Nine motorcycle cleaners in a comparison test

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Nine motorcycle cleaners in a comparison test
Photo: factstudio.de

Nine motorcycle cleaners in a comparison test

Nine motorcycle cleaners in a comparison test

Nine motorcycle cleaners in a comparison test

Nine motorcycle cleaners in a comparison test

21 pictures

Nine motorcycle cleaners in a comparison test
Klaus Herder

1/21
Our man in Winnenden: Karcher laboratory manager and GS driver Frank Ritscher (44) highly concentrated in preparing for the test.

Nine motorcycle cleaners in a comparison test
Klaus Herder

2/21
The rest of the test: That’s what’s left over …

Nine motorcycle cleaners in a comparison test
Klaus Herder

3/21
… if you remove the water from the cleaners with the help of the “Moisture Analyzer”.

Nine motorcycle cleaners in a comparison test
Klaus Herder

4/21
And it cracked: material compatibility test beforehand …

Nine motorcycle cleaners in a comparison test
Klaus Herder

5/21
… and then. The black ABS strips remained intact, some of the transparent polycarbonate strips broke.

Nine motorcycle cleaners in a comparison test
Klaus Herder

6/21
Water, march: the cleaners had to do the self-cleaning test
show what they can do without manual help. …

Nine motorcycle cleaners in a comparison test
Klaus Herder

7/21
Please note number nine (WD-40): outstanding spreading power, top cleaning effect.

Nine motorcycle cleaners in a comparison test
Klaus Herder

8/21
Always in sequence: three test participants competed against each other in the wipe test machine. …

Nine motorcycle cleaners in a comparison test
Klaus Herder

9/21
… The results were more or less clean traces on the contaminated metal sheets.

Nine motorcycle cleaners in a comparison test
mps photo studio

10/21
Nine motorcycle cleaners in a comparison test.

Nine motorcycle cleaners in a comparison test
Klaus Herder

11/21
Joy and sorrow: on the far left in the picture a polycarbonate strip that is still crystal clear after 24 hours (S100), on the right a typical representative of the stress crack group.

Nine motorcycle cleaners in a comparison test
Klaus Herder

12/21
Expert discussion: Frank Ritscher (left) and his Karcher colleague Dr. Finally, Rainer Dorfler assessed the sensory properties of the cleaners and devoted himself intensively to the information on the contents on the labels and in the safety data sheets.

Nine motorcycle cleaners in a comparison test
mps photo studio

13/21
9th place: Shine Motorcycle Gel Cleaner – MOTORRAD judgment: sufficient.

Nine motorcycle cleaners in a comparison test
mps photo studio

14/21
8th place: Procycle motorcycle gel special cleaner – MOTORRAD judgment: sufficient.

Nine motorcycle cleaners in a comparison test
mps photo studio

15/21
7th place: Liqui Moly Motorbike Cleaner – MOTORRAD judgment: satisfactory.

Nine motorcycle cleaners in a comparison test
mps photo studio

16/21
6th place: Procycle Motorcycle Complete Cleaner – MOTORRAD verdict: satisfactory.

Nine motorcycle cleaners in a comparison test
mps photo studio

17/21
5th place: S100 Total Reiniger Plus – MOTORRAD judgment: satisfactory.

Nine motorcycle cleaners in a comparison test
mps photo studio

18/21
4th place: Bikecare motorcycle gel power cleaner – MOTORRAD judgment: satisfactory.

Nine motorcycle cleaners in a comparison test
mps photo studio

19/21
3rd place: Bikecare motorcycle gel cleaner – MOTORRAD judgment: satisfactory.

Nine motorcycle cleaners in a comparison test
mps photo studio

20/21
2nd place: Motorex Moto Clean (360º) – MOTORRAD judgment: good.

Nine motorcycle cleaners in a comparison test
mps photo studio

21/21
1st place (test winner): WD-40 Motorbike Complete Cleaner – MOTORRAD verdict: very good.

counselor

workshop

Nine motorcycle cleaners in a comparison test

9 motorcycle cleaners in the test
Cleaning power higher earlier?

