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Edited Date/Time
2/9/2026 12:09pm
Recently picked up a newer Honda, tight bike but was not cared for the way I do. The aluminum just looks more grimey than it should for a 1 year old bike. Im curios to hear some techniques on how you guys bring back frames, engine cases, swingarms, etc.
I find regular washing with Motomuck brings it back a bit....Sometimes Simplegreen can also do it but I have heard others say soaking in Simplegreen can damage or stain Aluminium.
Also intersted to hear other suggestions....
7447 and then 7448 Scotch-Brite with the grain is likely the cleanest you'll get an aluminum frame short of stripping it down to bare bones and vapor blasting. Hondabrite can help expedite the cleaning but, like other chemicals, should be used in a small/check area first before going whole hog. Congrats on the new-to-you scoot and keep us updated!
Alloy wheel cleaner (acidic) and a grey scothbrite on my RMZ450 frame. You don't need to work it much or leave it on for long. I used it diluted to give more wiggle room. Works a treat and really brightens the aluminium. This gives a bright brushed look.
I haven't tried on engine cases, but it also works well on calipers/carriers etc.
As above different manufacturers parts may react differently so always test a small patch first before fully committing
I found an excellent way to bring back bare castings like hubs, clamps, linkages, etc. to their original as-cast look.
Hopefully it's useful to some of you guys.
Use some discretion if you explore this method.
It should not be used on parts that have anything but raw aluminum because it will strip off the plating and other coatings from steel, etc.
It will also destroy anodizing.
There are some photos of my hubs and a little write-up in my KX build thread.
Scroll down until you see the wheels.
https://www.vitalmx.com/forums/Bike-Builds,46/1990-KX500-Classic-Looks-…
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I was dealing with a similar issue on a very low hour 2012 that I picked up in the fall. After a lot of elbow grease with a scotch brite pad and WD40 I saw improvement but nothing great. I wasn’t trying for a shiny look just clean. After the first ride in the mud the frame looked just as bad as before I put the work. At this point it’s just not worth the effort.
What did you use?
I occasionally use alumibrite, spray it on and rince it off, you can't leave it on too long or it will leave etching marks.
I'm trying to attach a screen shot of that thread here. Just click over to that thread and scroll down if it doesn't show up. There are photos and a write-up on the process using Naval Jelly.
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Here are the results I got. Obviously difficult to keep the inner frame spotless in all the webbing etc but the outer frame held up well. Just occasional top up scrubs with scotchbrite and it always came back.
If you are experiencing staining issues with your bike I'd suggest changing to a different cleaner. I use Motoverde ProGreen. Awesome stuff.
A good aluminum etching cleaner, scotch brite pads, vapor blasting.
By chance did you use a wire brush on the webbing with your cleaner or was this all scotchbrite? I’m getting ready to do the same thing and will be using this method.
Yeah all with scothbrite
Any suggestions for how to clean the cast area? I've used hot soapy water and plastic brushes and I think i tried a wire brush, but have been unable to get these stains off at all. Not sure what caused it in the first place. Thesame staining is on the top of the swingarm also.
Those stains probably came from some kind of soap or cleaner that was left on too long.
Alloy wheel cleaner or aluminum brightener and a little brushing will get rid of those stains.
Anything alkaline or "basic" (chemicals with a high pH number) will readily attack aluminum.
Oven cleaner, drain opener and other very strong bases will turn aluminum dark gray and leave a rough surface.
Simple Green is mildly basic... It can stain your frame or damage coatings if left on aluminum parts too long at high concentration.
Soap is usually alkaline, but there are some acidic cleaners too.
Thank you. I’ll give it a try
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