This tutorial can also be found on the "Maintenance" page
I spent the better part of a day stripping Project 23, a 2002 VFR800, in preparation for fork maintenance together with some electrical additions.
No surprises, and actually there's plenty of indicators that this bike has had some quality maintenance done throughout its life. Not surprising, as the previous owner added an extended warranty and service package when he purchased the 800 new.
I found a clean K&N air filter in place, a nice surprise, and an inspection of the various body pieces shows nary a crack nor broken fastener.
No surprises, and actually there's plenty of indicators that this bike has had some quality maintenance done throughout its life. Not surprising, as the previous owner added an extended warranty and service package when he purchased the 800 new.
I found a clean K&N air filter in place, a nice surprise, and an inspection of the various body pieces shows nary a crack nor broken fastener.
I've already begun buffing the plastic panels and the Italian Red really responds. After 17 years the windscreen is understandably showing some mileage, so this morning I tackled that project.
I've used Novus plastic polishing products for many years, but I've also found that going through a refinishing process just like I use on painted surfaces works well also. Either way, we can do a lot for our windscreens with some time and effort.
I've used Novus plastic polishing products for many years, but I've also found that going through a refinishing process just like I use on painted surfaces works well also. Either way, we can do a lot for our windscreens with some time and effort.
I begin the same as with a painted surface; a light sanding with a 5000-grit wet/dry sponge. Windscreens often have a coating of some sort for UV and scratch protection, so caution is called for here — only a very light sanding. I'm trying to get off scuffs, scratches and old bug marks. Bug juice left on for the long-term will actually imprint itself in paint and plastic. I first soak the screen overnight with a wet towel draped over the screen. Then a good scrubbing with a bug sponge, and then the light sanding.
Next, I do a gentle, low-speed machine buffing with Meguiars #83 compound (or Novus #3), followed by a wipe and a second buffing with Meguiars Ultimate Compound (or Novus #2).
I refinish one side of the screen completely before beginning the other. This allows me to gauge my progress through the clear plastic.
I refinish one side of the screen completely before beginning the other. This allows me to gauge my progress through the clear plastic.
A final wipe with a clean microfiber cloth, then an application of Novus #1, Plastic Clean & Shine, to give gloss and protection. A quality car wax works well also.
This 17-year old screen isn't perfect, but it will perfectly compliment this refurbished Interceptor.
A word on plastics care. In my aviation days, I learned that the only things that should touch acrylics are water, your clean hands and microfiber cloth. Aircraft windscreens and windows are acrylic...expensive acrylic. The love you give them reflects in your pocketbook (and flight safety).
The safe way to clean acrylic is to flow clear, clean water over the screen while gently rubbing with the palm of your hand (no rings!) till the dirt and bugs dissolve. A diluted gentle soap can be used if necessary. Then dry with a known clean microfiber towel. If a drying towel is contaminated with any kind of grit it can't be used again till it's run through a washing machine (speaking of machine washing, never use fabric softener or dryer sheets when washing microfiber). The time to clean windscreens is right after riding when the bugs are still soft. If you find yourself with dried bugs, pre-soften them with a spray of hydrogen peroxide, allowing them to soften a few minutes before washing.
I pack two small microfiber cloths when on a ride — one for my face shield and one for the windscreen. I also pack a small, clean water-soaked cloth in a ziplock baggie for washing the shields, which goes into the wash after the ride. NEVER use spray cleaners containing ammonia (Windex), gas station water, scrub brushes, or any paper towel products to clean acrylics!! You're doing more harm than good. Okay, rant over.
The safe way to clean acrylic is to flow clear, clean water over the screen while gently rubbing with the palm of your hand (no rings!) till the dirt and bugs dissolve. A diluted gentle soap can be used if necessary. Then dry with a known clean microfiber towel. If a drying towel is contaminated with any kind of grit it can't be used again till it's run through a washing machine (speaking of machine washing, never use fabric softener or dryer sheets when washing microfiber). The time to clean windscreens is right after riding when the bugs are still soft. If you find yourself with dried bugs, pre-soften them with a spray of hydrogen peroxide, allowing them to soften a few minutes before washing.
I pack two small microfiber cloths when on a ride — one for my face shield and one for the windscreen. I also pack a small, clean water-soaked cloth in a ziplock baggie for washing the shields, which goes into the wash after the ride. NEVER use spray cleaners containing ammonia (Windex), gas station water, scrub brushes, or any paper towel products to clean acrylics!! You're doing more harm than good. Okay, rant over.
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