Not everything was better in the past, but motorcycle cleaner was. At least they did much better what they were supposed to do in the first place: clean. That is the assessment of veteran clean men. Are there only fabric softeners these days? Yes and no. Mostly, but not only. 9 motorcycle cleaners in a comparison test.

Klaus Herder

08/18/2016

In this article:

  • The results at a glance
  • Bikecare motorcycle gel cleaner
  • Bikecare motorcycle gel power cleaner
  • Liqui Moly Motorbike Cleaner
  • Motorex Moto Clean (360º)
  • Procycle complete motorcycle cleaner
  • Procycle motorcycle gel special cleaner
  • S100 Total Cleaner Plus
  • Shine motorcycle gel cleaner
  • Practical tips
  • This is how MOTORRAD tests
  • MOTORCYCLE final scoring
  • Recipe from 2009 with better results
  • The need to cut costs in production has left its mark
  • Virtually no serious health hazard

While we used to experiment with cold cleaners, which just barely fell under the War Weapons Control Act, on the green strip of our parents’ courtyard entrance, the advertising message is already there today “biodegradable” not permitted. because “biodegradable” It is now a basic requirement for such a cleaner to be allowed to be pushed over the counter and thus has served its purpose as a unique selling point.

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The results at a glance

In the final evaluation, a point system was used to evaluate and compare the tested products with regard to the following properties:

  • Cleaning effect
  • Material compatibility
  • Spreading ability
  • Application / practicality
  • Price-performance ratio

Bikecare motorcycle gel cleaner


Nine motorcycle cleaners in a comparison test


mps photo studio

Bikecare motorcycle gel cleaner.

Providers: polo Motorcycle and Sportswear GmbH

Filling quantity: 750 ml in PET bottle

Price: 6.99 / 6.99 euros (RRP / paid at Polo, Leinfelden-Echterdingen), RRP corresponds to 9.32 euros / liter

Readings: pH value 8.42, density 1.047 g / ml, dry matter 11.6%

Use: simple spray head, adjustable from fan to point jet; Long-term operation quite difficult, relatively clearly defined jet, 1.5 g per spray, consistency: gel-like, sensor system: strong solvent odor; Recipe: inconspicuous

Cleaning effect: satisfactory to good performance in the wipe test, satisfactory to good performance in the self-cleaning test, sufficient spreading ability

Material compatibility: ABS after 24 hours without results, polycarbonate broken after 24 hours, paintwork after 24 hours without results

Conclusion: The Polo house brand cleans reasonably to well at relatively low cost. It shouldn’t stay on polycarbonate for a long time, otherwise the gel cleaner is absolutely inconspicuous. With the spray head you can tell that even Polo can’t do magic when it comes to calculations. But definitely a buy recommendation for bargain hunters.

MOTORRAD verdict: satisfying

Bikecare motorcycle gel power cleaner


Nine motorcycle cleaners in a comparison test


mps photo studio

Bikecare motorcycle gel power cleaner.

Providers: polo Motorcycle and Sportswear GmbH

Filling quantity: 750 ml in a PET bottle

Price: 8.99 / 8.99 euros (RRP / paid at Polo, Leinfelden-Echterdingen), RRP corresponds to 11.20 euros / liter

Readings: pH 9.77, density 1.052 g / ml, dry matter 18.91%

Use: simple spray head, adjustable from fan to point jet; Long-term operation quite difficult, relatively clearly defined jet, 1.5 g per spray, consistency: gel-like, sensory system: ammonia odor; Recipe: inconspicuous, main difference to the standard gel cleaner: color change after a practical exposure time (due to pH value change, phenolphthalein as pH indicator)

Cleaning effect: Satisfactory to good performance in the wipe test, satisfactory to good performance in the self-cleaning test, barely sufficient spreading ability

Material compatibility: ABS after 24 hours without results, polycarbonate broken after four hours, paintwork after 24 hours without results

Conclusion: In terms of cleaning effect on the same level as the cheaper gel cleaner from the same company. the “Color indicator” is a nice gag. Massive weaknesses in polycarbonate compatibility. Therefore it is better to buy the cheaper Bikecare product.

