Cut and polish your bike? You're doing it wrong, or at least I have been

**nzspokes** · 4th March 2012, 15:42

So now ive got my new bike I decided that I need to start out the right way with it. The bikes in good condition but the paint work was average. Lots of scratches and dull. I thought about cut and polishing it myself. Finding out that a mate is an expert in such things. So today I went to Herman’s workshop in Manukau. First things we did was to take some before pics and remove the seat, old tank pad and a couple of side plastics(more on this later).

**nzspokes** · 4th March 2012, 15:44

My next step was to stand around looking stupid, something I do quite well. Herman went to work with the first cut. Now if you can cut and polish your bike in an hour your doing it wrong. The first cut took about 1.5 hours. He took a lot of care of my baby as he is a rider to. After the first cut the bike looked great. Most of the scratches had gone. There was no way a cut would sort the deep ones but I was amazed at how it looked. Next step was a finer cut. At which point Herman asked me if I wanted the screen sorted out as it has a big patch of scratches. I was a little taken aback as I had thought I would put up with it and one day get a new one. Have gave the screen a light cut and bingo, scratches go and the screen looked new!!

**nzspokes** · 4th March 2012, 15:49

At this time I was sent on a pie run. By the time I got back the final polish of the bike had started. He did a few little touch ups on the paint as he had the right colour in stock.
The result is stunning. Photos cannot do it justice. Most scratches are gone and the bike just gleams. I cant say this strongly enough, its really good.
And on top of that Herman had said he could sort out some faded plastic with a “special” product. Being black plastic they sort of oxidize and look crap. If you silicone them they stay ok for a week then go yuck again. After Herman had a go at one I took a pic of the difference. Again stunning. And he says the product is permanent.
All in all Im amazed what a skilled tradesman can do.
But there are dangers to this. I almost rode into a parked car looking at my bike gleaming in the windows of a shop I was passing.
Herman can do this work on weekends as his shop is to busy during the week, allow about 3 hours and take about $100. This includes his time and products he uses. This is a amazing deal. His number is 02108195332.

**sil3nt** · 4th March 2012, 15:56

looks awesome! $100 seems way too cheap for 3 hours work.

**Tigadee** · 4th March 2012, 15:59

WOW!! That is a 150% improvement!

Originally Posted by nzspokes

But there are dangers to this. I almost rode into a parked car looking at my bike gleaming in the windows of a shop I was passing.

**nzspokes** · 4th March 2012, 16:00

Originally Posted by sil3nt

looks awesome! $100 seems way too cheap for 3 hours work.

I think it is as well. He is passionate about it. Most would knock it out in an hour. I reckon he should put the price up.

I can see the bike through the window, cant believe It looks that good. i know its not a new/modern bike but I cant afford one. Didnt think a $1400 bike would gleam like mine does.

**Tigadee** · 4th March 2012, 16:02

Originally Posted by nzspokes

Didnt think a $1400 bike would gleam like mine does.

Sssssssshh! You could have sold it for $4,000!

**MikeD400** · 4th March 2012, 16:04

Originally Posted by nzspokes

. Photos cannot do it justice. Most scratches are gone and the bike just gleams. I cant say this strongly enough, its really good.

Mmmhmmmmm the above statement is too true, the photos only tell half the story Herman is a good friend of mine and I was there cleaning that pos blue thing u see in one of the photos and witnessed this Ninja transformation... epic job.

**funrunna** · 4th March 2012, 16:41

that looks great, I will def suggest that to others

**nzspokes** · 4th March 2012, 19:02

Just went out and looked at her again.

Had a chuckle when I could see one of the kids looking over the fence behind me in the shine of the tank.

**SMOKEU** · 4th March 2012, 19:08

I never cut and polish the fuel tank on my bikes. I don't want the tank to become slippery, because then it makes it harder to carry stuff on the tank, such as my shopping.

**nzspokes** · 4th March 2012, 19:10

Originally Posted by SMOKEU

I never cut and polish the fuel tank on my bikes. I don't want the tank to become slippery, because then it makes it harder to carry stuff on the tank, such as my shopping.

Guess all the dents would hold it in place on your bike....

Well Ive got a top box so not an issue for me.

**MikeD400** · 4th March 2012, 19:10

Originally Posted by SMOKEU

I never cut and polish the fuel tank on my bikes. I don't want the tank to become slippery, because then it makes it harder to carry stuff on the tank, such as my shopping.

Ah HAH! Found the culprit !!

Yeah Id cry to if i droped my lap dog!!

**Snakeman** · 4th March 2012, 19:11

it sure made a huge difference and was excellent value for money for the way it makes you feel

**Fast Eddie** · 5th March 2012, 17:11

Originally Posted by nzspokes

I think it is as well. He is passionate about it. Most would knock it out in an hour. I reckon he should put the price up.

I can see the bike through the window, cant believe It looks that good. i know its not a new/modern bike but I cant afford one. Didnt think a $1400 bike would gleam like mine does.

looks mean man, any product names u can drop for us that like to do it at home. Cut n Polish and waxing takes a very long time to do properly, usually takes me a good 3/4 hours. but I use the standard stuff u buy in the shop like turtle wax or mothers. I found that even after a good polish and wax and its looking great that it only takes a few days or a couple rains/puddles and it starts to dull off again.

You should let us know if its still that shiny in 2/3 weeks time.. even a month..

with photo evidence

looks very good though