This is my soon to be 6 year old VTX1300C (early 2004 model purchased new in October 2003). I took the picture you see here last Saturday. The bike still looks like the day I bought it. To keep one looking like new:
1. If possible, keep it garaged, sunlight, heat and ozone destroy a motor vehicle faster than anything else.
2. If possible, avoid riding in the rain...I know that's hard for some, especially in Europe. Up North avoid winter riding in areas where a lot of road salt is used. If you do ride in the rain,rinse her down with clear water and dry as soon as possible to remove road film and chemicals.
3. Avoid using harsh cleaning chemicals. Dove dishwashing detergent is as harsh as it gets for my bikes. Car wash is OK, just avoid spraying high pressure against the radiator or any seal or bearing areas. I always stand back a bit so I don't force water anywhere it's not supposed to go.
4. Keep it covered in the garage when you are not riding it. Keeps dust off the machine and it stays clean longer. The less you have to wash your bike, the longer the finish will last. Dust is an abrasive and no matter how careful you are, everytime you have to remove it, your paint gets scratched.
5. After washing, dry it out to prevent rust and corrosion. I always go do a ten minute freeway ride at 70-80 mph to blow dry remaining water out of every crack and crevice.
6. Wax often, I use Mother's Pure Carnuba on all the painted surfaces. It nourishes the paint, seals it and prevents it from drying out.
Kruz
* Last updated by: Kruz on 8/25/2009 @ 2:12 PM *
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"For we walk by faith and not by sight" II Corinthians 5:7