MOTORRAD verdict: satisfying

Liqui Moly Motorbike Cleaner


Nine motorcycle cleaners in a comparison test


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Liqui Moly Motorbike Cleaner.

Providers: Liqui Moly GmbH

Filling quantity: 1,000 ml in PE bottle

Price: 20.70 / 20.99 euros (RRP / paid at Polo, Leinfelden-Echterdingen), RRP corresponds to 20.70 euros / liter

Readings: pH value 8.4, density 1.076 g / ml, dry matter 21.11%

Use: simple spray head, adjustable from fan to point jet; Long-term operation quite difficult, poorly defined jet, hardly any difference between point and fan jet, 0.9 g per spray, consistency: slightly gel-like, sensory: berry-scented; Recipe: largely inconspicuous, very low content of NTA (nitrilotriacetic acid, “Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect”)

Cleaning effect: Satisfactory to good performance in the wipe test, below average performance in the self-cleaning test, sufficient spreading ability

Material compatibility: ABS after 24 hours without results, polycarbonate after 24 hours with superficial stress cracks, paint after 24 hours without results

Conclusion: High-priced branded product that is not really convincing in practice. Without manual rework, heavily soiled parts will not be properly cleaned. The simple spray head and the mediocre polycarbonate compatibility don’t make it any better. There is better for a lot less money.

MOTORRAD verdict: satisfying

Motorex Moto Clean (360º)


Nine motorcycle cleaners in a comparison test


mps photo studio

Motorex Moto Clean (360º).

Providers: Bucher AG Langenthal

Filling quantity: 1000 ml in PE bottle

Price: 15.95 / 15.95 euros (RRP / paid at KTM, Stuttgart), RRP corresponds to 15.95 euros / liter

Readings: pH value 9.42, density 1.054 g / ml, dry matter 16.11%

Use: high-quality spray head, continuously adjustable from fan to point jet; Very easy to use, clearly defined jet, overhead spraying possible, 1.4 g per burst, consistency: gel-like, sensor system: neutral, hardly any
Intrinsic smell; Recipe: inconspicuous

Cleaning effect: good to very good performance in the wipe test, good performance in the self-cleaning test, satisfactory to good spreading ability

Material compatibility: ABS after 24 hours without any findings, polycarbonate after 24 hours
broken, paint after 24 hours without findings

Conclusion: A real bright spot in the middle of the largely mediocre test field. Convincing cleaning performance, a top spray head, extremely simple operation and all of this at a very fair price, especially for Swiss standards. But there is always better: see polycarbonate compatibility.

MOTORRAD verdict: Good

Procycle complete motorcycle cleaner


Nine motorcycle cleaners in a comparison test


mps photo studio

Procycle complete motorcycle cleaner.

Providers: Detlev Louis Motorradvertriebs GmbH

Filling quantity: 1,000 ml in PE bottle

Price: 6.99 / 4.99 euros (RRP / paid at Louis, Stuttgart), RRP corresponds to 6.99 euros / liter

Readings: pH value 8.4, density 1.024 g / ml, dry matter 6.02%

Use: simple spray head, adjustable from fan to point jet; simple operation, point jet a little too fan-shaped, 0.8 g per spray, consistency: liquid, sensor system: solvent odor; Recipe: inconspicuous

Cleaning effect: Satisfactory to good performance in the wipe test, below average performance in the self-cleaning test, satisfactory to good spreading ability

Material compatibility: ABS after 24 hours without results, polycarbonate broken after 24 hours (but hardly any stress cracks), paint after 24 hours without results

Conclusion: If you clean with the cheapest cleaner from Louis’ own brand Procycle, you can swing a cloth or sponge a little more often – it won’t clean a lot by itself. The very low price – especially with the special offer – should comfort some. But here too, as is so often the case, do not leave it on polycarbonate parts for too long.

MOTORRAD verdict: satisfying

Procycle motorcycle gel special cleaner


Nine motorcycle cleaners in a comparison test


mps photo studio

Procycle motorcycle gel special cleaner.

