Last Saturday I had my and 3 other bikes cleaned and ACF'd at my place.
Full album at https://picasaweb.google.com/101574386473929182643/BikeCleaningNov11# (https://picasaweb.google.com/101574386473929182643/BikeCleaningNov11#)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HtY0begYgwk/Trlg-IvMKwI/AAAAAAAAAP4/O0UcAeR-imo/s720/bike%252520washing%252520016.jpg)
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TI_lYqahgP8/TrlhFUuW5QI/AAAAAAAAAQg/RMxWUzj1xdc/s720/bike%252520washing%252520019.jpg)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Olw18d0mnnI/TrlhJ_fxOFI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/5SBTGwxOr4M/s720/bike%252520washing%252520021.jpg)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-56BlahGM8HE/TrlhIQZXctI/AAAAAAAAAQw/euwTaJ-M_1I/s720/bike%252520washing%252520023.jpg)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-56BlahGM8HE/TrlhIQZXctI/AAAAAAAAAQw/euwTaJ-M_1I/s720/bike%252520washing%252520023.jpg)
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Tjz5HhpP4KY/TrlhL2mcPWI/AAAAAAAAARI/q6ft9k2ys7M/s720/bike%252520washing%252520024.jpg)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zME3be8OYLY/TrlhAw9VuBI/AAAAAAAAAQI/R1alLbjFmTk/s720/bike%252520washing%252520027.jpg)
I have to ask...... whats the sticky up pole thing on the rack ???
Hi Mogster.
You need to be sworn to secrecy on this ...Shhhhhhhhh
Its a mount for an amber flashing strobe light and you may also notice extra lights along side the rear lamp and under the mirrors, flashing leds, but we dont talk about them in public!!
P
Partick, how would you rate AllYearBiker? I need to get my bike done as well.
im pleased with the result, The AYB gut Steve paid lots of attention to detail and as we chatted to him too much my bike was done in fading light resulting in a couple of tar spots on the rear hub being missed .. but so what!
I've never had ACF50 on a bike before so it wil be intersting to see how easy it is to clean on the odd winter days that it wil be used.
I got £20 off for being the host!
P
Here is what my mates said:
Thanks for organizing and hosting the bike clean/protection day. I
actually felt guilty watching someone else spend a couple of hours
cleaning my pride and joy and the results were excellent. I can highly
recommend this treatment to anyone who owns and cares for their bike.
The bacon butties were also superb!
Bill
I would just like to reflect Bills comments, in thanking Pat for organising the day and I to am very pleased with the result. Not like Bill, I had no guilt what so ever watching someone else washing my bike.
Kindest regards
Tom
Thanks Pat for hosting the All Year Biker bike protection treatment day, the bike looks great, very pleased with the finished result, I dont wont to get her dirty now!!.
The bacon butties were worth the trip on their own.
Cheers
Ali
Certainly looks very thorough .... I know what you mean about watching someone else clean your pride and joy though !
patrick, I dont think the link on your first post is working....as for the question on the pole and the flashing amber lights, here we go again! ;)
Oh Lord .. please NO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
https://picasaweb.google.com/101574386473929182643/BikeCleaningNov11?authuser=0&feat=directlink (https://picasaweb.google.com/101574386473929182643/BikeCleaningNov11?authuser=0&feat=directlink)
Try this link to the album
P
I have had mine done 3 times so far by the Newbury franchisee, Nigel. Highly recommended from me, and I am off there again this very afternoon for its pre-winter protective treatment.
I am a bit of a sponge dodger when it comes to bike cleaning, and these ACF treatments really do seem to help protect the bike when the salt comes.
Martin.
I seem to be one of the few that actually likes cleaning my Bikes... 8)... and no i'm doing yours :P it's bad enough that the wife parks her bandit 1250 with the words 'knock ya self out with the sponge' ::)
I have an official reason to avoid the manual labour, I am reliably informed by a number of sources that the ACF50 treatment works better if you don't enthusiastically wash it off. QED - no need to break out the cleaning products.
I am equally reliably informed, by the same sources, that I should cold water hose the bike down asap after it has been out in the salt. I have selective memory on this one however - getting home in the dark, after a long day, when it is below freezing rarely inspires me to get hosing.
