Detailing and learning - Successes and mishaps

[Solyom]

Hey,

Today I had some surprise learning from filling up the tank. I did it from a fuel can with a detachable hose, and it has some minor leakage, two drops, which were hit some black plastic, right above the gear lever. I didn't make it a big fuss about it when it happened as I had already sprayed myself and my previous bike with gasoline accidentally once at the fuel station and nothing had happened (besides the very interesting looks when I have entered the shop), it had some water all around the bike within couple of mins and that was it, no marks remained. Not in this case, nevertheless within 3 mins I was tried to remove the stain but it had already discoloured the plastic, I was and I am still furious. I did a quick detailing, so know it can't be seen for first, but if I put some silicone sprayed on it that shows completely grey. So please be extra careful if you would like to keep that plastic 100% nice, it won't resist gasoline beyond 10s or more... I hope I will be able to restore it, but based on my experience I am afraid this ship has left the dock.

To continue the mishaps and successes thread, I propose to share here your ways of detailing. As always the learning is highly appreciated.

 

[sixpack577]

That really sucks, Suzuki cheaps out again.
At this point, with nothing really to lose, I think I would clean off the silicone, and apply a little heat from a propane torch, quickly touching the flame to the plastic for just a moment.
It does help to bring back the black of sun faded plastic, so maybe it could improve that piece of plastic as well?

 

[Solyom]

That really sucks, Suzuki cheaps out again.
At this point, with nothing really to lose, I think I would clean off the silicone, and apply a little heat from a propane torch, quickly touching the flame to the plastic for just a moment.
It does help to bring back the black of sun faded plastic, so maybe it could improve that piece of plastic as well?

Thanks for the idea. I will give it some time and let us see how it will age.

 

[DougE]

I’ve used Mothers back to black trim restorer with decent results. Not a permanent fix but might help.

 

[WuzzaCBXRider]

I’ve used Mothers back to black trim restorer with decent results. Not a permanent fix but might help.

Excellent stuff! On any porous surface really lives up to its name.

 

[Cruising180]

 

[Solyom]

This is unbelievable, how cool is that? Never though it works so flawlessly.
Mine is not so bad, I still wait how the heat of the sun will do some work on that.

 

[Solyom]

A less intrusive method:

 

[HayaWakened]

Been using Lithium's Trim Serum for a couple years. Does wonders on a 10-yr-old Gen 2's plastics