How do you clean your helmet from bugs?

[@ndy]

Just out of curiosity...
To clean your helmet and visor from bugs without scratching it do you use some special cleaning products, windex type stuff, microfibre cloth, leather, spit and polish, just hot water..???

[actungbaby]

Just out of curiosity...
To clean your helmet and visor from bugs without scratching it do you use some special cleaning products, windex type stuff, microfibre cloth, leather, spit and polish, just hot water..???

to be honest i just take it the visor off and use water and soap and my hands just try get dust dirt from the scratchs , and just rince under thee cold tap, i do this with dvds too to clean them

Seems to work okay makes it better to see through

[nzspokes]

Easy, Pledge. Spray it on and polish with microfiber cloth. Also makes the water bead off perfectly.

[Ocean1]

Just out of curiosity...
To clean your helmet and visor from bugs without scratching it do you use some special cleaning products, windex type stuff, microfibre cloth, leather, spit and polish, just hot water..???

Not hot water. Visors made from sheet material will become sorta scored if heated too much, molded visors less so but it's still not a good idea.


Easy, Pledge. Spray it on and polish with microfiber cloth. Also makes the water bead off perfectly.

Yup, usually a can somewhere on hand on any decent ride.

[actungbaby]

Not hot water. Visors made from sheet material will become sorta scored if heated too much, molded visors less so but it's still not a good idea.



Yup, usually a can somewhere on hand on any decent ride.

opps meant warm water

[SPP]

Easy, Pledge. Spray it on and polish with microfiber cloth. Also makes the water bead off perfectly.

+1 cheap too

[scumdog]

A rag soaked in a solution of ater/baking sode draped over the visor softens the bug and makes them easier to wipe off.
Don't let the rag dry-out in place though.

[Akzle]

used to dose the lens with lemon pledge. minimised how much stuck, and moved rain.

to clean: either the squeegees at gas stations or dishwash liquid and brush.

[Hitcher]

Easy, Pledge. Spray it on and polish with microfiber cloth. Also makes the water bead off perfectly.

Amen. Don't bother using anything else. Plexus is way too expensive and no better than Pledge. Indeed I think Pledge has the edge. Choose a fragrance you like. I like orange.

[nzspokes]

Amen. Don't bother using anything else. Plexus is way too expensive and no better than Pledge. Indeed I think Pledge has the edge. Choose a fragrance you like. I like orange.

Best to take the helmet off before applying it though, just in case you forget to put the visor down.....

[@ndy]

Pledge it is than. Thank you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uklF7VtqJq8


Best to take the helmet off before applying it though, just in case you forget to put the visor down.....

It's ok I have the sun visor down at all times ! :cool:

[haydes55]

A rag soaked in a solution of ater/baking sode draped over the visor softens the bug and makes them easier to wipe off.
Don't let the rag dry-out in place though.

Do that, I've seen youtube videos about cleaning helmets and several suggested this, I tried it and it worked a treat, no effort and no chemicals needed (I just use warm soapy water though). Microfibre clothes are worth the investment (like $10 lol).

[Maha]

I just take it off the helmet (3.5 seconds) and clean it in the sink with warm water and liquid soap.
If not at home, I have a little spray bottle (lens cleaner size) under my seat with 'spary and bugs away' in it.

Spray and Bugs away avaliable at any good bike stores.

[nzspokes]

I just take it off the helmet (3.5 seconds) and clean it in the sink with warm water and liquid soap.
If not at home, I have a little spray bottle (lens cleaner size) under my seat with 'spary and bugs away' in it.

Spray and Bugs away avaliable at any good bike stores.

My understanding which may be wrong is all kinds of soap have salt in them which will scratch visors. Its the same as cleaning your bikes paintwork with dishwash liquid which will micro scratch the paint.

[oneofsix]

My understanding which may be wrong is all kinds of soap have salt in them which will scratch visors. Its the same as cleaning your bikes paintwork with dishwash liquid which will micro scratch the paint.

you made me curious so off to wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soap) I went and this may be the basis of your undrstanding;


In chemistry, soap is a salt of a fatty acid.[1]

Soap doesn't so much contain salt, NaCl, but is chemically defined as a salt. Although some soaps can use salt as a hardener according to Mr Google.

this other quote from wiki could also interest you

Soaps are key components of most lubricating greases, which are usually emulsions of calcium soap or lithium soaps and mineral oil.
Hope there is no salt, NaCl, there.

[p.dath]

Just out of curiosity...
To clean your helmet and visor from bugs without scratching it do you use some special cleaning products, windex type stuff, microfibre cloth, leather, spit and polish, just hot water..???

