Removing tar and road grime

[ian]

I finally cleaned the FJR up after a long trip and found it almost impossible to clean the tar off the bike-especially on the rims. I tried WD40 which helped but still didn't get it all. Also unable to remove boot marks. Did the "tar" search which didn't help even with Google. TIA Ian, Iowa

 

[SLK50]

Get some "Bug & Tar Remover" from the local auto parts store

or try some deisel fuel.

 

[Bungie]

Turpentine works great. Cheap too.

 

[El Toro Joe]

Kerosene also will work

 

[rocketdoc]

Goo Gone works as well. But what ever you use be careful how hard you rub. Often the tar contains fine and coarse bits of grit, and the rubbing can do a real number on the paint finish underneath. Let your solvent work, lightly rub it off, apply more solvent and repeat. My cowling below the radiator has a dull finish now due to over zealous rubbing.

 

[wfooshee]

And these cleaners strip wax, too. Re-wax, if you're a waxy kind of dude.

 

[bikesniffer]

Lighter fluid works really well, even the stuff in your gas tank works if nothing else is available

 

[RadioHowie]

 

[FJRBluesman]

Simple Green also works well.

 

[Afast03nNJ]

Brake cleaner works great too and it's cheap. It works awsome on pine tree sap.

 

[Bustanut joker]

B b..b but what's it gonna do to my paint?

Pyro!

:jester:

 

[bigjimbiker]

B b..b but what's it gonna do to my paint?

Pyro!

:jester:

That reminds me of something I saw at St. Pete's Quaker Steak and Oil's bike night last month. Some guy had a jet powered crotch rocket and at one point he fired it up and, goosing the throttle, brought forth flames about ten feet long out of his foot wide exhaust pipe. Unfortunately there was a full dressed Victory parked behind him and I think the paint on the faring was starting to crinkle. There was so many people ganged around it that I couldn't get close but did notice that the cops were called in and insurance information was shared...not too bright. eh?...but yes, it will remove tar and road grime!

 

[RaYzerman19]

Brake cleaner works great too and it's cheap. It works awsome on pine tree sap.

Check the ingredients.... Walmart SuperTech brake cleaner will strip clearcoat and paint. Other brands don't have MEK in it...... but you are better off not using something this harsh, like naptha/lighter fluid/kerosene/GooGone, IMHO.

 

[Aasland]

I use that bug-splash windshield wiper, but anything that is a solvent of sorts will work, sometimes even water. Soak a paper towel and lay it on the bugs for a couple hours, re-wetting if necessary.