Product test: motorcycle cleaner in the endurance test

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Product test: motorcycle cleaner in the endurance test
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Product test: motorcycle cleaner in the endurance test

Product test
Motorcycle cleaner in the endurance test

His name is Ritscher. Frank Ritscher. He drives a BMW R 1200 GS. He is a MOTORRAD subscriber. As a graduate engineer in chemistry, he heads the research and development laboratory of the cleaning equipment manufacturer Karcher. And he tests mercilessly.

Klaus Herder

09/10/2009

Sometimes you have to be able to win: To the cautious question to the Karcher press office: “We can possibly work with your laboratory?” MOTORRAD got the answer “That should work. Our laboratory manager is a motorcyclist himself.”

It actually worked, and it got even better: Dipl.-Ing. Frank Ritscher (37), the nice person up there on the lead photo, has been a MOTORRAD subscriber for many years, which made things a lot easier. You no longer had to explain to the BMW driver what it was about; and – there isn’t really that much luck – detective work in a white chemist’s coat is also one of his hobbies outside of Karcher’s working hours.

Frank’s favorite research object – you already guessed it: motorcycle cleaner!

And so it happened that eleven detergent containers were transferred from Stuttgart to Winnenden and had to show in the Karcher laboratory what they can do and what is in them. For example water. A lot of water, namely up to almost 94 percent, also in chemists’ parlance “Profitan” called. However, the amount of water in itself does not have to say anything about the quality of the cleaner, because it is essentially the quality, not the quantity, of the remaining active ingredients that is decisive.

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An example: The surfactants, which are decisive for the cleaning effect and are responsible in particular for the solubility of fat and dirt particles, are available from around 40 cents per kilogram, but you can also spend seven to eight euros on them. The type of surfactant has an effect on plastic compatibility, for example. As long as he works strictly according to the manufacturer’s specifications and prevents prolonged exposure, the customer may not notice any difference.

If, however, a residue of cleaning agent remains somewhere in the depths of the fairing, this can lead to embrittlement and, in extreme cases, breakage of the plastic after a while – in the MOTORRAD test, 17 hours were sufficient. While there is still a bit of a problem with plastic compatibility with most products, at least with a longer exposure time, there was nothing to complain about when it comes to aluminum compatibility. With one serious exception: Herrlan Indusan showed an aggressiveness that MOTORRAD has never seen in this form.


Product test: motorcycle cleaner in the endurance test


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Inlaid aluminum: With one exception, this had no consequences.

Polished aluminum was severely attacked after just two minutes of exposure. With a pH above 11.5, the remedy would have been “lovely” or even as “corrosive” must be declared, but the packaging and safety data sheet are incomplete and grossly incorrect. The detergent manufacturers often pay disproportionately high prices for a property that is wanted, immediately noticeable and visible.

We’re talking about the “Gel function”, that wonderful cleaning agent property, which should ensure that the agent does not run off immediately, but remains at the scene for as long as possible. The gel formers required for this, such as ether sulfate, are not expensive.

“MOTORCYCLE chemist” Frank Ritscher: “The additional costs are less than one percent.” The not always consistent price / performance ratio runs like a red thread through this test. What makes the matter particularly explosive: Of course, the eleven products tested do not come from eleven different manufacturers. The exact analyzes in the Karcher laboratory, the precise study of the safety data sheets and small but fine details (e.g. the typeface of the batch numbers printed on the bottles) made it clear very quickly that we were only dealing with a maximum of three to four different bottlers here have to do. In-house, however, they sometimes actually work with different recipes, which can then lead to the cheap cleaner bottled for another customer working significantly better than the premium product offered under its own name in this test.

When it comes to cleaning performance of the top products, there is no need to worry: The values ​​given in the tables (maximum 48.5 percent) do not sound great, but they refer to test dirt that cannot be removed 100 percent in practice without mechanical use leaves.

The trusted chemist had mixed soot, rock flour and motor oil into a really nasty mixture. “Even a super cleaner would probably not have managed more than 60 percent” , says Frank Ritscher. Incidentally, he is currently developing such a cleaner. MOTORRAD stays tuned to the man.

Practical tips


Product test: motorcycle cleaner in the endurance test


Herder

How to clean properly.

Before the chemical club is taken out, you should find out whether it is even allowed to wash vehicles on private property, at least if the neighbors who are crazy about controls are in close contact with the public order office.

In communities where rainwater and sewage run separately into the sewer system, people usually react very sensitively to unrestrained front-door washers. The motorcycle wash is a borderline area anyway, since an engine wash without an oil separator is forbidden everywhere, but the vehicle upper wash can be allowed – the regulations are made for cars.

The most important thing when washing: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on exposure times meticulously and make sure that no cleaning agent residues are left behind. Plastic can react particularly sensitively to such residues, and deviously, the interior areas of cladding in particular offer plenty of hiding places for aggressive detergent components.

