Cleaning Black Plastic parts?

Don

Joined
May 13, 2020
Messages
19
Location
Florida
Was just wondering what you guys recommend for cleaning and protecting the black plastic parts of the bike. Thanks in advance.
 
The only way to really protect the black plastic parts is to paint them. Some of the various back to black and UV protection products may slow down the aging
but eventually they will turn gray.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Don
There seems to be two different types of plastic they used for the black areas. The dash and saddlebag inner areas don't appear to fade as readily. The rest turn grey. I painted the glove box lids, side panels, and rear fender with Duplicolor trim and bumper paint (black obviously) after priming them with the associated bumper primer.

After thousands of miles it's still holding up pretty good. There's a few small areas where something rubbed or scratched that needs a quick touch-up that will be easy enough when I get around to it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Don
If you start from brand new, 303 protectant is about the best stuff going to keep the plastic from fading but eventually ol' Sol has his way and the UV rays do their thing. Once they are beyond protecting with 303 the best approach is to clean them real well with a solution of warm water with Dawn dishwashing liquid and when they dry, wipe them down with a body solvent such as 3M general purpose cleaner and spray them with a satin black trim paint. Krylon, Duplicolor or SEM are the best choices for this.

Mike
 
I don't worry about applying protectant chemicals. If the NT is going to be sitting idle all day, say in a parking lot. I have a UV half cover I use. If the gauge cluster, seat fabric, and handlebar controls are going to be nuked by UV for hours, it better be because I'm on a ride. No sense letting that go on when the bike isn't in use.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Don
If you start from brand new, 303 protectant is about the best stuff going to keep the plastic from fading but eventually ol' Sol has his way and the UV rays do their thing. Once they are beyond protecting with 303 the best approach is to clean them real well with a solution of warm water with Dawn dishwashing liquid and when they dry, wipe them down with a body solvent such as 3M general purpose cleaner and spray them with a satin black trim paint. Krylon, Duplicolor or SEM are the best choices for this.

Mike
HI Mike,

Would be kind to let me know which 3M cleaner you are referring to.

Cheers
Sunny
 
Someone on this forum turned me onto Solution Finish Black Trim Restorer. I tried it about a month ago.
It's a little messy and slow to dry, but the results were astounding!
I ended up removing most of the pieces for refinishing, and masked the rest. (You don't want it on the paint.)
 
HI Mike,

Would be kind to let me know which 3M cleaner you are referring to.

Cheers
Sunny
It is 3M General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner , 1 QT can 08984, 12 oz spray 08987. A little pricey but it works well and has a lot of uses. I buy the qt container which is the best value.

Mike
 
It is 3M General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner , 1 QT can 08984, 12 oz spray 08987. A little pricey but it works well and has a lot of uses. I buy the qt container which is the best value.

Mike
Thanks Mike.

I saw the same, but was not sure if this is the one you were referring to ...

unfortunate: NOT FOR SALE IN CA, CT, DE, ME, MD, MA, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI

I will see if Amazon ships it or there is any alternative.

Sunny
 
On EBay if you enter "3M General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner , 1 QT can 08984, 12 oz spray 08987" in the Search field you'll find several sellers.
 
Back
Top Bottom