How to Clean & Detail a Harley-Davidson
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 24 มี.ค. 2022
- A detailed demonstration of the proper way to perform a thorough cleaning and detailing for a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The cleaning products and tools we use that work the best for us at Laidlaw's Harley-Davidson.
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He takes so much pride in his work, that man deserves a raise.
Respectfully, unless paint correction (compound and polish) is planned, would suggest using 2 separate wash mitts and buckets. 1 bucket/mitt for painted surfaces, the second bucket/mir for engine, wheels, etc. Never use the same mitt on wheels and paint, as contaminants may swirl mark the paint. If only 1 bucket/mit available, then start with the paint at the top of the bike, then fenders, then all else. Arturo does great work.
Agree with the cross contamination. There was a lot of swapping of cloths and stuff in the video. I probably should have commented on that aspect of the wash but neglected to. I will say too that he chemical cleaned and power washed the bike before he even used the mit on the bike. Valid comment though. Thank you
@@MattLaidlaw Understood, Arturo is a pro, results speak for themselves.
Yeah, when he went from the top of the engine to the tank my heart skipped a beat...
@@MattLaidlaw I watched him go from the engine and wheels directly to the tank and fender with the same mit. Not good.
@@BW-kv9wjtotally agree on this. Definitely went from engine to tank paint work. Always work downwards why would you wash all the grit and dirt then bring it back up to tank. That bike will have so many swirls in the clear coat. Also you only have so much clear coat not good to use a buffing machine more than once or twice, you could burn through top clear coat then will Need a repaint! Overall not good how to video!
A brilliant comprehensive explanation about detailing a bike with reference to products used. Arturo is a star.
Hey Guys, a lot of you are asking about the "lever lift" that brings the rear wheel up. This is something that can be found online somewhere. Search "motorcycle center stand". The one you see in the video is a custom built one that we have had for probably 30 years. We had a guy build it for us. Jerry (my dad) is a welder. He repairs and reinforces it when need be.
Edit: There also seems to be some confusion about Arturo "spreading dirt to the paint with the mitt". If you watch the video closely, he hits the wheels with the S100 and scrubs them with a brush then power washes them. There is no dirt left on the wheels to transfer to the paint.
I've seen those lifts in both of the major tool stores.
If you had a Goldwing you could just use the factory center stand 😜
What’s the measurements of that stand. Arturo es chingon! Thanks for the awesome videos.
Same question as someone else. Can you give a pic and or some measurements to make that stand. Only really finding one out there and it's reviews aren't good. Looks like yours it made out of thick pipe.
@@clarkbabin9799 Where?
He is a craftsman that does great work and a valuable employee , thanks Matt
Yes he is. We are lucky to have him
I do my RGS over a few days …. wash one day, then wax and shine the next .
Thanks for another great video, Arturo is a man who loves his work !
That's a good way so the surfaces have a chance to cool and wax can cure.
Nice job Arturo. Laidlaw’s Harley-Davidson is fortunate to have you.
Yes we are!
Hats off to Arturo & Matt for the excellent video. This was exactly what I needed. Awesome information and presentation. Thank you.
I work part-time at a Harley dealer on the other coast. We do a lot of everything. From picking up dead animals, to delivering motorcycles and picking them up, to sweeping up the shop. When it comes to detailing at least at my dealership we focus more on bikes that we're going to sell. We don't spend a whole lot of time detailing customers bikes, not because we don't want to but because there's anywhere from 5 to 25 bikes behind yours.
We refer them to other detailers. It's not because we don't want to, it's time and manpower. And a lot of times people tend to confuse courtesy wash which is just washing your bike getting the grime off and putting on some detailer spray to give it a little shine with a full detail.
You're paying to get your bike worked on. An actual detailer charges somewhere between $250 on up for a detail.
With that being said, I'm always watching videos to learn how to do a better job and what products we can use. Biggest problem spots for me are the wheels.
