A Word To The Wise

[FRR]

As many of you know that live in the South, the area is plagued by Love Bugs twice a year. They are highly acidic and cause damage to clear coat. On a ride yesterday I rode thru a bunch of them and stopped to clean the F4 windshield. As I was cleaning, another biker stopped by and suggestion I use wet dryer sheets since they take those pesty bugs right off. I did and what a mistake.

DON'T EVER USE DRYER SHEETS ON AN F4 WINDSHIELD!. It leaves a haze that is difficult at best to remove. I tried window cleaner, F4 cleaner, and rubbing alcohol. Finally in desperation I contacted Don and F4 and he walked me through a procedure to help the issue. My shield is not back to normal, but it is much improved. Thank you Don for your assistance. I can't believe after being so careful with my F4 that I was dumb enough to use a dryer sheet on it. Do NOT make the same mistake I did. Just a heads up to all you F4 owners.

 

[Tynker]

As many of you know that live in the South, the area is plagued by Love Bugs twice a year. They are highly acidic and cause damage to clear coat. On a ride yesterday I rode thru a bunch of them and stopped to clean the F4 windshield. As I was cleaning, another biker stopped by and suggestion I use wet dryer sheets since they take those pesty bugs right off. I did and what a mistake. DON'T EVER USE DRYER SHEETS ON AN F4 WINDSHIELD!. It leaves a haze that is difficult at best to remove. I tried window cleaner, F4 cleaner, and rubbing alcohol. Finally in desperation I contacted Don and F4 and he walked me through a procedure to help the issue. My shield is not back to normal, but it is much improved. Thank you Don for your assistance. I can't believe after being so careful with my F4 that I was dumb enough to use a dryer sheet on it. Do NOT make the same mistake I did. Just a heads up to all you F4 owners.

I have used dryer sheets for several years, with no adverse affects. It must be noted,that the sheets have to be "used" as in use them after they have been in the dryer with clothes. If you use them new, they will leave a nasty film on your windshield.

 

[4435BigDave]

As many of you know that live in the South, the area is plagued by Love Bugs twice a year. They are highly acidic and cause damage to clear coat. On a ride yesterday I rode thru a bunch of them and stopped to clean the F4 windshield. As I was cleaning, another biker stopped by and suggestion I use wet dryer sheets since they take those pesty bugs right off. I did and what a mistake.

DON'T EVER USE DRYER SHEETS ON AN F4 WINDSHIELD!. It leaves a haze that is difficult at best to remove. I tried window cleaner, F4 cleaner, and rubbing alcohol. Finally in desperation I contacted Don and F4 and he walked me through a procedure to help the issue. My shield is not back to normal, but it is much improved. Thank you Don for your assistance. I can't believe after being so careful with my F4 that I was dumb enough to use a dryer sheet on it. Do NOT make the same mistake I did. Just a heads up to all you F4 owners.[SUB][/SUB]

Thanks for the heads up!

 

[Old Road Dog]

Not practical for in trip applications but for end of ride I've found nothing better than....good old steam! I use a cheap garment steamer to soften those bugs up.

 

[pwhoever]

Now up in Wisconsin, we don't see a lot of Love bugs but do get our fair share of bugs in general. One of the best ways to remove them is a mix of hydrogen peroxide and water in a small spray bottle and a micro fiber towel. When you spray this mixture on the windshield or front body panels that are coated, you can watch the remains start to just dissolve almost right away. Then a quick wipe of the towel and they are gone. I will normally carry a small spray bottle of this when on road trips. I do a 50/50 mix. Makes keeping a nice clear windshield a breeze.

 

[Woody]

Thanks for the heads up Fred, I just use pledge if the bugs are on there to good I let it soak for a minute or so.

 

[Phu Cat]

I can see where a steamer would work, but I use a wet towel thrown over the windshield for a few minutes and it accomplishes the same thing.

 

[Rogue1]

Thanks for the heads up Fred, I just use pledge if the bugs are on there to good I let it soak for a minute or so.

Yeah, what he said. I pledge before I ride after a wash.

 

[ISP-FL]

You guys provided some pretty good tips for removal I'm going to experiment with. The love bugs have already started where I'm at down here.

To prep the front of my trike prior to riding I have been using BugSlide. It has done pretty good at allowing me to clean them off after riding with just a damp microfiber.