learn from you.

[@CaliGrown909]

For the rear wheel I would say just roll the bike back and forth to reach the different parts of the wheel rather than having to reach around the belt and swing arm and avoid that finger strain, same thing with the front, and if you’d be a little more comfortable doing it on your own I would invest in a motorcycle floor jack which can allow you to remove the front or rear wheel. An axle nut holds the axle through the wheel and the front is a lot easier to take off than the rear but it is a simple concept.

[@gregorybartlett5727]

Great video Larry. Would love to see more bike detail videos in the future.

[@bradboustead1682]

Another comparison between cars and motorcycles to consider: a motorcycle is waay harder to blow dry. The ignition switch, the saddlebag locks, the switches on the handle bars, the wheel spokes, etc all hold water and will try to corrode. The engine can finish drying itself if are able to run it for a minute or so. Try not to blow dry the speakers with air.

[@denverfowler5290]

BEAUTIFUL CLEANING AND RESTORATION ! !

[@StewChicken42]

Props for adding cool music to the videos lately, Larry. 💯

[@andrewholt290]

There are several bike lifts on the market from $400 and up that lift from the frame below engine, provide stability, and enable the wheels to rotate for easier cleaning. You could also try straddling the bike across one of your existing lift rails to see it fits? Also I recommend a metrovac or similar air dryers to really get water from all the nooks and crannies of a bike. Love your products and videos!

[@gregbentz5992]

Larry, great show as always thx for the great content! On the lift subject- personally I think you can lift the bike by just turning it sideways on half your lift. Need to see if the back tire and pipes would clear the other half of your lift but I think worth a try. Look up a simple motorcycle lift and it looks about as wide as one of your lifts. You could just lay a rubber mat down so no harm to the lift and underside of the bike. There’s about a 14” space right in the middle where you pick up Harleys. Be interesting to see if that works!

[@elicansmile]

I always love seeing your videos pop up. They are one of the highlights of my week. Keep up the good work! I'm always so impressed that you run your business and still have energy to make such high quality content.

[@o0Hotiron0o]

Awesome effort Larry..... Really don't see enough well produced Motorcycle detailing vids on the interweb. Thank you

[@xapaiz]

I bought a Dyna one time that sat for years in a barn and it was super satisfying and rewarding detailing it. But all the chrome and engine casing that had a bit of oxidation (not rust of course) I left untouched. It was really nice to see that light patina, it gave a bit of character to the bike

[@bocfat]

Very Helpful, I love it when you see in good light the work going into restoration not just making it look easy AND listing the products used. Thank YOU

[@wingnut5730]

I've been using 0000 steel wool on chrome for 25 years. Nothing works better on good chrome. I also use it on our glass top stove for cleaning as well. Leaves it spotless.

[@globaltalks1234]

I got 2 ideas that may make your life easier when cleaning motorcycles. 1. How about you try placing a thick board or metal sheet over the two edges of the car lift (2 edges as in the 2 long metal pieces where the wheels of the car is placed). By covering the gap between the 2 metal pieces, it creates like a flat area where the bike stand can rest. 2. Or if you want a more long-term solution, maybe try telling someone to make a 'custom cover' for your lift that covers the area between the 2 metal pieces. Of course, the custom cover should be able to hold the weight of a motorcycle.

[@twistedbarbell3950]

As always, nice job Larry! For the future, you could consider a strong, yet light weight platform that can bridge both sides of your lift. Or, at the very least, you can have a 10-12" plate that bridges the two sides, have someone weld both a few pieces to act as a channel for the kickstand and maybe screw in a eye to the far end of the bridge to be able to strap a hard part of the bike to the bridge/platform (to prevent accidental tip overs).

[@ChrisLoew]

Simple and safe

[@JH09SUMIT]

Was waiting for so long for a motorcycle detail guide

[@adamp.2683]

Thanks for doing a motorcycle video.

[@jasonbrown1237]

I wanted to personally thank you, I’ve waited so long for this video.