Martin.
All those chemicals just hosed into the next storm-water drain.
Do you guys ever think what that may do to the environment? >:(
I just use water and elbow grease to clean my bike. 8)
Martin ..." sponge dodger " ... like it ;D
ACF50 works best if not chemically removed .. ie with Muc Off etc .... or you can just do it again if you like washing bikes like me :(
Salty roads ... yes. hose off asap, that's all you have to do , just a couple of minutes lots of COLD water ... not warm/hot as this reacts with the salt and increases your chances of having a rusty bike.
I tend to leave the bike outside the garage, in through the front door, de kit, kettle on and then when the " immediate " hotness of the engine has gone...5 minutes or so back out through the garage, sip coffee and hose off said bike .... quite theraputic one thinks ;D
patrick, thanks for putting up that second link. Do these guys work on like a franchise then all around the country?
Quote from: mecki on November 09, 2011, 12:57:17 PM
All those chemicals just hosed into the next storm-water drain.
Do you guys ever think what that may do to the environment? >:(
I just use water and elbow grease to clean my bike. 8)
Lol. Remind me what bike you ride again? ;D
Yes it s a franchise.
They will come to you or you to them.
http://www.allyearbiker.co.uk/Booking.html (http://www.allyearbiker.co.uk/Booking.html) lets you search for a venue near your postcode.
I read about them in a post on here not so long ago.
Quote from: Kwikasfuki on November 09, 2011, 08:02:19 PM
Lol. Remind me what bike you ride again? ;D
What's that got to do with it?
Me riding a GTR doesn't justify others spilling hazardous chemicals now, or does it?
Or do you think that white stuff you can see on one of the pictures will just disappears once it runs into the storm-water drain down the road?
It probably doesn't do much harm if only one person does it, but what if everybody starts doing it?
Quote from: mecki on November 09, 2011, 08:59:22 PM
What's that got to do with it?
Me riding a GTR doesn't justify others spilling hazardous chemicals now, or does it?
Or do you think that white stuff you can see on one of the pictures will just disappears once it runs into the storm-water drain down the road?
It probably doesn't do much harm if only one person does it, but what if everybody starts doing it?
What if everyone starts doing it? Is that supposed to be a serious question? ::)
Quote from: Lonewolf on November 09, 2011, 09:19:26 PM
What if everyone starts doing it? Is that supposed to be a serious question? ::)
Yes. But I guess some people think they are the only people on the planet.
Quote from: mecki on November 09, 2011, 08:59:22 PM
Or do you think that white stuff you can see on one of the pictures will just disappears once it runs into the storm-water drain down the road?
/quote]
Actually it went no where near the road ( it went onto my gravel parking space) as I've got an arsey neighbour who thought I'd opened a car wash!
Now then how much carbon did i emitt in cooking theys their bacon butties?
Quote from: mecki on November 09, 2011, 08:59:22 PM
What's that got to do with it?
Me riding a GTR doesn't justify others spilling hazardous chemicals now, or does it?
Or do you think that white stuff you can see on one of the pictures will just disappears once it runs into the storm-water drain down the road?
It probably doesn't do much harm if only one person does it, but what if everybody starts doing it?
And the smoke from your GTR goes where exactly?
Do you think the grey stuff disappears harmlessly into the air?
Or do you class it as non hazardous?
Quote from: Kwikasfuki on November 09, 2011, 10:18:53 PM
And the smoke from your GTR goes where exactly?
Do you think the grey stuff disappears harmlessly into the air?
Or do you class it as non hazardous?
But that still is no reason to spill toxic chemicals on top of that just to keep it clean!
QuoteActually it went no where near the road ( it went onto my gravel parking space) as I've got an arsey neighbour who thought I'd opened a car wash
Exactly that is why car washes are not allowed to let the run-off run into the storm-water system!
And do you really think that the stuff stays in your gravel and doesn't get washed into the surface- and/or ground-water table when it rains?
So when you change your oil, you just tip that onto the gravel as well?
Out of sight - out of mind?
Isn't it bad enough that we pollute the air with our bikes when we ride them?