In addition, only ever clean small areas, never work in the blazing sun or on hot surfaces and do not put the machine in the sun to dry. Limescale stains would be the unsightly consequence. Anyone who works with a high-pressure cleaner should keep a safe distance from sensitive rubber parts, stickers, air inlets, exhaust openings, bearings and, above all, from the electrical system.

This is how MOTORRAD tests


Product test: motorcycle cleaner in the endurance test


Herder

All examinations and tests were carried out in the research and development laboratory of Alfred Karcher GmbH & Co. KG.

MOTORRAD bought the cleaner in stores. First, the pH value, density and dry matter content were determined. The gas chromatograph analyzed the chemical compounds. In the dispersion test (dirt loosening and absorption capacity), the time was determined until 0.2 grams of test dirt was completely absorbed by a one percent detergent solution – the faster the better.

The visual assessment of the extent to which the dirt can be kept in suspension in the cleaning agent solution allowed statements to be made about the dirt-carrying capacity. The ability to spread (creep behavior) was also assessed visually. In order to be able to assess the cleaning performance, glossy white lacquers were used

Panels prepared with test dirt, sprayed with cleaner and rinsed clear with tap water after the prescribed maximum exposure time. The cleaning performance was determined using a whiteness measuring device. The application test dealt with the cleaning agent output per spray, the possibility of setting the spray pattern and the adhesion, which was determined on an inclined, glossy white painted bonnet. To determine the material compatibility, polished aluminum decorative strips landed in the cleaner for two minutes and for one hour. Aluminum cylinder head material and pre-tensioned ABS plastic strips had to withstand 17 hours.

Dr.Wack S 100 motorcycle cleaner


Product test: motorcycle cleaner in the endurance test


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Dr.Wack S 100 motorcycle cleaner

Providers: Dr. O. K. Wack Chemie, phone 0841/6350; www.wackchem.com
Retail price: 14.95 euros / liter (5 liter canister 59.95 euros)
Paid price: 14.95 euros / liter
pH value according to manufacturer: 9.5 +/- 0.1

Readings: pH 8.2; Water content approx. 83.8%
Practical test: Spray head continuously adjustable from conical to point jet; 1.40 g per spray; good adhesion
Cleaning effect: Dispersion test passed after 3.39 minutes; good dirt carrying capacity; good ability to spread; Cleaning performance 33.5%
Material compatibility: no material attack on polished aluminum (2 minutes / 1 hour); Hardly any material loss with the aluminum cylinder head (17 hours) Stress cracks in ABS plastic (17 hours)

Conclusion: Good performance in practically all areas, many well thought-out details (spray head, adhesion) but other products clean a little better and are also significantly cheaper.

MOTORRAD verdict: good

Dr.Wack S 100 motorcycle total cleaner


Product test: motorcycle cleaner in the endurance test


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Providers: Dr. O. K. Wack Chemie, phone 0841/6350; www.wackchem.com
Retail price: 19.95 euros / liter including sponge (1-liter refill bottle 17.95 euros; 5-liter canister 69.95 euros)
Paid price: 19.95 euros / liter
pH value according to manufacturer: 8.2 +/- 0.1

Readings: pH 8.3; Water content approx. 84.0% practical test: spray head continuously adjustable from conical to point jet; 1.40 g per spray; good adhesion
Cleaning effect: Dispersion test passed after 3.15 minutes; good dirt carrying capacity; good ability to spread; Cleaning performance 30.9%
Material compatibility: no material attack on polished aluminum (2 minutes / 1 hour); Hardly any material loss with the aluminum cylinder head (17 hours); Stress cracks in ABS plastic (17 hours)

Conclusion: The top dog this time only lands in midfield. Details prove that the Dr. Wack chemists still know their trade, but the premium product is simply far too expensive.

MOTORRAD verdict: satisfactory

Castrol Greentec Bike Cleaner New formula


Product test: motorcycle cleaner in the endurance test


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Castrol Greentec Bike Cleaner New formula

Providers: Castrol, phone 040/359401, www.castrol.de

Retail price: 12.45 euros / liter

Paid price: 6.95 euros / liter (special price in the polo shop)

pH value according to manufacturer: 9.1

Readings: pH 9.1; Water content approx. 82.8%

Practical test: Spray head can be adjusted twice, point and cone jet, but hardly any different spray pattern can be seen; 1.00 g per spray; moderate adhesion

Cleaning effect: Dispersion test terminated after 15 minutes; poor dirt carrying capacity; good ability to spread; Cleaning performance 5.3%

Material compatibility: no material attack on polished aluminum (2 minutes / 1 hour); slightly greater material loss in the case of the aluminum cylinder head (17 hours); Stress cracks in ABS plastic (17 hours)

Conclusion: By far the worst cleaning performance in the test does not match the brand name and, above all, it does not match the price recommendation. But the cleaner is hardly worth the special Polo price either.

