Sometimes Halloween can bring out the worst out in people; the hidden identity brought about by wearing costumes often encourages motorcycle vandalism. Here is how to clean up if Halloween hoodlums have trashed your bike.
Eggs
The Problem: As egg dries, it becomes harder to remove. If left on your bike for too long, it can damage or crack the paint.
The Fix: Use water to hydrate the stain as much as possible, which will make it easier to wipe away and assist in a more complete removal. Then, using a commercial car-wash detergent and a micro-fiber towel and some warm water, gently scrub the stain off. Anything with a pH balance that isn’t neutral will damage the paint. Be careful not to use hot water, as it will cook the proteins from the egg right onto your bike, making it harder to get off.
Other common tips include a 50/50 water to white vinegar solution or using Vaseline, but we can’t stand behind those so, should our method above not work for you. We advise that you do your homework and try that one at your own risk.
Silly String & Shaving Cream
The Problem: If left on for too long or left under direct sun, much like an egg, these can also damage your paint.
The Fix: Make sure you wash it off with water as soon as you detect its presence. Use a micro-fiber towel to wipe clean.
Permanent Marker
The Problem: Your biggest problem is that someone either really wants to damage your property, or the neighbor’s kid is probably a juvenile delinquent; no one goes at something with a Sharpie unless they really want to permanently damage something. The other problem is that permanent markers are made to be permanent, and they’re very hard to get off.
The Fix: We haven’t had to try any of these ourselves, so try these at your own risk. We’ve been told that using hairspray or WD-40 and a clean micro-fiber towel works best. It has also been reported that a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser found in the cleaning isle of a grocery store can also remove permanent ink.
Toilet Paper
The Problem: Nothing, toilet paper won’t damage your motorcycle.
The Fix: Common sense says just pull it off and throw away. Get it wet and you are in for a huge mess. This is also where you vow to park your bike in a friend’s garage next year.
What are your tricks for cleaning vandalism off a motorcycle? What’s the worst damage you’ve seen done to a parked bike?
Related Links:
Cleaning: How To Clean Your Motorcycle Leathers
Cleaning: How To Wash Your Motorcycle
Opinion: Murphy’s Law for Motorcycles
