Winter, we all hate it but while most people tuck their pride and joys away break the trickle charger out, and find a winter hobby for a few months, I quite enjoy getting out and about when it’s cold and dark. To make cleaning easier, Muc-off sent me some of their Nanotec motorcycle cleaner.
UK roads are heavily salted during winter, to prevent ice buildup. Salting poses a big problem. Salt is great for popcorn, but not good for motorcycles due to its extremely corrosive nature.
What is ceramic coating and how does it work?
Sodium and Chloride are the two parts which make up salt. These Chlorides cling to the metal on your bike. Chlorides allow Oxygen to attack metals by forming Hydrogen chloride. Hydrogen Chloride, when mixed with atmospheric air, forms hydrochloric acid.
This cycle of Chloride attack followed by oxygen Attack, over and over again causes parts to tarnish or rust, depending on the material. This constant barrage is what causes the damage over time to your pride and joy. As well as salt, copious amounts of mud and grime often leave a horrible mess.
Muc-off were very kind to send me a bottle of their lovely pink Nano-tech motorcycle cleaner.
Having heard rave reviews about it I was looking forward to giving it a go. Normally I use a generic car cleaner (whatever is on offer), a bucket and sponge so it is nice to have some a dedicated motorcycle cleaner.
What is the Nano-technology and what does it actually do?
Muc-off claim that the nano-technology breaks down dirt and grime at a molecular level, and regardless of what grime it is. Safe to use on all surfaces and finishes including stainless, anodised, painted, plastic and carbon fibre.
Quite a claim from Muc-off.
Muc-off recommended rinsing the bike first. I gave the bike a good rinse with the pressure washer wetting everything possible including myself.
Next up applying the muc-off. It comes in a handy spray bottle, the trigger is large and sturdy and hopefully, it lasts longer than others before the seals break down. With the product being safe on all materials I do doubt this will be a problem.
The bottle works upside down which is handy for getting under the tail section and in and around those awkward areas including wheels.
Spray Muc-off on, agitate and wait!
Advice is to spray on and leave to attack for 3-5 mins. 3-5 mins are rather vague. I opted for 4 mins of letting it do its thing while I made a brew.
With brew gone, it was time to get back to work and attacking it with a soft brush to get some sud action.
The suds change from a white to a dirty brown when worked with the brush. This was very apparent on wheels, with the cleaner eating up huge amounts of grime, brake dust and chain lube.
Yes, those are Michelin Power RS tyres! Read my thoughts here!
The GSXR was absolutely minging before I started, but that is the perks of winter riding. The front end covered in brake dust, dead bugs, and lots of road spray. The horrible winter conditions were quickly made good, quickly and easily. The ever painful task of removing “flung” chain lube which settles on the rear wheel, was a doddle.
Rinsing off afterwards was really easy as it blasts off well with the pressure wash. Normally when I have used generic washes, the suds get all over and tend to take ages to blast away, and drying off afterwards with a towel the results are impressive.
The cleaner itself looks very gentle as the layer of wax underneath looked unaffected as water still beads nicely. It left no streaks or clouding on the paintwork.
Great price and Muc-off Eco-Refills are available!
The 1-litre bottle costs £9.99 (RRP), and I could easily get another 8 or 9 washes out of what’s remaining in the bottle, even with me being trigger happy. If you are pretty frugal with the cleaner I’m sure you can get more.
Muc-off also does bigger bottles to decant into the smaller bottle, for a better value price, and plenty of bargains and offers can be found easily too, making the savings even better.
Overall, this product is wicked and I can easily see why it is held in such high regard within cycling, and motorcycling circles. Prices are very reasonable and I love the fact it can be used everywhere on the bike, safely.
Check the website for latest pricing and buying options here!