For the visor I use a small squirt of Pledge (furniture polish) and a soft cloth to polish it back off again.

[James Deuce]

God you guys are brutal with your helmets and visors. Leave a damp cloth on your helmet for 30 mins or more and the bugs just wipe off.

[Richard Mc F]

in the shower............wait ..................I am getting confused;)

[BigAl]

Geez guys, I just give mine to the missus. She's in charge of cleaning.

[Maha]

God you guys are brutal with your helmets and visors. Leave a damp cloth on your helmet for 30 mins or more and the bugs just wipe off.

Makes it tough to see when you're riding though....:baby:
Nothing like a bit of bug arse to let you know its been a long day.

[george formby]

Geez guys, I just give mine to the missus. She's in charge of cleaning.

+1 She waxes me boots too.





Admittedly, I did have to buy her a bike to get this kind of service.

+1 damp cloth left to soften the bugs, they then just rinse off. Pledge & my personal fav, Mr Sheene, are excellent. I always have a packet of wet wipes in case I get badly spoodged on a run too. they work a treat. No, actually it's a packet of baby botty wipes, bigger, softer & more sensitive. Can't comment on how effective they are for bottys.

[chasio]

+1 She waxes me boots too.





Admittedly, I did have to buy her a bike to get this kind of service.

+1 damp cloth left to soften the bugs, they then just rinse off. Pledge & my personal fav, Mr Sheene, are excellent. I always have a packet of wet wipes in case I get badly spoodged on a run too. they work a treat. No, actually it's a packet of baby botty wipes, bigger, softer & more sensitive. Can't comment on how effective they are for bottys.

I used wet wipes for a while. Eventually I concluded they had taken some kind of surface coating off the outside of the visor (the stock one on a Shoei Raid II). I don't recall what made me figure that, but I haven't used them since. I use a method similar to Maha and will add the damp rag trick to the trick bag; ta.

[george formby]

I used wet wipes for a while. Eventually I concluded they had taken some kind of surface coating off the outside of the visor (the stock one on a Shoei Raid II). I don't recall what made me figure that, but I haven't used them since. I use a method similar to Maha and will add the damp rag trick to the trick bag; ta.

I just use them once in a blue moon, when i go through a swarm of pus bums. Not had any issues thus far but yeah, I'm aware whatever it is on them may be detrimental to coatings or plastic.
Tried the cloth in a bag but I always forget to take it out me pannier so it ends up smelling of week worn under cracks.

[MystikEagle]

OMG! :gob:

Read this thread, went and brought some pledge.

It is AMAZING!!! :first: Cleaned the bugs off so easy!

I used it on my windscreen too.

Whoever discovered this trick is a legend :2thumbsup:drinknsin

[FJRider]

I just ride in the rain. All the bugs fall off ... Eventually ... :cool:

[James Deuce]

Don't use aerosols on your visor or polycarbonate helmets. Don't say you haven't been warned. Get the manual spray version of pledge, if you must. I wouldn't put anything but water on a helmet.

[Magnum Noel]

OMG! :gob:

Read this thread, went and brought some pledge.

It is AMAZING!!! :first: Cleaned the bugs off so easy!

I used it on my windscreen too.

Whoever discovered this trick is a legend :2thumbsup:drinknsin

I'm wondering if pledge is the new wonder spray. Maybe good for polishing paintwork ans sealing leather gear. Can someone try it and let us know.

[Ocean1]

Don't use aerosols on your visor or polycarbonate helmets. Don't say you haven't been warned. Get the manual spray version of pledge, if you must. I wouldn't put anything but water on a helmet.

Hydrocarbon propellants.

Honestly didn't occur to me, in theory it's a potential problem, I've been using it for years, though and never had issues.

[Laava]

Sausages, I use sausages. No... Wait, that is the bbq I am thinking of!



I use hot water out of the tap onto the microfiber kitchen cloth. By the time you have rung it out, it is the perfect temp to take the bugs right off. I do not clean with anything else and have had no probs. No matter what you use after a couple of years, or lets say 50,000km, you are may need a new visor as it will no longer be perfectly clear as it was new.

[G4L4XY]

I use the tissues at any gas stations I visit and the water from the brush things they use for car windscreens, dip the tissue in and swirl it all about hahah

Then 100m up the road it's dirty again ffs

[BigAl]

Interestingly there was an article I read that tested fly strike between dirty and clean visors.

Apparently insects were more attracted to clean visors which sort of explains how 5 mins down the road you get several hits and then the strikes tail off.

The little buggers go looking for clean visors ffs.

