Thoughts on Clay Bar your front

[Geep]

I have bug stains on the front of my `15 RT SE...got a hold of some clay bars and gave it a try....takes lots of work but it does work. So do I have to do the full hard core wax job after or just detail finishing?

[Flamewinger]

I use a Clay bar cloth. Easier than the hard to not drop bar. Maybe once or twice a year.

https://www.amazon.com/ABN-Grade-Towel-Detailing-Cloth/dp/B00Y1OBG8Q/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1KI6R56ZU9ZJK&dchild=1&keywords=clay+bar+towel&qid=1586665462&sprefix=clay+bar%2Caps%2C246&sr=8-4

[Bfromla]

Elbow grease is good as long as you have a surplus supply:clap::2thumbs::roflblack:

[bikerbillone]

Flame, good idea, what do you use after the clay bar cloth?

[JeffandLori]

Why don't you try a dryer sheet in a spray bottle of water. Let it soak a little while and wipe off. It removes bugs with no elbow grease.

[stmike 1800]

It seems that a bug shadow will get right into the paint .Does not want to come off is it waxed over .

[Navydad]

I usually do a polish followed by a coat of quality wax after I use a clay bar. The clay bar will smooth and remove impurities from the paint, but it offers no protection.

[Geep]

Why don't you try a dryer sheet in a spray bottle of water. Let it soak a little while and wipe off. It removes bugs with no elbow grease.

That is my go to, default bug cleaner

[Lew L]

All the bug guts and other road grime should be removed before using a clay bar.

[ARtraveler]

Why don't you try a dryer sheet in a spray bottle of water. Let it soak a little while and wipe off. It removes bugs with no elbow grease.

That is also our method. And...it does work. :bowdown:

[pegasus1300]

So Lew, what is it that the clay bar removes?

[Lew L]

When you lightly run you hand over freshly washed paint you can often feel little, tiny points that will stop your micro fiber from sliding off. After a clay bar treatment the cloth will easily slide off. I'm not sure of the chemical make-up of the atmospheric impurities that are these tiny points BUT a clay bar usually is the perfect pre-treatment for a quality application of wax.

Cheers and Happy Easter, Lew L

[Geep]

All the bug guts and other road grime should be removed before using a clay bar.

These are visible but not tactile detectable stains in the clear coat or paint. Bugs are long gone but their juices did the damage....probably my bad for not removing guts right away but i live in a bug friendly part of the world, it would mean a full wash job after every time it touches the highway.

[Flamewinger]

Flame, good idea, what do you use after the clay bar cloth?

I tend to use Meguires mostly. I have some F11 when in a hurry or on the road.

[pegasus1300]

When you lightly run you hand over freshly washed paint you can often feel little, tiny points that will stop your micro fiber from sliding off. After a clay bar treatment the cloth will easily slide off. I'm not sure of the chemical make-up of the atmospheric impurities that are these tiny points BUT a clay bar usually is the perfect pre-treatment for a quality application of wax.

Cheers and Happy Easter, Lew L
Happy Easter Lew. Thanks for the answer.

[R FUN]

I also live in Saskatchewan and figure I spend more time cleaning the bike than riding during bug season which is most of the riding season
Roger

[Geep]

I also live in Saskatchewan and figure I spend more time cleaning the bike than riding during bug season which is most of the riding season
Roger

I’m in Esterhazy, we have yet to meet for coffee lol....snowing now so at this rate who knows when?

[ISPYD]

Spray with water, then apply a wet cloth with baking soda on it and i hear it takes bugs and their guts off easy