MOTORRAD verdict: poor

Hein Gericke MC Gel motorcycle cleaner


Product test: motorcycle cleaner in the endurance test


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Hein Gericke MC Gel motorcycle cleaner

Providers: Hein Gericke, phone 0180/5229522, www.hein-gericke.de

Retail price: 6.99 euros / liter (5-liter canister 19.99 euros)

Paid price: 6.99 euros / liter

pH value according to manufacturer: 8.2 +/- 0.1

Readings: pH 8.2; Water content approx. 93.0% practical test: spray head cannot be adjusted, only point jet possible; 0.70 g per spray; good adhesion

Cleaning effect: Dispersion test terminated after 15 minutes; poor dirt carrying capacity; good ability to spread; Cleaning performance 16.6%

Material compatibility: no material attack on polished aluminum (2 minutes / 1 hour); Hardly any material loss with the aluminum cylinder head (17 hours) Stress cracks in ABS plastic (17 hours)

Conclusion: Not a great performance, the cleaning effect is rather below average. On the other hand, the well-adhering cleaner does not attack aluminum any further and is quite cheap.

MOTORRAD verdict: satisfactory

Herrlan Indusan


Product test: motorcycle cleaner in the endurance test


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Herrlan Indusan

Providers: Herrlan, phone 02855/30770; www.herrlan.com

Retail price: 17.50 euros / liter

Paid price: 19.35 euros / liter (Martika auto parts)

pH value according to manufacturer: 7.5 (2.5% diluted solution)

Readings: pH 12.8 (10.8 at 2.5% dil. solution); Water content approx. 87.4%

Practical test: Spray head can be adjusted twice, point and cone jet, but hardly any different spray pattern can be seen; 1.00 g per spray; very moderate adhesion

Cleaning effect: Dispersion test passed after 2.14 minutes; satisfactory dirt-carrying capacity; very good ability to spread; Cleaning performance 35.3%

Material compatibility: strong material attack on polished aluminum (2 minutes / 1 hour); large loss of material for the aluminum cylinder head (17 hours); very severe stress cracks in ABS plastic (17 hours)

Conclusion: Proper cleaning effect, but the miserable material compatibility and the grossly incorrect declaration (warning notices missing) are absolute knockout criteria. ? The No. 1 professional cleaner” is last in this test.

MOTORRAD verdict: poor

JMC Gel motorcycle cleaner


Product test: motorcycle cleaner in the endurance test


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Providers: JMC / Matthies, phone 040/237210, www.matthies.de

Retail price: The wholesaler Matthies was not prepared to give MOTORRAD an RRP; Internet prices up to 8.50 euros / liter

Paid price: 6.45 euros / liter (motorcycle corner)

pH value according to manufacturer: 8.5

Readings: pH 9.2; Water content approx. 70.1%

Practical test: Spray head can be adjusted twice, point and cone jet; 1.20 g per spray; moderate adhesion

Cleaning effect: Dispersion test terminated after 15 minutes; poor dirt carrying capacity; good ability to spread; Cleaning performance 31.7%

Material compatibility: no material attack on polished aluminum (2 minutes / 1 hour); slightly greater material loss in the case of the aluminum cylinder head (17 hours); very severe stress cracks in ABS plastic (17 hours)

Conclusion: Decent cleaning performance, but weaknesses in terms of material compatibility, especially on plastic. It’s amazing how little the Hamburg wholesaler Matthies seems to be interested in marketing the cleaner.

MOTORRAD verdict: satisfactory

Louis Procycle complete motorcycle cleaner


Product test: motorcycle cleaner in the endurance test


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Providers: Louis, phone 040/73419360, www.louis.de

Retail price: 5.95 euros / liter (5-liter canister 12.95 euros; 10-liter canister 21.95 euros)

Paid price: 5.95 euros / liter

pH value according to manufacturer: 9.9

Readings: pH 8.0; Water content approx. 93.9%

Practical test: Spray head not adjustable, only cone jet possible; 0.75 g per spray; very moderate adhesion

Cleaning effect: Dispersion test terminated after 15 minutes; good dirt carrying capacity; very good ability to spread; Cleaning performance 18.9% material compatibility: no material attack on polished aluminum (2 minutes / 1 hour); Hardly any material loss with the aluminum cylinder head (17 hours) Stress cracks in ABS plastic (17 hours)

Conclusion: If aluminum does not attack, it keeps the dirt in suspension and is very cheap. But that doesn’t change the below-average cleaning performance without a sponge.

