getting "gunk" off chrome

[knrhodes]

When I took off my saddle bags, on the pipes where the bags brushed up against them they have gunk of scuff marks - also - on the lower left pipe right where the kick stand rests there are many scuff marks from where the previous owner wearing what I can only guess were very soft rubber shoes the pipe has many scuff marks -

I tried goo be gone thinking maybe that would help but it did nothing - any ideas on how to remove these or at least lessen their appearance?

[Capt. Howard]

Maybe Oven Cleaner??

[lragan]

If you figure this out, please post the method.  I have a spot on each side.  I guess it is  where I have let my black mesh pants come in contact with the pipe.  It is black.  It is tough.  It has the best adhesion to chrome I have ever seen.  I have tried chrome polish, gasoline, chlorine oxidizers (like Clorox or Oxy-Clean), diesel fuel, whatever.  I have not tried pool acid, because I fear it would etch the chrome but man, I am tempted...

Oven cleaner?  That's a thought...

[Magnum Magna]

When picking up the sidecar they used some acetone to remove some boot heel off the tailpipe.  He said he has industrial strength acetone.  I have acetone at the house that I have had for a year but have not tried it.  I will try it on my bike because Brenda left some of her heel on my bike also.

[DC Smith]

Had boot marks on my pipes a couple of years ago and Greg C. suggested a razor blade.  Works great, just go easy.  Doesn't scratch the hard chrome.

[Jerry G Turner]

you can buy a set of Vance and Hines pipes for about 500 dollars 50 dollars for shims and jets and a couple of hours at a wrench session to re jet your carbs or try a razor blade and some chrome cleaner. just kidding but a couple hours at a wrench session with MOOT members priceless.

[silveradocowboy]

Try MEK(methyl ethyl ketone) and a microfiber towel. Make sure you use gloves.

[lragan]

Try MEK(methyl ethyl ketone) and a microfiber towel. Make sure you use gloves.

And a very well ventilated workspace.  Perhaps a fan with your nose and face upstream from the work...

[hootmon]

I was told that if you have a heavy build up of rubber/plastic etc on the pipe to use a Penny to scrap it off. The Zink/copper in the penny is softer than the chrome, so it won't scratch.
I have had great results with Wenol (red). It comes in a tube and does a great job of removing boot scrapes around the kickstand, etc..

[Smoked U]

Try MEK(methyl ethyl ketone) and a microfiber towel. Make sure you use gloves.

Yep. Razor (gently) the excess plastic/rubber off the pipes and hit them with MEK (Home Depot or Lowes). It will melt stuff down quick. DO NOT get it on exposed skin or "huff" it. It can be a mean mistress.

[Chokse]

I had the same problem and found that using a razor blade (carefully) followed by Mother's Chrome Polish works very well and leaves the chrome looking new.  I have had great success with Mother's Chrome Polish.  I was even able to remove paint from a friend's bike after a car backed into his pipes and left some paint from the bumper.  Didn't even need the blade for that, Mother's took it right off and didn't leave any marks.  Really good stuff and pretty cheap too.

[Charles S Otwell]

 

[Jumbobret]

Try "0000" steel wool, it will not scratch chrome. I use it every time I clean up the bike.

[Lurkin]

Oven cleaner works very well.  A couple of gotchas though, make sure you cover/mask off the surrounding areas as the cleaner eats paint.  I use a couple pieces of cardboard that I cut to fit, ala paint fences...  Also, pipes should be warm to enable the cleaning action to occur, so watch out for steam/vapors as you spray.

Rod...