Not going to say anything about the cross-contamination because everybody's already said it. If you're going to use the same bucket I always suggest getting the screen that you can throw on the bottom so any of the heavy particulates stay in the bottom and don't get sucked up in the fresh soap.
If you're picking up your bike and it was washed or you buy a used bike and it looks pretty darn good, make sure you thank the Lot Porters and Detailers.
I always tell the new guys, if you treat it like it's your own you won't ever have any problems.
I fully admit I'd rather ride me bike than wash it, but I finally got around to washing it this weekend and I was definitely extra excited to take it for a spin. I know no one on the street cares about my 20 year old Dyna, but she did look decent! I'm going to incorporate some of his techniques next time to take it up a notch. Thanks for the video!
Man I LOVE seeing people taking such pride in there work. Arturo is the man!
Hey guys. Thanks for the video. I bought a used 2008 105th anniversary edition fat boy. 6000 miles. Overall good shape. It needed a good detail. I used your steps and products you used and I am so happy with the outcome. It was a lot of work but it turned out great. Thanks for posting the video. I subscribed to your page.
This is such a clutch video. Thank you so much for posting this. I been eyeballing your inventory lately. This very subject has been on my mind. Timing is perfect. Thank you! Hope to see y’all soon!
This video is gonna do so well over time. Great job on this and thanks for providing information that I didn't know that I needed.
Thank you for the comment. Glad we could get you some info that you didn't know you needed.
Another great vid Matt! You guys make it look easy with a lift. I detail my bike myself and am meticulous about it. Looks showroom ready when I'm done!
The lift helps with the rear wheel for sure
Yo Matt & Arturo! I've been doing a similar detail on my HD's but using Meguires products. Paint sealant, detailer, spray wax , etc. I just bought a new 2021 Street Glide Special that I have yet to detail. I will try this routine using the products shown. Half the fun of owning a HD motorcycle is that they just look KILLER when kept looking good!
An Absolutely Beautiful job!! I wouldn't expect anything less from Laidlaw Harley Davidson!!
Arturo takes a bike into his skillful hands and transforms the machine into a beautiful work of art. Amazing attention to detail from a true craftsman.
Great job Arturo! Definitely a master at detailing the bike👍😎
Outstanding detailing on these Harley-Davidson motorcycles. ❤️😎
Great video of cleaning your Harley Davidson motorcycle. It takes time to clean chrome , tires , engine, paint and leather. It's takes a passion to do it right. ❤
My wife’s Bronze Armor CVO came with paint protection I was skeptical but being the one who has to clean the bikes the product is amazing My 2020 RGS does not have it and the difference is profound.Her bike is clean in a quarter of the time. We ride the Wisconsin back roads lots of bugs her bike has hardly any. The Midwest dealers say they will apply and warranty the protection on any Harley 2018 or newer so I’m getting it done at its 10 k service. thanks for another great video spring is slowly coming to the Midwest time to get the rags out !
Loved the video. I learned quite a bit. Thanks, Arturo. You do a great job.
Great video Matt- I see all the wheel to tank anxiety you spoke of! 😅😅. I also saw the wheels previously cleaned-
My favorite part is you detailed questions to Arturo, then he responds: “yes.”
Let the poor guy work!! Have a great day!
Matt, you're the man! Excellent video! I'm bringing my bike in for a detail!
