Choppers and cruisers are often covered in chrome: exhausts, wheels, mirrors, headlights, bars. Chrome protects the metal beneath and makes a bike stand out, but it scratches easily and quickly dulls from exhaust fumes, water and salt.
To keep chrome mirror-bright, wash it gently, deal with the first rust specks promptly and seal it with a protective layer.
What you will need
- a bucket of water and a soft sponge
- motorcycle wash or a mild car shampoo
- soft microfibre or cotton cloths
- the finest 000 grade steel wool
- wet-and-dry paper in P180, P280, P500 and P1000 (only for heavy rust)
- WD-40 Multi-Use
- a carnauba wax or chrome polish
Important: Only work on a cold bike, and take extra care with the exhaust. Do not pressure-wash chrome near electrics and never let the cleaner dry on the surface. Only use abrasive paper on deep rust: it removes some of the chrome layer.
Step 1
Prepare the motorcycle
Put the bike on a stand on level ground in the shade so it cannot fall and the products do not dry too fast. Wait until the exhaust is completely cold.
Wash the bike only where it is permitted and the water runs to a drain.
Step 2
Wash the chrome parts
Rinse the chrome with a sponge or hose to remove grit and dust: rubbing it dry causes scratches. Apply motorcycle wash to the exhaust, wheels, mirrors and headlights.
Leave it for 3 to 5 minutes without letting it dry, work stubborn marks with a soft sponge, rinse with clean water and dry with microfibre.
Step 3
Remove rust and stubborn marks
Orange specks often appear on wheels, mirrors and headers. Spray the clean area with WD-40 Multi-Use and rub lightly with a pad of 000 steel wool. Wipe with microfibre to check the result and repeat if needed.
For deep rust, start with P180 paper lubricated with WD-40 Multi-Use, then work through P280, P500 and P1000 and finish with 000 steel wool. The product acts as a lubricant for the abrasive and stops the paper clogging.
Step 4
Apply the polish
Make sure the chrome is completely dry. Shake the chrome polish or wax and spray it evenly from 10 to 20 cm. Carnauba wax gives a deep shine and makes water bead off, so marks and rust take longer to appear.
Step 5
Buff to a mirror finish
Let the polish haze slightly, then spread and buff it with a soft clean cloth in circular motions without pressure. Apply a second coat if needed.
Finally, wipe a cloth with a drop of WD-40 Multi-Use over the bolts and fittings of the chrome parts to drive moisture out of the threads.
Tip: After the chrome, refresh plastics and painted parts with
WD-40 Specialist Silicone applied to microfibre. Keep silicone off the seat, grips, footpegs and tyres.
What next
Wash the chrome along with the bike and polish it once a month in season. Before winter storage, give all chrome parts a thin coat of WD-40 Multi-Use. A compact WD-40 200 ml fits neatly in a pannier.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».