MOTORRAD verdict: satisfactory

Louis Procycle special motorcycle gel cleaner


Product test: motorcycle cleaner in the endurance test


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Providers: Louis, phone 040/73419360, www.louis.de

Retail price: 8.95 euros / liter (5-liter canister 19.95 euros; 10-liter canister 29.95 euros)

Paid price: 8.95 euros / liter

pH value according to manufacturer: 8.0 +/- 0.1

Readings: pH 8.0; Water content approx. 92.0%

Practical test: Spray head not adjustable, only point jet possible; per spray 0.80 g; moderate adhesion

Cleaning effect: Dispersion test terminated after 15 minutes; satisfactory dirt-carrying capacity; good ability to spread; Cleaning performance 48.5%

Material compatibility: no material attack on polished aluminum (2 minutes / 1 hour); Hardly any material loss with the aluminum cylinder head (17 hours); Stress cracks in ABS plastic (17 hours)

Conclusion: The gel version of the Louis house brand delivers the best cleaning performance in the test. A slightly better spray head and a little more adhesion would also be one “very good” been in.

MOTORRAD verdict: good

Motul Moto Wash Plus Power Gel


Product test: motorcycle cleaner in the endurance test


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Providers: Motul, phone 02203/17000, www.motul.de

Retail price: 17.10 euros / liter

Paid price: 12 euros / liter (bottling for Suzuki; bought from Suzuki dealer AF Automobile)

pH value according to manufacturer: 9.5

Readings: pH 8.0; Water content approx. 92.9%

Practical test: Spray head not adjustable, only cone jet possible; per spray 0.80 g; good adhesion

Cleaning effect: Dispersion test terminated after 15 minutes; satisfactory dirt-carrying capacity; good ability to spread; Cleaning performance 25.8%

Material compatibility: no material attack on polished aluminum (2 minutes / 1 hour); Hardly any material loss with the aluminum cylinder head (17 hours); Stress cracks in ABS plastic (17 hours)

Conclusion: Doesn’t really fail in any point, but neither does it deliver outstanding performance anywhere, especially when it comes to cleaning performance. The high price prevents a somewhat friendlier judgment.

MOTORRAD verdict: sufficient

Polo motorcycle special cleaner


Product test: motorcycle cleaner in the endurance test


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Providers: Polo, phone 0180/5225785, www.polo-motorrad.de

Retail price: 4.95 euros / liter (5-liter canister 10.95 euros; 10-liter canister 15.95 euros)

Paid price: 4.95 euros / liter

pH value according to manufacturer: 9.3

Readings: pH 9.1; Water content approx. 91.7% practical test: spray head can be adjusted twice, point and cone jet, but hardly any different spray pattern recognizable; 1.00 g per spray; very moderate adhesion

Cleaning effect: Dispersion test terminated after 15 minutes; satisfactory dirt-carrying capacity; very good ability to spread; Cleaning performance 44.9%

Material compatibility: no material attack on polished aluminum (2 minutes / 1 hour); no loss of material with the aluminum cylinder head (17 hours); no stress cracks in ABS plastic (17 hours)

Conclusion: Good cleaning performance, excellent material compatibility and the cheapest price are enough for the test victory. But the Polo house brand is not perfect, see adhesion.

MOTORRAD verdict: very good

Polo Gel motorcycle cleaner


Product test: motorcycle cleaner in the endurance test


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Providers: Polo, phone 0180/5225785, www.polo-motorrad.de

Retail price: 7.95 euros / liter (5 liter canister 19.95 euros)

Paid price: 7.95 euros / liter

pH value according to manufacturer: 9.3

Readings: pH 9.1; Water content approx. 92.0%

Practical test: Spray head can be adjusted twice, point and cone jet; 1.00 g per spray; very good adhesion

Cleaning effect: Dispersion test terminated after 15 minutes; satisfactory dirt-carrying capacity; good ability to spread; Cleaning performance 38.1%

 Material compatibility: no material attack on polished aluminum (2 minutes / 1 hour); no loss of material with the aluminum cylinder head (17 hours); no stress cracks in ABS plastic (17 hours)

Conclusion: Second place behind the cheaper sister product. Equally good material compatibility, somewhat weaker cleaning performance. The much better adhesion could be a reason to buy.

MOTORRAD verdict: good

Conclusion


Product test: motorcycle cleaner in the endurance test


Herder

Pre-tensioned ABS plastic strips landed in the cleaners for 17 hours.

That pleases the economical clean man: The cheapest product wins this comparison test. And not just because of the competitive price. The cleaning performance and material compatibility are also right with the double-winner Polo.

Who prefers to Louis buys, is also well served and gets the best cleaning performance of all test candidates. Branded company Dr. Wack is with his “normal” Motorcycle cleaner is good. From fifth place on, it is a little more difficult to find convincing purchase arguments – the better-placed competition is simply too good.

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