Bandit Alley

GENERAL MOTORCYCLE FORUMS => GENERAL MOTORCYCLE => Topic started by: Runerx on April 01, 2005, 02:17:20 AM

Title: Cleaning plastic shields/screen
Post by: Runerx on April 01, 2005, 02:17:20 AM
What do you use to clean the clear plastic face shields and wind screens? The screen on my bike is kinda dull looking from improper cleaning (courtesy of the previous owner) and I don't want my new face shield to suffer the same fate.
Title: Cleaning plastic shields/screen
Post by: Red01 on April 01, 2005, 02:30:32 AM
On my helmet faceshields:
Get it wet, apply a soft soap (either dish soap or hand soap, whichever is handy), smear it around by hand, scrape stubborn bugs off with the edge of a finger nail (still plenty of soapy solution), rinse, dry with a soft, clean cloth.
(Do NOT use paper towels)

The windscreen:
Spray with Honda spray cleaner/polish and wipe clean with a soft, clean cloth.

I have used the Honda cleaner on faceshields when on the road and away from a source of running water and/or soft soap.
Title: Cleaning plastic shields/screen
Post by: mike on April 01, 2005, 02:47:52 AM
Plexus is da bomb !

http://www.plexusplasticcleaner.com/frames.html

Quote
Plexus® was developed for use in the aviation industry - specifically, for cleaning and protecting aircraft windshields and painted surfaces. As Plexus became more and more popular, people quickly discovered it could be used on a limitless variety of plastic surfaces. Since then, Plexus has continued to grow in popularity, and today it is recognized as the most effective plastic cleaner, protectant and polisher on the market.
Title: Cleaning plastic shields/screen
Post by: B6mick on April 01, 2005, 05:58:59 AM
Plexus yeh yeh
or rainex works a treat in bad weather on helmet face shields
Title: Cleaning plastic shields/screen
Post by: aussiebandit on April 01, 2005, 06:09:05 AM
Plexus is the go - failing that Mr Sheen, or the generic version.
Title: Cleaning plastic shields/screen
Post by: PeteSC on April 01, 2005, 07:20:38 AM
Plexus.  Not cheap, but if you just use it on your helmet and face shield, a large can lasts a long time.
  For real buggy slop......soap and water is the way to go, like Paul said.
  I've also used the cheaper aersol Kawasaki Plastic Cleaner.  It cleaned well, but didn't leave the protective finish that Plexus did.
Title: Cleaning plastic shields/screen
Post by: txbanditrydr on April 01, 2005, 12:05:35 PM
Plexus looks good but a 12 can minimum?????   :shock:  :shock:   Any one in for a group buy?   :roll:
Title: Cleaning plastic shields/screen
Post by: mike on April 01, 2005, 12:42:12 PM
You don't have to order it from the site Jay...
I usually get mine from a motorcycle dealership or shop.
It's pretty common, just like the Honda Spray cleaner/polish...

I believe I paid $8 for the last can I bought at a Suzuki dealership,
and it lasts a long time, like a year...  A little goes a long way-I just use it on my helmet.

Honda Spray on the bike, if it doesn't get a water/soap wash.
Otherwise the bike gets soap/water - wax - and majik mix metal polish on the headers and SO.

Just call a couple dealerships, and ask if they carry Plexus and Honda Spray Polish.  They usually sit on the same shelf.
Title: Cleaning plastic shields/screen
Post by: txbanditrydr on April 01, 2005, 01:28:10 PM
Thanks Mike.... will keep an eye out for it.   :banana:  :banana:

For general bug removal from fairings and such I use GlassPlus and a dishtowel.  Works well with out damaging the finish.  Ditto on the NO PAPER TOWELS.... they are really abrasive.
Title: clean
Post by: chupacabra on April 02, 2005, 06:28:02 AM
I saw two guys wiping down their fancy Ferrari with paper towels as they pumped their gas   :shock:  I had to just laugh my @ss off about that.
Title: Cleaning plastic shields/screen
Post by: Thud on May 07, 2005, 02:24:15 AM
Honda Cleaner works well on just about any part of the bike.  Takes bugs off faceshields and windscreens better than anything I've tried.  No fogging, smearing or scratching problems, and you don't need any water.
The only problem is that the can is just a smidge too big to fit under the seat of a Bandit.  Mayfly season has arrived here, it's good to have a can in the tank bag.
Title: Cleaning plastic shields/screen
Post by: banditoverde on May 07, 2005, 04:05:40 AM
for sticky bugs I just toss a wet towel on top for about 15 minutes then wipe gently.  That soaking gets off all the goo without any effort.  To keep it shiny and clear I use a bit of Meguires Mirror Glaze clear plastic polish on a chunk of soft t-shirt.  Works well on the windscreen too.
Title: Cleaning plastic shields/screen
Post by: ray nielsen on May 07, 2005, 11:16:52 PM
Based on a tip I was on Motorcycle Consumer News web site I've used Hydrogen Peroxide to remove bugs and their residue.

It seems the protein in bug bodies is easily dissolved by the Peroxide -- it seems to work well and doesn't hurt the plastic.  A coating of Honda Spray afterwards seems to help minimize bug build up too.

The drug store near you should carry it -- I found it in a 3% solution and even at that concentration is works well.   I put in on with a spray bottle and give it a minute or so to work.  It's faster than anything else I've tried.
Title: Cleaning plastic shields/screen
Post by: Swamp Rat on May 08, 2005, 09:02:33 AM
The cleaning for me isn't an issue. What is the best product for keeping the visor clear while riding in misty conditions. Gets foggy down here and the stuff just builds up on the visor. I usually wipe it away with a gloved hand but I was thinking there has to be something better out there. So...what's the best stuff? Rain-X, Honda polish.....?
Title: Re: clean
Post by: frank123 on May 09, 2005, 01:55:13 AM
Quote from: "chupacabra"
I saw two guys wiping down their fancy Ferrari with paper towels as they pumped their gas   :shock:  I had to just laugh my @ss off about that.


Just curious. What's wrong with using paper towel?  :?:
Title: paper
Post by: chupacabra on May 09, 2005, 06:01:43 AM
Paper towels are made from wood, its a bit ruff on paint and plasic.
Title: Re: paper
Post by: frank123 on May 09, 2005, 03:46:26 PM
Quote from: "chupacabra"
Paper towels are made from wood, its a bit ruff on paint and plasic.


I see. Thanks! I will stop drying my bike with paper towel, then.
Title: Cleaning plastic shields/screen
Post by: Tundrahog on May 09, 2005, 03:55:45 PM
A guy at work just bought a can of "Motorcycle windshield cleaner and polish" from slipstreamer.  Any one have experience with it?