[@nickyduhr8355]

Finally I've been waiting for this one!

[@badllama8090]

As a Harley Owner & enthusiast here in the UK, that was a great job on the clean chap, so glad yoiu mentioned about catching your hands etc :) love these videos. 🤙🤘👏👌🖖✌👍

[@shashimenon1000]

A thing of beauty is a joy forever. Well done!

[@bradboustead1682]

As you mention, a motorcycle lift helps to rotate the wheels. Possibly you can put the motorcycle in the middle of your car lift and span the gap with 2 boards under the frame.

[@ubermiller944]

Would love to see more motorcycles get cleaned up 💗💗💗

[@valkman761]

Once I saw a motorcycle in the thumbnail, I instantly knew I need to see this. Bikes are very tricky to maintain in good shape.

[@BourbonBagger]

glad to see a motorcycle being done for once. I think motorcycles present interesting challenges and as a rider i am alsways trying to see whats the best way to clean and protect my bike.

[@elmoomle4565]

I'm a long time rider and for the last 4 decades, I've been using the German motorcycle cleaner S-100. I highly recommend this product. Easy, fast, safe and it just plain works. All of my bikes ALWAYS look showroom condition because I use this product, I always use a bike cover, and I never leave my bike 'parked dirty' for any length of time.

[@RicardoMatosgoogle]

Finally a motorcycle 🏍️. Please show more motorcycle detailing. Thanks

[@vioreza3233]

been waiting for this!!!!

[@LSHD254]

looks great you brought it back to life for sure

[@windronner1]

Terrific video. Great bike. I've gotten gotten very lucky cleaning off chrome rust on 'Bicycles' using 1000 grit steel wool and White Vinegar. Then use some dish-washing liquid w/1000 grit for lubrication and wash. It worked real well. On much worse chrome....great work Larry.

[@stogie0608]

detailing my motorcycle is therapeutic indeed. Riding it after whilst the bike looks like its straight from the showroom is my reward.

[@DavidGulayev]

Amazing transformation! Love your videos

[@hheerrooiixx]

Beautiful work as usual Larry!

[@vanoscrap6296]

Larry, do you split areas with tape for us viewers for those 50/50 shots or does it help you to gauge when to stop chasing that last 0,1% on a not-show-vehicule by comparing with the "before" state?

[@briangschaefer7048]

Great video! You could make some kind of lid to go over the car lift to create a platform, with lugs to strap the bikes down while working on them. Maybe have cutouts like an H pattern, so you can access the inner side easier.

[@hennysaud4867]

Beautiful bike, I still miss my Harley but a new one is not in the cards until my situation improves. As far as modding your lift, you can try to add clamps to act as a chock block on the sides of the wheels. Something simple like an L-bend piece of steel with a rare earth magnet on the bottom has worked in my experience. If you don’t want to use powered magnets, you should be able to slide them off on the ground level

[@shah_nanigans]

Finally a motorcycle detail!

[@mariopiccininni]

I’ve been seeing this Harley in the background for a while. Needless to say I was impatiently waiting for this video lol. Excellent job as always!

[@jonathansolayao]

More motorcycles! That one is truly amazing. A very good job indeed. Watching all the way from the Philippines!

[@Taino871]

I’m a huge Motorcycle guy, This is one of my favorite segments.

[@01123581321341]

“the one that says ‘start’. They dumbed it down for you…” what a legend of guy 👌

[@willkearney5002]

Tht transformation is insane, fantastic wrk Larry

[@achraf9946]

Finally. Hope for more Bike Content.

[@ScrappersDetailing]

That bike looks awesome after all that work you put into it! Just awesome!

[@codybisson164]

Would you recommend using the Ozone air purifier before you detail the interior of a vehicle or after you're finished cleaning everything?

[@CarlosXJ]

Loved seeing you work on bike Larry...! 👏🏻👏🏻

[@MrGlenRoberts]

I've been asked to clean bikes in the past and refuse! Awesome job as always!