I tried to host AllYearBiker last year. They didn't get any other bookings, so they had to cancel.
On the Versys forum AllYearBiker has been banned, even from being mentioned, but I've never found out why. I guess someone had a bad experience.
If anyone in the Midlands was interested though, I'd be interested in getting mine done.
I hosted an event last year and was very pleased with the results. It was quite a hike from Newbury to Dover and back and I got the impression he wasn't keen on doing it again!
I have just sent in another hosting request though just to see. I've got four bikes that need doing so at least that's a start.
Kevin
There's one near work. I'm going to find out if he's got external lighting with a view to doing it after work.
He's going to have a job getting mine clean though.
That was quick! I'm now hosting an event on the 23rd November. There's one space but I imagine the intersection of a) wanting to get your bike done by AYB, and b) happy to travel to near Dover on a weekday is rather small if not non-existent.
Edit: Place now filled.
Kevin
Quote from: Kwikasfuki on November 10, 2011, 12:48:45 PM
There's one near work. I'm going to find out if he's got external lighting with a view to doing it after work.
He's going to have a job getting mine clean though.
I hope they have got a hammer and chisel oh and a blow torch might help, otherwise Dream on. ;D
I have to say they do a great job. My bike does not even come close to being pampered, but Nigel (newbury frachisee) gets it looking like a brand new bike each time. Takes him 3-4 hours each time mind.
Martin.
Had my bikes done a couple of months ago
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6161/6175096207_d91f4d0af9_z.jpg)
I can also recommend etyres nr Newcastle mobile tyre fitters :)
(http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6053/6272988127_064c17cba2_z.jpg)
Took my newly AYB cleaned GTR out today.
Got home and ran the pressure washer over it (gently from afar) and now it's as good as new again.
P
I've decided to get my bike done. God knows it deserves it.
The nearest to me is Steve from Wirral. Has anyone used him in the past or can point me to any reviews?
Blimey !! I want to see this amazing event ... can you get us pictures of "Before" and "after" ?? :smiley: :smiley:
This bring a whole new meaning to spring cleaning. :mfr_lol:
I agree it will be an event to behold but it won't last. The friend of ours who took the remaining slot when we hosted an event cleans his bike about as often as Kwik. I saw his bike in Belgium last weekend - it's rot!
Mind you, he better than I did. We had four bikes done. One was sold shortly afterwards, the GTR spent most of the Winter in the garage and is now in a dealers for selling and the other two haven't left the garage all Winter. We didn't have either of the two bikes we're currently using so they haven't been treated.
Kevin
Its booked in for Sat 17th. I'll post before and after pics
here's a link to photos from my AYB day in November
https://picasaweb.google.com/101574386473929182643/BikeCleaningNov11# (https://picasaweb.google.com/101574386473929182643/BikeCleaningNov11#)
P
I know a lot of guys say dont use warm or hot water to wash off salt... Im the opposite
I use hot water, It dissolves salt far more effectively than cold.. put salt in a cup of cold or hot water stir and watch....
I also have a boat that always gets washed in hot water.. 10 years on looks metal work like new.
My gtr has not rusted, But i do use plenty of water...
I always use hot water, it just shifts the grime easier and finally I'll rinse the bike off with a hose & cold water.
Patrick ... those pictures on the link are certainly impressive .. looks very good indeed :cool:
Just found out there's a guy near me that does this. I think I shall investigate! :)
How much does this service cost?
60 quid. Fancy getting yours done?
Quote from: Kwikasfuki on March 07, 2012, 09:09:00 PM
60 quid. Fancy getting yours done?
If you host a cleaning event (as I did) you get your own bike for half price
P
Quote from: Kwikasfuki on March 07, 2012, 09:09:00 PM
60 quid. Fancy getting yours done?
Mines not that bad at the moment. Tend to clean it at least once a week unless it gets really shitted up after a ride like I had today. Then I clean it straight away. Why cant all days be like yesterday, sun & dry roads, etc?
Quote from: patrick on March 07, 2012, 09:27:58 PM
If you host a cleaning event (as I did) you get your own bike for half price
P
How many bikes do you need?
