polishing my Breva's muffler.

[max]

I know "muffler" is probably not the correct term , but i'm willing to take the ribbing so go for it. I would like to know what other folks are using to clean and shine up the muffler on their Breva or Norge. Mine is getting quite a collection of road grime and tar etc. I don;t want to scratch it trying to clean it and not sure what to shine and protect it with.
As always, thanks for any advice you can send my way. Max

 

[YBFAST]

Hey Max
I'm a bit of a slob (would rather ride than wash) but I'll throw my $.02 in

for a quick clean with a minimum of scrubbing, I've used Simple Green spray to break loose bugs, tar... you name it. Spray on, let soak a bit, rub with a damp rag. For really stubborn stains and "liver spots" on the headers, I've done the same but rubbed briefly with a 3M green scrubby pad. Just don't spazz over the "matt finish" the pad leaves behind (I think it looks better than a high gloss anyways).

Good luck

 

[Cat City Rider]

Old fashioned turpentine cuts road tar like crazy and is relatively harmless, "Goof Off" found in paint stores is also good for stuff like that, and shouldn't harm your paint, it's is also good for removing those pesky sticky labels and just plain handy around the house, don't get too crazy with it. Road tar cleaners found in Auto Zone and other such stores works as well but smells suspiciously like turpentine for twice the price. Go easy on any painted surface. Follow up with a little polish if you wish. You don't need anything fancy as it won't last long anyway.
Forget about cleaning any discoloration around the exhaust headers as it's just part of the deal and looks like a motorcycle rather than some pretty thing.
No scrubby things for me. hmy: hmy:

 

[Lupo]

To clean, instead of "(your name here)" cleaners just use charcoal lighter fluid. Kingsford costs a bit more but the store brand is the same thing. It works better then Goof Off at about 1/10 the price. Yes I am cheap. It won't hurt paint or discolor plastics or metal. Trust me, I got the tip originally from Dear Abby many years ago.
For stainless pipes, wet sand with #800 grit sandpaper then #1500, then finish with #2000 and Brasso instead of water. You can find the sandpaper at Walmart or Pep Boys. Brasso is at Walmart or you can join the Army and learn all about it
Now, go sweat.

 

[ozmick]

I am a bit anal about keeping my bike clean. So after a ride I will give it a clean/polish. For the downpipes I use metal cleaner cream, its a bit abrasive and will keep those downpipes clean. (you have to polish away for a long time!) For the muffler I use a soft cleaning pad to apply the brasso and a soft cloth to polish it off. Then I sit in the garage with a cuppa and stare at it!