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158 Posts
I generally just use silicone spray. You can buy it at any auto parts store. I find that silicone spray dries well and leaves no noticeable residue to collect dirt. I have also used WD-40 to flush out greasy residue left over from poor contact cleaners or from wax and soap left over from bike cleaning. Then I follow that up with silicone spray as a lubricant.
I bought my 1990 GL1500 used and all the electrical switches were gunked up. I believe the previous owners used spray wax after washing the bike. It was so bad that I had to take apart both left and right handle bar switch clusters and disassemble the switches to clean the gunk out. It wasn't a difficult job, but there are lots of tiny bits and springs. You have to study the switches a bit to figure out how they snap together so you can pry them apart, but they do come apart. I did not break a single switch body or have to unsolder the switches from their wires. At 53 I needed a good strong pair of reading glasses.
When I wash my bike I always cover the handle bar switch clusters with plastic bags.
I bought my 1990 GL1500 used and all the electrical switches were gunked up. I believe the previous owners used spray wax after washing the bike. It was so bad that I had to take apart both left and right handle bar switch clusters and disassemble the switches to clean the gunk out. It wasn't a difficult job, but there are lots of tiny bits and springs. You have to study the switches a bit to figure out how they snap together so you can pry them apart, but they do come apart. I did not break a single switch body or have to unsolder the switches from their wires. At 53 I needed a good strong pair of reading glasses.
When I wash my bike I always cover the handle bar switch clusters with plastic bags.
