Bug Guts

[OB_CaveDweller]

OK,

I'm tired of cleaning the dried (and not so dried) bug guts off of my jacket, helmet, and bike. The thought of another 100 mile trip through hills, farmland, or country (where I live) is enough to make me want to drive my car instead.

Does anybody have a secret technique to make bug guts easier to remove ? I've tried pre-trip coats of car wax, and pledge (furniture polish) but the impact speed or acids in the insect must eat right thru any protective coating causing a post ride clean-up nightmare.

BTW you've never seen a mess worse than me after last summers trip through 105 deg. Redding, Ca. on I5. The Horseflys were 1/2 inch dia and 4 inches long. I literally could not see through my face shield.
It looked like a Leroy Nieman painting. I didn't even bother to unsuit to clean-up when I finally stopped, I just hosed myself
down in full gear at a rest stop while all the cagers stared on in awe at the crazy motorcycle rider.

Signed,

Gooey Mess

 

[OB_Wegs]

One of the best things I've found is Simple Green. Spray it on and let it soak for a few minutes. SG also does wonders on brake dust and road grime. Stuff just melts away. I usually buy it in the gallon size at the hardware store/Home Depot. I'm sure there's other stuff out there but this works for me.

Hope this helps, cheers,
Warren

 

[OB_boneman]

Simple green will strip wax right off, so recoat if you use it on paint. I would avoid any use on paint regardless.

One of the cheapest ways I know of is to soak a few wash cloths in warm water and place them on the fairings, let sit for 10 minutes or so and walla, you've rehydrated the bugs and they should spray right off. Find something else to clean while you wait.

 

[Guest]

Guess I'm not the only one with this problem? It never really got cold enough this winter to kill many bugs here and I have to take water and a rag with me on rides to clean my helmet shield which gets plastered on bag roads within and hour or so. I'm hoping the increased number of returning birds I've seen from the north will help me out with the bug problem!
I tried the Pledge last year with lackluster results. Gets so bad after day long rides I just end up doing a full rinse and wash with the hose and warm water with carwash soap.

[This message has been edited by Todd (edited 14 April 2000).]

 

[OB_VegasDude]

use a towel wet with real hot water to hydrate the bugs. This works on bikes, helmets and leather coats................perfectly

 

[viol8r]

I used a nice looking barkeep to clean mine off tonight

 

[OB_BullDog]

I spray the area down with "Plexxus", let it sit for a bit then rub with a soft cloth. Clean and shinny! Takes of sticker/decal residue also!

 

[OB_billclinton 69]

you need "meguire's cleaner wax" . very little work required with this fine product