[caspernz]

Interestingly there was an article I read that tested fly strike between dirty and clean visors.

Apparently insects were more attracted to clean visors which sort of explains how 5 mins down the road you get several hits and then the strikes tail off.

The little buggers go looking for clean visors ffs.

Just clean peepholes in your line of sight :2thumbsup

[Usarka]

Just wash it at the petrol station with the window washer.

Usually gets a laugh.

[Dangsta]

just a tiny squirt of white vinager (don't use brown as it stains) and very lightly buff with a brillo pad. I use this method to clean my power bands as well.
You're welcome.

[scumdog]

just a tiny squirt of white vinager (don't use brown as it stains) and very lightly buff with a brillo pad. I use this method to clean my power bands as well.
You're welcome.

Brillo pad eh? Personally I find a used 5" cutting disc does it quicker...

[strandedinnz]

I caught my cat helping herself to the bugs on my visor ... tasty treat ??

272848

[Sharry]

Interestingly there was an article I read that tested fly strike between dirty and clean visors.

Apparently insects were more attracted to clean visors which sort of explains how 5 mins down the road you get several hits and then the strikes tail off.

The little buggers go looking for clean visors ffs.

Honestly? By the time they realise the visor has already claimed the rest of their family I would have thought it was too late to turn around and go back:eek5:

At home I use Pledge and a microfibre cloth, Pledge helps the rain form into fewer larger dropplets. In my tank bag I keep a small squirty of window cleaner and a chux cloth for buggies.

[Swoop]

I'm wondering if pledge is the new wonder spray. Maybe good for polishing paintwork ans sealing leather gear. Can someone try it and let us know.
We were using pledge (in an aerosol can) to clean / polish aicraft windscreens back in the early '90's.
No issues then, or now.

[xen]

Just wash it at the petrol station with the window washer.

Usually gets a laugh.


Yep what I always do, works well

[Usarka]

Yep what I always do, works well

While you're wearing it I hope :niceone:

[GrayWolf]

Just out of curiosity...
To clean your helmet and visor from bugs without scratching it do you use some special cleaning products, windex type stuff, microfibre cloth, leather, spit and polish, just hot water..???

Soapy water and allow it to soak for a short time (softens dried on bugs) wash off the dirt/bugs,, dry with a soft cloth, Pledge, inside and out!!!

[xen]

While you're wearing it I hope :niceone:

Hahaha yea that would be a laugh

[caspernz]

Just out of curiosity...
To clean your helmet and visor from bugs without scratching it do you use some special cleaning products, windex type stuff, microfibre cloth, leather, spit and polish, just hot water..???

Don't be a pussy! Fuel up and get the executive carwash, that way your helmet, bike and gear end up with that freshly washed/waxed smell :yes::2thumbsup

[Usarka]

Hahaha yea that would be a laugh

It is, usually for the car drivers on the forecourt.

[SMOKEU]

Use a damp rag. It's all you need.

[imdying]

Don't use aerosols on your visor or polycarbonate helmets. Don't say you haven't been warned. Get the manual spray version of pledge, if you must. I wouldn't put anything but water on a helmet.You are more at risk from breathing car exhaust fumes :rolleyes:

[Mully Clown]

God you guys are brutal with your helmets and visors. Leave a damp cloth on your helmet for 30 mins or more and the bugs just wipe off.

I tried this and it worked really well. Of course I left my visor on the helmet, in the upward position with all the vents open. Very wet cloth, overnight. Took two days in the hot water cupboard to try out afterwards :Oops:

I was out shopping for new helmets today and Superior Motorcycles offered to service my existing helmet (Shoei) so it's in good shape until I figure out what to buy.

Told me off for storing my gloves in my helmet as well.

[Tigadee]

+1 for Pledge, really works to clean the visor and regular application keeps water off.

[willytheekid]

Only one thing better than Pledge...

273965

Bugs = Meat group!:laugh:

[oneofsix]

Only one thing better than Pledge...

273965

Bugs = Meat group!:laugh:

Does that come with a quick tail polish? :laugh:

[pritch]

God you guys are brutal with your helmets and visors. Leave a damp cloth on your helmet for 30 mins or more and the bugs just wipe off.

Exactly. That's the method BIKE magazine recommended, no need for magic potions.

Came across an interesting comment by Pedrosa, he said he knew it was about to rain because suddenly a lot of insects hit his visor.

Apparently the drop in atmospheric pressure makes birds and insects fly lower. GP riders (and us) shouldn't be paying much attention to what the birds are doing, but the insects can make their presence apparent.

There are other reasons for mass insect attack, but that's one to file away.