Providers: Detlev Louis Motorradvertriebs GmbH

Filling quantity: 1,000 ml in PE bottle

Price: 8.99 / 8.99 euros (RRP / paid at Louis, Stuttgart), RRP corresponds to 8.99 euros / liter

Readings: pH value 8.35, density 1.025 g / ml, dry matter 6.6%

Use: simple spray head, adjustable from fan to point jet; simple operation, relatively clearly defined jet (compared to the complete cleaner obviously strong scatter in different test samples), 0.75 g per spray, consistency: gel-like, sensory: strong citrus odor; Recipe: largely inconspicuous, very small amounts of possibly allergenic substances

Cleaning effect: Sufficient to satisfactory performance in the wipe test, below-average performance in the self-cleaning test, sufficient spreading ability

Material compatibility: ABS after 24 hours without results, polycarbonate broken after 24 hours, paintwork after 24 hours without results

Conclusion: Sticks better to vertical surfaces than the cheaper complete cleaner from the same company – with which we would have already mentioned the only advantage. Otherwise, the supposedly simpler sister product can do almost everything better.

MOTORRAD verdict: sufficient

S100 Total Cleaner Plus


Nine motorcycle cleaners in a comparison test


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S100 Total Cleaner Plus.

Providers: Dr. O. K. Wack Chemie GmbH

Filling quantity: 750 ml in PE bottle

Price: 17.99 / 17.99 euros (RRP / paid at Louis, Stuttgart), RRP corresponds to 23.99 euros / liter

Readings: pH value 7.67, density 1.034 g / ml, dry matter 12.29%

Use: high-quality spray head continuously adjustable from fan to point jet; very easy to use, clearly defined jet, 1.4 g per spray, consistency: gel-like, sensor system: neutral, hardly any inherent odor; Recipe: inconspicuous

Cleaning effect: Satisfactory to good performance in the wipe test, below average performance in the self-cleaning test, sufficient spreading ability

Material compatibility: ABS after 24 hours without results, polycarbonate after 24 hours without results, paint after 24 hours without results

Conclusion: As the only test participant, the S100 behaves completely inconspicuously in terms of material compatibility. And also the heavily advertised “no peeling, no water stains” is impressive in practice. But that might just be the downfall of the high-priced premium product; because the necessary water-repellent effect “protects” dirt too. Anyway: the bottom line is a surprising and somewhat disappointing result.

MOTORRAD verdict: satisfying

Shine motorcycle gel cleaner


Nine motorcycle cleaners in a comparison test


mps photo studio

Shine motorcycle gel cleaner.

Providers: Hein Gericke Germany GmbH

Filling quantity: 750 ml in a PET bottle

Price: 5.95 / 5.95 euros (RRP / paid at Martika Autoteile, Backnang), RRP corresponds to 7.94 euros / liter

Readings: pH value 8.6, density 1.073 g / ml, dry matter 19.2%

Use: simple spray head, adjustable from fan to point jet; relatively simple operation, poorly defined jet, hardly any difference between point and fan jet, 1.0 g per spray, consistency: gel-like, sensor system: solvent odor; Recipe: inconspicuous

Cleaning effect: still sufficient performance in the wipe test, below average performance in the self-cleaning test, sufficient spreading ability

Material compatibility: ABS after 24 hours without results, polycarbonate after 24 hours with superficial stress cracks, paint after 24 hours without results

Conclusion: This cleaner is cheap. Everyone has to decide for themselves whether it is also inexpensive. Around

In any case, intensive manual reworking is unavoidable in the case of heavier soiling. And what doesn’t make things any easier: The private label products of the other two big companies are much better.

MOTORRAD verdict: sufficient

WD-40 Motorbike Complete Cleaner


Nine motorcycle cleaners in a comparison test


mps photo studio

WD-40 Motorbike Complete Cleaner.

