Need Help, NEW TO THIS!!

[philmar33]

Sorry if this is a question you get often, but I want to make sure I do the right thing.

I have a Black 05 Yamaha R1 and I found my self scratching/scuffing the rear part of the gas tank with my ridding jacket. It looks as if the color in that part of the tank changed from a really bright black color to a pale almost grey color.
I've been told by some people to use a three step Meguiar's treatment.
I thought I'd ask the experts on this before doing anything.
I actually bought a $100.00 Carbon Fiber tank protector to cover that area but I would really like to get the original color back and not have to cover it to hide it.
While we are at it, I can use some advise as to how to keep that bike shiny.

Thanks in advance for your help,

Phillip.

[Murr1525]

Just to mention, your carbon fiber may be clearcoated as well, so any scrtching from your jacket may dull that as well eventualy.

The 3-step process they mentioned to you is most likely the Deep Crystal System. It is:

1. DC#1 - a mild cleaner

2. DC#2 - Pure polish

3. DC#3 - A nice carnuba blend wax.

It will work very good for mainting the look of the bike. However, the cleaner is not strong enough to remove swirls. You will need a few applications of ScratchX in those areas to remoove the swirls first.

Be sure to read these as well...

Meguiar's 5-Step Paint Care Cycle

Step 1 Wash

Step 2 Clean

Step 3 Polish

Step 4 Protect

Step 5 Maintain

Suggested Products for Taking Care of a New Car

What it Means to Remove a Scratch

How to remove a defect by hand with ScratchX

[the other pc]

Hi Phillip, to MOL!

Sorry to hear your brand new ride got scratched up. You'd think that bike manufacturers would build in something to avoid that. It's so common.

Dealing with it really depends on just how much damage was done. Can you see deep scratches? Any that you can feel or catch a fingernail on? Are there distinct individual scratches or is it more of a hazy change in texture? What kind of jacket is it, Nylon or leather? Was any scratching caused by zippers, snaps or belt buckles?

If the damage is deep there's not much you can do about it other than new paint. If it's not too deep you can buff it out.

The links Murr1525 pointed out are right on for removing scratches by hand. I usually start by hand. If it works, great. If not, it gives me some indication of how hard it will be to do with a machine.

What it means to remove a scratch out of anything...

How to remove a defect by hand with ScratchX

The best way to address paint damage is to prevent it from happening in the first place but since that area of the tank gets rubbed every time you ride there's not really much you can do to avoid it. Some kind of tank protector like the one you bought or maybe some "clear bra" type protection film is the only practical approach I know (unless Dainese starts making microfiber riding suits ).


PC.

[philmar33]

Thanks for the replies Certified Car Crazy! and Car Crazy!.
The bike does not have any deep scratches, it's more like a hazy change in texture, instead of having tha really shiny black it's kind of pale black/gray.
I have 2 jackets, one leather and one with the zipper exposed, I stopped using the one with the zipper exposed when I first noticed the change in color. After I started using the leather jacket, the changing on the color continued.


Where can I buy this products?, auto parts stores or can I buy them online?. When ordering, do I order by the name or is there like a product number.

I thank you again for your help.

Phillip.

[sneek]

i think you mean
the other pc and Murr1525

[Murr1525]

We should ask, do you know for sure if the bike is clearcoated, or at least paint on plastic? Or is it colored plastic?


You should be able to find the basic products at your local Autozone, Pep Boys type of place. Even Target has some stuff. You can order online as well, but for just the 4 products mentioned, it would be easier to go to a store. Here is what they look like:

Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner



ScratchX



Deep Crystal Polish



Deep Crystal System Carnauba Wax

[philmar33]

sorry about getting the names wrong.

You can tell I'm new at this

[philmar33]

Hey - Murr1525-

Not sure, I know for sure the tank is not plastic, and it looks like it's clear coated.

Thanks,

Phillip.

[Murr1525]

As long as it is painted, you will be ok. All of the products mentioned work just fine on single stage, or clear-coated paints.

If it had been just colored plastic, then they wouldnt have worked.