Maintain aluminum wheels with frequent cleaning.
Keeping a Harley's aluminum wheels clean is an often overlooked but important part of routine bike maintenance. Wheels pick up brake and road dust, mud, oil and soft road tar. Regular, thorough cleaning will lessen the adverse effects of corrosive debris or chemicals on the finish. Harley-Davidson cleaning products are widely available and specific to the wheel type. However, using a mild liquid soap containing castile won't damage the aluminum or the tires. The average cost is less than half that of commercial cleaners. A light application of diluted lemon juice will remove stubborn grease and shine the wheels.
Instructions
1. Hose down the wheels with water, using the highest available pressure, to remove loose dirt and road debris. Do not spray the water on brake or engine components or into the exhaust pipes.
2. Fill a bucket halfway with warm to hot water and add a quarter-cup of liquid soap or shampoo and about 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Stir or mix it well to work up some suds. Scrub the wheels using a long-handled brush. Use a toothbrush to get into smaller areas and between spokes. Rinse often with water.
3. Hose the soap off the wheels and wipe them dry using clean rags or a soft towel. Fill a clean, empty spray bottle with equal parts water and lemon juice. Spray the mixture on the wheels and leave it on for about five minutes to lift remaining stains and brake dust. Rinse the wheels thoroughly and dry with clean rags.
Tags: lemon juice, aluminum wheels, clean rags, liquid soap, wheels with, with water