Providers: WD-40 Company branch. Germany

Filling quantity: 1,000 ml in PE bottle

Price: 13.99 / 6.95 euros (RRP / paid at Martika Autoteile, Backnang), RRP corresponds to 13.99 euros / liter

Readings: pH 10.7, density 1.009 g / ml, dry matter 4.31%

Use: relatively high quality spray head, adjustable from fan to point jet; easy to use, clearly defined jet, 1.0 g per spray, consistency: slightly gel-like, sensor system: neutral, hardly any inherent odor; Recipe: largely inconspicuous, very low content of NTA (nitrilotriacetic acid, “Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect”)

Cleaning effect: good to very good performance in the wipe test, very good performance in the self-cleaning test, excellent spreading ability

Material compatibility: ABS after 24 hours without results, polycarbonate after 24 hours with superficial stress cracks, paint after 24 hours without results

Conclusion: It still exists, the good old motorcycle cleaner, which gets to grips with the dirt without a lot of reworking. And even at a bargain price, because the “Street price” usually deviates significantly from the (already fair) EIA. Clear test victory! What is better? The polycarbonate compatibility.

MOTORRAD verdict: very good

Practical tips

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 the case of particularly sensitive polycarbonate (e.g. installed as a windshield, indicator glass and also headlight cover), it is usually the holes in fastening screws that can leave cleaning agent residue – so it is better to rinse with too much rather than too little clear water.

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 result. Anyone who works with a high-pressure cleaner should keep their distance – especially from sensitive rubber parts, stickers, air inlets, exhaust openings, bearings and, above all, from the electrical system. Even before the chemical club is swung, you should find out whether it is even allowed to wash vehicles on private property. Washing on unpaved ground is forbidden nationwide; cleaning on paved ground is regulated by ordinances of the cities and municipalities. In case of doubt, only use official washing areas (often in the vicinity of the petrol station).

This is how MOTORRAD tests

MOTORRAD bought the motorcycle cleaner in July 2016 in the greater Stuttgart area. Then it went to the laboratory of Alfred Karcher GmbH & Co. KG to Winnenden. The cleaning equipment professionals headed by laboratory manager Frank Ritscher (motorcyclist, BMW R 1200 GS) have been experts for many years when it comes to chemistry in MOTORRAD product tests. The analysis of pH-value and density stood at the beginning of the laboratory activities. This was followed by the exact determination of the proportions: One “Moisture Analyzer” heated the samples to 155 degrees, and after around 15 minutes only dry matter remained. In the material compatibility test, pre-tensioned ABS and polycarbonate strips (4 or 2 mm thick) and freshly painted sheet metal were brought into direct contact with the undiluted cleaners for 24 hours and then assessed visually. In terms of cleaning effectiveness, there were two tests on the program: the wipe test, in which strips of fleece soaked with detergent were pulled in a wipe test machine with exactly the same pressure and at the same speed over white painted metal sheets contaminated with test dirt.

And the self-cleaning test, in which 0.2 ml of each cleaner was applied to a dirty sheet metal and rinsed off with water after the prescribed exposure time. In the self-cleaning test, statements can also be made about the creeping behavior, the professional speaks of “Spreading ability” – The further the drops of detergent spread, the better. The application test looked at the cleaning agent output per spray and the quality of the spray head, i.e. the setting options and the effort required when spraying. Finally, there was sniffing and browsing: the (not scoring) sensory test allowed statements to be made about what the noses of the user expected. And the exact reading of the labels and safety data sheets served to detect possibly critical ingredients.

MOTORCYCLE final scoring

A mixed result: WD-40 and Motorex show a good cleaning effect, and the two products from Polo’s own brand Bikecare still do a decent cleaning job. The other test participants drop significantly in a direct comparison. But if you are willing to rework manually a little more often, you will also find purchase recommendations there: S100 is the only product with full points for material compatibility. And the Procycle complete cleaner as a real bargain offer.

Nine motorcycle cleaners in a comparison test

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Recipe from 2009 with better results

The normal motorcycle washer may not notice the differences that have arisen over the past few years. And even after this test, there will probably be reactions from the supplier side again, in which stone and leg are sworn that there have been no customer complaints and that one cannot explain the mediocre performance. Simple explanation for not attracting attention / complaining: If you, as a consumer, only ever deal with one product, you usually have no chance of noticing differences in quality, because who has always been cleaning up the same dirt under the same conditions?