Dunno, I tried hosting a day in Worcester a couple of years back but no-one else signed up so it got cancelled. Now I'm intrigued because someone has set up with All Year Biker near Worcester!! I'll probably give him a ring and arrange to get my bike done.
From the all year biker site.
Home Visit up to 20 miles from Base min 1 x Bike booked
30 miles from Base min 3 x Bikes booked
40 miles from Base min 4 X Bikes booked
For those of us in the midlands the only operator at the moment is in Worcester. I am currently talking to Roy at all year biker about taking on a franchise, operating from Hinckley.
Quick straw poll. Would there be any potential takers in leicestershire (ish) area for the treatment if i did go ahead.
Quote from: cpettifer on March 08, 2012, 02:45:38 PM
Dunno, I tried hosting a day in Worcester a couple of years back but no-one else signed up so it got cancelled. Now I'm intrigued because someone has set up with All Year Biker near Worcester!! I'll probably give him a ring and arrange to get my bike done.
When I did mine i got a few guys interested before arranging the day.
Had mine done again this very afternoon, and yet another excellent job by Nigel in Newbury. Before and after photos below, excuse the poor phone quality - it was getting dark when I took the 'after' shots so the Blackberry struggled.
As you can see, the service works wonders when you are a sponge dodger like myself. No danger of mixing up the before and after shots with me.
I do think the twice yearly application of ACF50 treatment is working too. When Nigel scrapes the half inch of mud off, there is still a fundamentally decent condition bike underneath.
Martin.
(http://www.trackandrace.com/Images/Before1.jpg) (http://www.trackandrace.com/Images/After1.jpg)
(http://www.trackandrace.com/Images/Before2.jpg) (http://www.trackandrace.com/Images/After2.jpg)
(http://www.trackandrace.com/Images/Before3.jpg) (http://www.trackandrace.com/Images/After3.jpg)
Hmm, they look good, but is it worth £60 a pop for something you could do yourself?
Crikey ... that was one filthy bike !!! :mfr_lol: Looking good now though ... don't fancy keeping it that way as we go into the Spring then ?
wow, what a transformation. your bike is more filthy than mine (i think). if mine comes out half as good as yours i'll be happy.
how come your model had black wheels? i thought that was '12 models only?
Quote from: Kwikasfuki on March 09, 2012, 08:37:18 PM
wow, what a transformation. your bike is more filthy than mine (i think). if mine comes out half as good as yours i'll be happy.
how come your model had black wheels? i thought that was '12 models only?
Your bike has black wheels and its on an 08 plate...... :whistling:
Quote from: Lonewolf on March 09, 2012, 07:12:01 PM
Hmm, they look good, but is it worth £60 a pop for something you could do yourself?
For me, absolutley, but as you can see from the photos above, I seem to have a genetic inability to clean my bike. The bit I really use him for is the ACF50 coating though, the valet is just an added bonus.
I get mine done a couple of weeks before the salt hits the roads, and then a few weeks after the last of it has left. Works well. The bike has done 23,000 miles and been through two english winters, and it is holding up pretty well even with my lack of TLC.
@Kwikas, I am sure the black wheels are standard on the '10, blue and brown colour schemes I thought?
Martin.
Hi Martin, just realised you don't have a hugger? Any issues with the rear shock?
what a transformation, from before to after the process..
However it wont remove the corrosion that will attack your bike whilst the crud is still on the bike
And I have to agree with Lonewolf, why pay someone £60 for something that you can do yourself F.O.C :huh:
Quote from: Kwikasfuki on March 12, 2012, 09:51:12 AM
Hi Martin, just realised you don't have a hugger? Any issues with the rear shock?
My shock remote pre-load adjuster siezed, and the shock was replaced under warranty at 15k miles.Perhaps a hugger would have helped, but to be honest, Kawasaki should have fitted ones as standard in that case.
Martin.
