Shiny clean

[Reopropf]

As you look at my R65LS pic below, IMAGINE it with new original mufflers (ORDERED), and repainted original hennared.

So my question is this:  HOW do I achieve the metallic clean & shine on the wheels and engine parts that will put a smile on my face.  What techniques and products have you guys used to REALLY get that spit shinelook?   And, how do you think the bike would look like with black powder coated wheels?

I know... I'm manifesting symptoms of airhead flu; I will seek medical care soon.

Peter

[nhmaf]

Its generally accepted that BMWs aren't as immaculate as most V-twin cruisers as we actually ride our bikes to the rally rather than trailering them..

But anyhow,  if you get your wheels powdercoated then any automotive type cleaner that is safe for paint should be good on them.   On unpainted alloy surfaces like the engine case, valve covers, cylinder fins, most just use a general purpose degreaser and some elbow grease with those nonmetallic scouring pads like you use for no-stick pans.  Don't use steel wool as it actually does scratch the alloy surface and it leaves tiny bits of steel that then begin to rust.
Some of the really obsessed may supplement the non metallic scouring pad things with a drill or dremel tool for polishing.  The key thing is, these are BMW engines - they aren't meant to be shiny like chrome harley engines

I think that your bike looks quite nice and tidy as it is - you just need to get some battery sidecovers for her and paint them black..

[scottyintex]

I agree ......your bike looks cool as it is. Sounds like what you have in mind will make her about perfect.  I really spit shine mine once a year...... just before I got to the Harvest Classic in Luckenbach, Texas every Fall. This is a vintage and European cycle rally. I enter my black beauty every year in the sidecar event......never win but have a lot of fun.
      I take her down to the car wash.....spray the aluminum down with a good degreaser........... then hot soapy water.. Some times use a soft brush to get some of the hard grime off...........then hot soapy water... rinse.  Then I go home and wax her up. This is pretty much it for the year. If I get a lot of mud or road grime I go back to the car wash.....but don’t like using the degreaser unless really necessary.
      When she is clean I do spray the engine and aluminum parts with LPS #1........... (ACE Hardware)........a greaseless lubricant..that puts a coating of sorts on the engine and other aluminum parts. This seems to protect the engine from road grime...if nothing else make it easier to get the road grime off. I do keep my bike waxed..but that is to keep the paint from fading in the hot Texas sun...as much as make her look good.  You have a great looking ride!