Even! And when a little more manual help is needed, the soiling was particularly heavy. It hardly occurs to the end user that it could be due to a poorer cleaning effect. The MOTORRAD clean guys are not entirely immune to such assessments. Concrete example: When the cleaning professionals at Dr. Wack their new one some time ago “S100 Total Cleaner Plus” brought a few liters of it into the editorial underground car park (with an oil separator, of course) as part of a “Tried out” show what they can do. One thing is clear: the stuff was great, and especially the advertising message “no peeling, no water stains” the notoriously lazy editors were able to fully confirm and awarded the tried-and-tested verdict “very good”.

Months later, the same product competes in the comparison test that you are currently reading here, and the bottom line is as a verdict “satisfying” – how can this happen? Because a comparison test judgment says something about the position in the market environment. And if there are products that can do it even better, they are not at the top. And also because of the “normal” and in “Tried out” Loosely removed street grime is child’s play compared to laboratory test grime, a nasty mixture of soot, oil and rock dust. The said S100 example did not leave the testers in peace, however, should a tried and tested top product actually have deteriorated in the cleaning quality?

As luck would have it, MOTORRAD chemical agent Frank Ritscher was able to conjure up a sample of the then current S100 cleaner from the last MOTORRAD universal cleaner test in 2009. And it is precisely this sample that ran in the current test in the cleaning attempts. Unsurprising result: in 2009 the old recipe cleared away significantly more dirt than the new recipe in 2015. But: at that time, the cleaner also caused tension cracks in ABS plastic. ABS remained completely unimpressed this time, and the new S100 formulation could not harm the even more sensitive polycarbonate – as the only product by the way.

The need to cut costs in production has left its mark

The conflict of interest that applies to all cleaning agent manufacturers should therefore be clear: the best possible cleaning performance on the one hand, and the greatest possible protection of material and the environment on the other. The conflict is exacerbated by the fact that the surface quality of some motorcycles has noticeably decreased in recent years. Especially with some inexpensive mid-range motorcycles, it can be clearly seen that the need to save has left its mark on production. For example, inferior and therefore very sensitive chromate coatings are not that rare. To make matters worse, only a small proportion of the cleaning agent users read the user instructions and follow them.

A devilish combination, because if the cleaner stays on the already sensitive surface for too long, the damage is practically already programmed. The detergent manufacturer then has the A card, because the customer reaction is usually: “The agent XYZ ruined my motorcycle!” And what is the natural reaction of the detergent manufacturer in the medium term? Correct: He makes his remedy a little more harmless so that nothing can happen. The result of this is the consistently poorer cleaning result compared to 2009.

Virtually no serious health hazard

But before the reader who is willing to clean now falls into the deepest depression whether the declining cleaning performance, a few positive aspects of the development should be highlighted. While seven years ago nine of eleven products tested attacked said ABS plastic to a greater or lesser extent, this time none of the cleaners could harm the material, which is often used in the form of cladding. And when it comes to health hazards, the world of detergents looks a little friendlier in 2015 than it did in 2009. The extremely critical and eager to search Karcher chemists were able to discover practically nothing that could pose a serious health risk to the user if used properly.

At the “Around” Some manufacturers have also grown: Reasonable, continuously adjustable and easy-to-use spray heads and stable PE bottles instead of the cheaper and usually more sensitive PET bottles are becoming more and more common. The Swiss supplier Motorex even treats its cleaner to a feed system that enables overhead spraying – very commendable. The fact that a gel-like cleaner adheres better to vertical surfaces and can act longer than an immediately draining, thin one, has meanwhile become a less surprising finding. And if an emerging cleaner depression should still not be successfully combated at this point, the following can be revealed: Not all of them are silty, two of the products tested are even almost as they were before, when everything was much better anyway. And if you buy one of the other products, you might be happy without a direct comparison, you just have to help a little more by hand.

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