I don't either, and for a couple reasons. Sidewall dressings contribute to dry rot on tires. Tire rubber has anti-decay properties built into the compound that keeps it stretchy and flexible. It must "exercised" (used regularly) to keep the compound in good shape, and stored away from conditions that would also allow it to deteriorate. That's why you often see seldom-used vehicles like RVs parked with fabric wheel covers over the tires -- to protect the rubber from UV rays to keep them from "drying out," or establishing the tiny surface cracks we call dry rot.
The other reason is that tire dressing can be downright dangerous if applied sloppily. If applied to the tread area of the tire, it can act like the cosmoline coating that comes standard on new tires and cause loss of traction. That's why new motorcycle tires come with the standard warning to "wear in" tires for a couple hundred miles, to wear off the cosmoline. Anyway, tires don't come shiny when they're new, so why go to the time and expense of making them that way artificially. Soap and water and a brush will do. Simple Green, special formula or no, is safe to use to clean your bike. Dirt is dirt. There's nothing special about motorcycle dirt, except maybe a little more petroleum in it (from gas/oil), but regular Simple Green will take care of that. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Nighthawk Motorcycle Lovers!" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/nighthawk_lovers?hl=en.
