Polishing motorcycle plastic

[RickM]

I just picked up a KTM 50 from a friend for my daughter. I'd like to remove the graphics and replace with new. In order to get the best appearance I'd like to polish or somehow remove some relatively light scratches from the body pieces.

Has anyone done this? Any tips or advice?

This pic represents the type of plastic. The color is impregnated into the plastic and is not a layer/coating.

[widebody911]

I've used fine sandpaper, then rubbing compound and a polisher. Just be careful not to get it too hot.

[Steve Carlton]

I believe I've heard Plexus works well. If not, you've got the best product available for visors.

[wcc]

I did this on a 80s 3 wheeler.

2000 grit sand paper
Rubbing compound
Polishing compound
Imperial Hand Glaze
Wax

Don't over sand with the 2000 and if you rub it out by hand there shouldn't be any worries. If you use a highspeed buffer don't get it too hot and burn it.

Good Luck!

[Tim Hancock]

Paint buffing compound applied with a buffing machine.

[dhoward]

Light buffing with glaze on a 3M foam pad.
Apply graphics and set with a heat gun (Not too close!)
Then use one of my favorite motorcycle specialty products...
Mop 'n glo.
Apply with a damp sponge. Makes it easy to hose the mud off and shines like a something or other...

[RickM]

OK, judging by how deep the scratches are I'll use my better judgement to start with the appropriate abrasive product.

I'll go slow with the buffer, break out the heat gun and get some Mop-N-Glo.


BTW, thanks for all the quick replys.

[Tim Hancock]

I will have to remember "Mop & Glow"! Back "in the day" I used Pledge furniture spray.

BTW, it is good to hear that you are introducing your daughter to dirt bikes. Both of my daughters progressed thru Honda 50's, KX 60's then 80's. They both took to stick shift cars with nary a hiccup. They rarely ride now but it was fun while it lasted. Now they are typical teenage girls (with the exception that they are excellant drivers)!

[RickM]

Good point, Tim. I want my daughter to experience as much as possible. While she still loves her American Dolls she is very inquisitive and shows an affinity towards science and mechanics.

[island911]

Originally posted by widebody911
I've used fine sandpaper, then rubbing compound and a polisher. Just be careful not to get it too hot.

excellent advice.

...think of the material as if it were wood; that can melt. (no special "plastic" products needed.)

[Tim Hancock]

Originally posted by RickM
Good point, Tim. I want my daughter to experience as much as possible. While she still loves her American Dolls she is very inquisitive and shows an affinity towards science and mechanics.

Mine both still have their American girl dolls, both play violin, both play piano, both ski, both were cheerleaders, both shoot, both fly model airplanes, both can take off and land a real taildragger airplane and both have white 924's. Well rounded is a good thing (of course I may be a little biased when discussing my daughters ).

[RickM]

Originally posted by Tim Hancock
Mine both still have their American girl dolls, both play violin, both play piano, both ski, both were cheerleaders, both shoot, both fly model airplanes, both can take off and land a real taildragger airplane and both have white 924's. Well rounded is a good thing (of course I may be a little biased when discussing my daughters ).

Heh heh, good for you. BTW, C-Control planes? That's in the cards for this summer. Built from a kit. That should be alot of fun.




OK, looks like I have everything at home needed to get the plastic in shape.

[azasadny]

3M Plastic Polish works well for very superficial scratches and haziness. It works well on headlight, taillights, turn signal lenses, etc...

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

They have stuff just for doing this at your local motorcycle shop. Honda makes a very good product for doing ths, but i cant remember the name off hand. It is a lot of work though

[dhoward]

Buy new plastic and graphics...

[911boost]

My 3 year old daughter got a Honda CRF50 for Christmas with "Wheels for Tots" since she can't reach the ground yet. She loves wearing her helmet like Daddie's and riding around the yard for now. I am excited for camping this summer and recently bought a littel 5x8 trailer to tow behind my camper with our dirt bikes on it.

Bill