[CTXee]

What are some things you can do to keep the bike in pristine mint condition from the first day you buy it?

 

[Old Tom]

Don't get hung up on the investment angle of a modern motorcycle. There are easier ways to make money. Thrash it from day one and then look back later on what a great time you had with that bike. Money won't buy those great times. I've had my same old Velocette Thruxton for over 40 years and I'm now restoring it, but only mechanically. Stone chips and paint worn away to the bare metal will stay. Rust not a problem as the **** thing leaked like a sieve, but I love that bike to death. I'd wipe it down with a kerosene (paraffin?) soaked rag and it would glisten like new. Only thing I was particular about was the tank with its beautiful gold pin-strip. It was (is) sacrilege to touch that tank. I stand by my running in method, but not suggesting you do the same. To each his own, but you either get a "quick" bike or a slug. My opinion only, so ask your trusted mechanic friend for his advice, or look up “Break in Secrets” I’ll be harsh with my CTX-D when it arrives even though it will probably be my last bike, but I expect to hand it down to my son in good running order.
Back to the pristine angle. If you had the original 1968 Honda 750 in pristine condition, it would now be worth heaps, but do you want to wait that long?

 

[Old Tom]

Ok. looks like I caan't use the word starting with the forth letter in the alphebet.

 

[Billnoroville]

What are some things you can do to keep the bike in pristine mint condition from the first day you buy it?

Mint.....buy it in the crate and put it in the garage. 30 years from now it will be worth more than you paid for it. Look at it but don't ride it. Now that is out of the way,....

You could treat it like any New car you purchased. Use it, enjoy it, keep it stock, clean it, service it and don't crash it and it will always look better than most who don't take care of their bikes AND you will like riding it more. It will hold it's value but never be valued as much as new due to high depreciation.

I just sold a 1988 Hawk GT for 3300 because it was cleaner than 99%, not showroom clean, everything worked, I rode it daily, and it had never been crashed. That was top dollar.

 

[Old Tom]

Actually, lack of use is the biggest killer. Never buy a "mint" machine that has not been used regularly. Gears and big-ends in particular get corroded where half are under oil, the rest in air. The oil has absorbed moisture and various seals have given up the ghost. Best to just enjoy the bike while it's still the latest thing around. Then bore everybody to death with stories. "Did I ever tell you about the time I...blah blah blah"

 

[gregsfc]

Just to echo the sentiment, you can keep it looking good for a long time by spending time regularly cleaning and polishing using non-abrasive products. Make sure the rag you use is soft like terry cloth or all cotton. I use an off-brand pledge for everything except for greasy areas, the dash, grips and seats and glass. I don't know if Pledge is a recommended item, but it seems to do very well for helping keep everything shiny and helps keep dirt from sticking even on my helmet, face shield and windshield. It is especially important to wipe it down, even on the underside after riding in the rain or on wet roads, but if you plan on using it regularly, it won't stay in mint condition very long, but just like with a car, a little regular attention goes a long way. I've got an eight year old VW Jetta TDI. When people see it they think it's just a year old or so, but, of course, it's not mint condition, because I've put 130K on it.

Another thing I've found helpful is...If it's possible, store it under cover of some type at home and at your regular destination. I ride almost exclusively to and from work. I park under a dedicated soft shed at home and in a garage at work where I found a little extra room shared with a work vehicle. This is also good, because I can hang my gear up near the bike and not have to worry about storing the gear or leaving it out in the weather. If I leave work, and it happens to be raining or very cold, I can suit up while still under cover and not have to expose myself and the bike till I'm riding back home.

 

[Kfrill]

There is no way to keep a bike pristine as in MIB condition. As soon as you ride it off the lot it will diminish in value. The only way for it to gain in value is if it becomes a classic and that will take Decades. The very wind that you ride in will abraid the finish as will the exhaust contaminates from every vehicle around. Rocks, pebbles, bugs (a real big problem) will also do their dirty work on your bike. What ever can damage a car/truck finish can damage a bike. If you really want a Pristine Garage Queen then invest in one, not a stock bike like the CTX. The CTX was made to be on the road and in the wind. Those fancy bikes like on OC and the like are for taking out only on special occasions not regular usage.

 

[Billnoroville]

gregsfc, you are right about a cover. My bike is always in the garage after riding. Once it cools off, a walmart cheap cover goes over it. If I don't ride it for a few days, no problem, there wont be dust on it forcing me to clean it before I ride.

If I need room for a project in the garage, I roll it outside in the driveway and it is covered there as the sun fades paint quickly. I am lucky I have a garage for it.

 

[Kirstenparks]

I bought some Pro Honda Spray and Polish today. That's stuff is awesome. Put a nice shine back on my bike after a few days of riding. $6.50 a can

 

[firehawk]

I've never used the Pro Honda Spray and Polish. I use Eagle 1 Wipe and Shine with a microfiber cloth on my bike. It can be used on everything, paint, chrome, lexan windshields, even on the mirrors. I use it on my face shield too, acts somewhat like Rain X. I have found nothing really sticks, bugs, road grime wipe right off.

IMO the important thing is to get the bugs, etc... off as soon as possible. 99% of the time I wipe the bike down as soon as I get home.

 

[Kirstenparks]

The pro honda is the same thing. You can use it on everything.

 

[CEETEEX]

Ok, I will be the first to say it. Lemon Pledge. Works great.

 

[Effem Tee]

OK! You guys made me hip to the pump cleaner idea, so I scouted out the products. Lo! and Behold! for the folks with the Black CTX's, here's what I scored: Turtle Wax Black Detailer, specifically for black vehicles. "Fills in swirl marks" is the claim on the bottle. Those swirl marks from even the simplest cleaning with soap and water and then a dry towel annoyed me, especially on the tank.
Result? >poof!< Gone! Easy on, easy off. Weird, but light, black stain on the cleaning rag. But that is probably what is doing the filling in. $8.99 at Wally World. Tank, fender, side work, and back end look great. About 10 minutes worth of work. I'm happy.

Ride Safe, Ride Often
f

 

[dewaltman2]

I just bought my CTX700 a couple of weeks ago. I was thinking of using my 303 Aerospace Protectant on the plastic and painted surfaces. I bought it mainly for use on my boat because it also has UV inhibitors in it. Hopefully, it'll keep the fading and cracking down to a minimum.

 

[gregsfc]

Ok, I will be the first to say it. Lemon Pledge. Works great.

I'm glad you stated it CEETEEX. I thought the same thing but didn't want to cut anyone down for spending four times the price for an automobile polish.

I've found that even an off-brand, Lemon Pledge equivalent works very well on just about any surface except true glass and stainless steel (I don't use it on the mirrors or the exhaust or the seat, but just about everything else including my face shield and small screen); shines everything up; protects from the sun and weather; and has the Rain-X effect. I've used both the high-dollar polish and off-brand pledge. I can't tell the difference in performance.

 

[ralphthewrecker]

pristine condition, huh?

RIDE IT LIKE YOU STOLE IT!!!

I may put knobbies on her and do some two track jeep trails!!! (not really)

I like to go to the outdoor car wash and spray off the grime and chain lube overspray with a hi pressure washer, then overspray the chain again when I get home!

My last bike was an all chrome 2005 VTX1800C - THANK GOODNESS I DON'T HAVE TO LET ALL THAT CHROME GET WATERSPOTTED ANYMORE!