I’ve watched this and take mine to a self wash car wash. I take a shower cap over my air cleaner, then I spray the bike. I then use the rainbow spray thingy. I then use a fiber cloth I bring and use it like a mitt. Paint first then move down wiping every thing. I then rinse it. I then grab the blow dryer hose and dry it. I then wheel it outside and use auto detailer spray and microfiber cloth. I ride it home and break out the wax. When I’m done I’ve spent 10$ at the car wash and about an hour of detailing. I go for a ride and people will compliment me all day long because it’s CLEAN
......... man BIG up's to Arturo. I did this shit for 2 years at a Harley Dealership. It's about one of the hardest things to do to a Harley... mentally and physically. I washed around 7-15 bikes a day,, I actually washed 26 in a day. I love Harley's and you learn a lot about a bike when you wash them everyday! You find loose parts... all kinds of stuff. My hands and fingers would be so busted up at the end of the week. I put a lot of pride in washing and detailing those damn things, and was one of The BEST like my man Arturo here. However, it's all worth it when you pull a customers cycle around and see the look on the owners face! I always got "WOW..my bike looks better than the day I bought it!" I actually brought business up at the dealership. People would come just to have me wash their cycle (and made some damn good tips). Washing a Harley right is an art. Great job brother!!!! 👍
Great vlog. Always bringing the awesome content Matt.
The BEST how to wash your bike I have ever seen! Thanks guys!
Great and informative video like always. Thanks Matt.
Love all the mentions of PRODUCTS USED ... As it will definitely help me,as well as others I'm sure !!!! Great Job !!!! 👍🤜🤛✌️
Fantastic video! Learned many tricks to test out this weekend
Arturo did an amazing job 👏 🙌. Wish he could come to South Texas and clean my 2018 breakout. Thanks for the video Matt.
That was great Matt/Arturo! Some riders are happy with a bit of “ride grim”; I’m in the “keep it clean” group, largely because I enjoy it and easy with the right tools. Helpful recommendations are surely appreciated!!!
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Good to see the Pro's do the detail lots of great tips. That color on the RGS special really pops, not a big fan of red but thats pretty
Not that I needed help in this situation but it’s cool to see how a pro does it. Definitely learned some new stuff and I’ll be using this. 👍🏼👍🏼
Arturo you are the best!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am stunned. Pure magic and yet so simple.
Great work, Arturo! Thanks for the instructional video!!!
Well done so many great tips and Harley Davidson sells all the products that's awesome .You can't go wrong with anything that Harley Davidson puts their name on. Thanks again keep these outstanding videos coming .
unless you live in the UK and a brand new street glide ST starts rusting after 1 month! :( which is what has happened to me
Great video, as always. Thank you both for taking the time to do this. For hard bags w/ speakers, would Arturo tape them off too (like the air intake)?
Great video as always.
I found this video relaxing.
It’s raining here in nyc. I can’t get out. And as usual Matt’s videos keep me calm.
I don’t agree with all steps , but I did a lot of drugs in my twenty’s so …
Excellent work Arturo, teamwork with Matt and camera 👌
Arturo is an artist! Makes me want to but an HD just so he can clean/detail it.
Great video Matt! Superb job by Arturo! You can tell he is an artist and takes pride in his work!
Arturo is no joke! Extremely nice work and attention to detail (no pun intended)
He is the best
*Yeah he is extremely good and maybe a raise is in-line❓Lol* 😉 😀 🥇
Another very useful video from Laidlaw. Just ordered S100 12001B Total Cycle Cleaner from this video because if you guys use it, I trust it! Thank you.
Love this walkthrough. Good job! 🤘
Thanks for watching
Greetings from switzerland guys and thanks for the explanations. Really nice work!
Good detailing tips, Thank you Arturo for the hard work. I know personally how much effort goes into detailing. I have been detailing since I was 8 years old. My Dad had me washing his vehicles at a young age, I now do mine for good looks, protection of investment (it's a hobby for me). Matt as usual great camera work. I just recently purchased a Forty-Eight, it's in your shop I have to ask you guys to do a paint protection job on mine. I purchased the bike used I hope I can get the paint protection on it. Talk to you soon
I love my Forty-Eight.
Did an incredible job the Motorcycle Looks incredible Thank you for the video take care
That was a great video. I’m in Wisconsin and my next Harley I’m gonna buy from your shop just because of the nice videos. Would be fun to drive it back to Wisconsin from Cali.
did you do it? you buy from Matt and ride back?
I've watched this video a dozen times! Just Awesome!!!
ARTURO - You are a skilled craftsman - Since I am an inherently lazy person, this video is a tremendous learning curve for me THX Matt - As usual, very educational
As Arturo attended to the Harley Davidson mototrcycles, he did an excellent job prepping, cleaning and restoring their paint.
Thanks Matt and Arturo,great job,taught me a lot on how to keep my baby pretty!
Great video and great job Arturo. To all the other “detail experts” out there. There’s a reason why Arturo does what he does. Because experience has taught him what works best and what produces the best results and customer satisfaction.
I used to be a lot tech at Baton Rouge Harley and at New Orleans Harley. Really enjoyed my job, just didn’t pay enough. Y’all got a few extra gizmos and cleaners than we did; however I’d make those babies shine! 😘. I love detailing my electraglide then showing up at work all pristine and beautiful. Sad thing is in Louisiana is having to ride in the rain after I detail it.
Thanks for the video, was awesome 👌🏼 i could definitely watch each bike getting washed, so satisfying
Therapeutic viewing haha
Hi! Matt you may look into using the brass and/or bronze wool. It's great for rust and well not scare the surface...
I'll take a look, thank you
Also for really nasty chrome get something like alumabrite from Napa Auto parts. Cut it in half with water. Will not decrease its effectiveness. Do not use it on aluminum mag wheels or you'll have run spots. For your brake rotors use something like reactive iron and brake dust remover or some sort of iron and brake dust remover. It'll turn purple and you can actually use it on painted surfaces. Works really good to remove wax build up and helps make cleaning your wheels easier. Just remember if you use it on your wheels you're going to have to hit it with some kind of detail spray or wax because again it removes any wax as well. Good way to get rid of those annoying rust spots around your brake rotor bolts.
Very informative. Love the stages. Though Harley in UK don't have as much to offer with cleaning materials. Super vid.
Awesome hob! 👍 I can attest that you guys do a great job at washing the bikes. I was impressed when I got my bike after being serviced. Pretty sure Arturo washed it. It looked better than brand new! Haha!
You lost me when he used the wash mitt on the engine and wheels and then went around the other side and used it on the painted tank...That's a good way to pick up dirt in the wash mitt and scratch the paint. Wash painted surfaces first, then engine followed by the wheels.
Maybe he did switch mitts but wasn't added to the video due to editing?
@@SmileIGotYou Possibly... but it probably would have been mentioned. Don't get me wrong...I'm a big fan of this channel...but having a professional background in classic car restoration I was a little shocked to see that.
and steel wool on the chrome while it's still covered in heavy dust
I agree this guy is definitely not the best detailer in their area, if he was this wash process would have been much more meticulous. The primary looked like it had dried chemicals and hard water stains, the steel wool on dry dirty chrome was a big no no, and he should have used a completely separate wash mitt or micro fiber towel to wash the paint than what he used for the engine and wheels. He would have done a better job on the engine had he used a detail brush and a small wheel woolly brush to get back into the tighter spots. I would not pay this guy if he washed my bike like this. Detailing a bike should be no different than detailing a car aside from the fact it has smaller tighter spaces and more chrome finished surfaces. The overall wash process should be the same though.
Not if you pressure rinse it first cupcake.
Take care of this man Matt! Good work!
Gracias Arturo. ¡Qué bueno ver a un profesional en el trabajo!
You put out great content Matt. Thank you.
Thank you! and thanks for watching
Awesome! Great job Arturo. 👏
Appreciate the video Matt. Great camera work. Haha!
Ride, wash, repeat. The only way to keep looking good. Nice job Arturo! Ride safe and often.
A few suggestions to ensure you're protecting your paint and finishes since so many of these bikes come will beautiful bodywork.
Use the two bucket wash method. Have a bucket with your soap and another for rinsing the dirty mitt before going back into the soap bucket. This will minimize the dirt that remains on the mitt which helps mitigate scratches and swirls. Also, the bike should always be washed from the top down. You do not want to put the mitt on extremely dirty areas such as the wheels, engine and bottom of frame and go back to the top sections without washing the mitt. You essentially are transferring all of the dirt from the bottom to the top where it can scratch things if you dont rinse in between.
Lastly, I would be cautious about the types of brushes I use on the rims and would get a brush specifically for that purpose.
🛑🛑 Great Video Matt😀👍.
I learn something new every time I watch one of your videos.
Great Example of Your Team at Laidlaw Harley Davidson💯😀👍.
Awesome video very informative, all I need now is Arturo to come to Illinois to do the job for me!😂 wish I lived closer I’d be a regular customer of the dealer I hear you guys are one of the best in the country!
Thanks to Arturo for the awesome work and I'm going to look for the pig spit for the black exhaust cleaning .
Excellent video, thank you for posting this one
This was an excellent video! Thank you 😊
Wow, He did a phenomenal job!
Great idea for a video. Many will find this useful to clean their own bikes. If I could give a bit of advice: use 1 wash mitt for painted surfaces only, do not use a dish brush on painted wheels, you will scratch them, instead use a microfiber towel or dedicated wash mitt for them. Pig spit is amazing and I am a big fan of ceramic coating the surfaces of a bike.
and dont use a pressure washer. ouch.
Great instructional video ! Will definitely use it to do my Spring clean on my bike ! Also, can the center stand that he used to lift the rear of the bike be used to change rear shocks (on a Sportster)? Many thanks !
Beautiful job Arturo!!!
Thats a totally needed video. Thanks so much. Cheers.
Man got skills. Great vid. Thanks Matt.
amazing detail work........thank you for this....
I bought the s100 kit from my local Harley dealer and wasn’t very satisfied with it. It says you can use it in the daytime if you presoak the bike with cold water first, but even with that it leaves chemically like spots on certain surfaces like top of handlebar controls and brake fluid reservoir even when washed off immediately. I would only recommend it in full shade on a cooler day. As for chrome parts Never dull and mother’s aluminum mag polish works great. VLR for leather and I used meguiars fine cut cleaner then swirl remover followed by a good top coat wax sealant on the tanks and fenders/side covers and the bike looked great besides the few spots left from the s100. Trying to find something to take those small chemical spots off still without damaging the brake fluid reservoir.
Arturo had those bikes looking absolutely gorgeous. That road glide paint looked amazing makes me want to clean my bike lol
man , Arturo is a perfectionist ! those bikes look as good or better than when they rolled off the factory floor .
Great video thank you. Will bring the bike out to get detailed 😎
Guy done a awesome job!! 👍👍
I used to by my bikes from Laidlaw when they were in Pasadena on Colorado Blvd. Back in the 70's.
Nice to see how you guys do it. I pride myself on doing a good job, but, still have a couple of things to take away from this footage. Thanks.
Everyone has their own technique. It's good to check out other methods once and a while though
Excellent video, very helpful.
Bike looks brand new. NICE!!!!!!
I learned some new tips and tricks. Thanks!
Arturo lays the law on detailing...at Laidlaws Harley-Davidson 😊
Yes he does
Hey Matt. Love the video content, keep 'em coming. Where can I see a list of the products used for this detail? Thanks!
Thank you Matt another awesome video, That RGS looks beautiful I'd love to have Arturo detail my bike but I would have to ride 3K miles🤣 Have a good weekend
Look at him riding through the shop like A BOSS!
Excellent video, thanks for uploading! 👍🏍🏍👍
Hard working Man, much, much respect!!
Great video. I agree that there should be two different buckets and cloths for the wheels and the rest of the bike. I also would have just taken the saddle bags off since it's only 2 little pins and it's easy to do. It will help you clean better.
I learnt so much. How to properly clean from an expert. Thank you for this video.
Thank you for watching.
Great stuff!! Thanks for making.