The other thing I noticed is that your chicken strips are smaller than mine :taz:
I need to get off the motorway and onto the twisties
Quote from: Kwikasfuki on March 13, 2012, 09:57:21 AM
The other thing I noticed is that your chicken strips are smaller than mine :taz:
I need to get off the motorway and onto the twisties
Everybod's chicken strips are smaller than yours and you have the nerve to call me Miss Daisy!! :popcorn:
Quote from: Lonewolf on March 13, 2012, 10:43:41 AM
Everybod's chicken strips are smaller than yours and you have the nerve to call me Miss Daisy!! :popcorn:
Are you suggesting I only go fast in a straight line? :whistling: :popcorn:
Quote from: MJJ_ZX6RR on March 12, 2012, 12:18:51 PM
My shock remote pre-load adjuster siezed, and the shock was replaced under warranty at 15k miles.Perhaps a hugger would have helped, but to be honest, Kawasaki should have fitted ones as standard in that case.
Martin.
I tried taking SWMBO out the other day and couldn't shift my pre-load adjuster. My bike's only 6 months old and has had a hugger from day 1!! Last time it worked easy peasey. I think I may have to contact my dealer about this... and my non-smooth gear shift (it's still lumpy most of the time - I've posted about this previously).
Gear shift - could it be down to the oil?
Quote from: cpettifer on March 13, 2012, 03:03:30 PM
I tried taking SWMBO out the other day and couldn't shift my pre-load adjuster. My bike's only 6 months old and has had a hugger from day 1!! Last time it worked easy peasey. I think I may have to contact my dealer about this... and my non-smooth gear shift (it's still lumpy most of the time - I've posted about this previously).
Siezed pre-load adjuster is a common warranty issue, dealer will likely replace the shock.
My gear shift is also less than smooth (23k miles on mine, and was pretty smooth until about 18k miles), and 3in1 oil all around the linkage and pivots seems to help. Does not last long mind, tends to need doing at least once a month.
Martin.
Quote from: cpettifer on March 13, 2012, 03:03:30 PM
I tried taking SWMBO out the other day and couldn't shift my pre-load adjuster. My bike's only 6 months old and has had a hugger from day 1!! Last time it worked easy peasey. I think I may have to contact my dealer about this... and my non-smooth gear shift (it's still lumpy most of the time - I've posted about this previously).
Advise your dealer that you aren't happy and I'm sure that they will do something to help, as it is a fairly common problem
BTW these are a nice alternative, and probably not much more costly than OEM. :rolleyes:http://www.calsport.co.uk/KAWASAKI/7415-2011-GTR_1400/129-Suspension__Handling/Hyperpro_Suspension__Steering_Dampers/141975
Quote from: MJJ_ZX6RR on March 10, 2012, 09:49:16 AM@Kwikas, I am sure the black wheels are standard on the '10, blue and brown colour schemes I thought?
Our blue '10 doesn't have black wheels.
Kevin
My '10 Magnesium Grey has black wheels. Think they look quite smart, particularly just after a wash! :)
Thanks for the advice on the shock and gear shift. Previously I was told the gear shift might be better after a service. Well I've had my 4k (or whatever it is) and it's been no better since, so I might raise this too. The shock adjuster was a surprise. I know I don't adjust it daily, but it can only be a couple of months ago since it was perfectly fine!
Whats the indication that all is not well with the shock? Is it when you can't feel any clicks?
Quote from: Kwikasfuki on March 14, 2012, 09:03:03 PM
Whats the indication that all is not well with the shock? Is it when you can't feel any clicks?
The remote pre-load adjuster (mounted near the LH pillion peg) simply won't turn any more, it siezes.
Martin.
My Green 11 has CLEAN wheels .... :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol:
Quote from: Rusty on March 15, 2012, 05:43:19 PM
My Green 11 has CLEAN wheels .... :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol:
I bet you've spent more time polishing than riding :mfr_lol:
:yes: :yes: I think it's about equal !! :innocent:
Quote from: MJJ_ZX6RR on March 14, 2012, 10:11:09 PM
The remote pre-load adjuster (mounted near the LH pillion peg) simply won't turn any more, it siezes.
Martin.
Indeed - this is what has happened. It won't budge even a millimetre. Still haven't phoned the dealer yet... must get around to it.
Quick straw poll. Would there be any potential takers in leicestershire (ish) area for the treatment if i did go ahead.
[/quote]
Bike wash at Leicester? Whatever NEXT :innocent: