Hello everyone!
In my last post, I showed you how to perfectly remove the bug splatters on the fairings right after delivery using SurLuster's "Zero Finish."
Once your fairings are sparkling clean, the next area you naturally want to focus on is the running gear!
One of the biggest draws of the X-ADV is undeniably its tubeless spoked wheels, which radiate a serious adventure vibe. However, these beautiful spoked wheels are notorious for one thing: they are an absolute nightmare to clean.
- Flying stones and sand dust from the front tire.
- Heavy brake dust generated by the pads.
- Sticky, gunky chain oil flung onto the rear wheel.
If left unchecked, the pristine running gear of a brand-new bike will turn pitch black in an instant.
To prevent dirt and grime from baking onto the surface, I decided to apply a preemptive layer of Zero Finish glass coating to both wheels!
After rolling up my sleeves and polishing the front and rear wheels myself, I experienced a shocking contrast in workability:
"The front is manageable, but the rear is an absolute trap... it's pure hell!"
Here is my thorough review of the process, complete with real-world photos!
[Image 1: The mechanical and beautiful tubeless spoked wheels of the Honda X-ADV before coating]
Keep Your Running Gear Flawless: Why You Must Apply Zero Finish to a Brand-New X-ADV's Spoked Wheels
You might wonder, "Do wheels really need a coating?" The truth is, your wheels require initial care even more than the bodywork.
Pre-Emptive Protection Is Key to Stopping Baked-On Brake Dust and Chain Oil
Once heavy brake dust and flung chain oil bake onto an open-class motorcycle's wheels, a standard shampoo wash will not get them off.
Scrubbing aggressively will leave your matte black rims covered in swirl marks, while using harsh chemical cleaners risks damaging the paint and resin components.
That is why a preemptive shield is crucial—create a coating layer before the wheels get dirty so that grime slides right off.
300°C Heat Resistance & Waterless Cleansing: Why I Highly Recommend Zero Finish for Wheel Care
Out of all the coatings on the market, here are the three reasons why Zero Finish is my top choice for wheels:
- 300°C (572°F) Heat Resistance: The protective film will not melt or degrade around hot brakes and exhaust components.
- HGS Cleaning Formulations: It lifts and encapsulates oil and dust, trapping contaminants safely without scratching.
- Non-Compound Formula: It preserves 100% of the X-ADV's rugged, understated matte black texture.
These specs make it feel as though this product was engineered specifically for motorcycle running gear.
[Front Wheel] 17-Inch Is a Breeze! Quick and Easy Front Wheel Coating
I started the job with the front wheel. To give you the bottom line: while it takes some time, the front wheel goes smoothly with manual work using a cloth!
Mechanical and Beautiful: The X-ADV's Unique Tubeless Spoke Structure
The X-ADV sports a 17-inch front wheel. It features a highly mechanical, gorgeous layout where the spokes attach to the outer edges of the rim.
While the dual brake discs make it look complex at first glance, the large diameter of the wheel leaves plenty of operating space.
Wide Gaps and Smooth Wiping: The Satisfaction of a Slipping Cloth
Spray Zero Finish directly onto your microfiber cloth and begin wiping down the rim.
Your hand slips right into the gaps effortlessly, allowing you to wipe down the surface without any awkward snagging. It feels incredibly satisfying to watch a deep, premium luster develop on the matte black rim with every pass!
Fingers Reach the Base of the Spokes: Front Wheel Done in No Time
As you can see in the photo, the spacing between the spokes is quite generous.
Even with my thick fingers, I could reach the very base of each spoke easily.
At this stage, I was feeling completely relaxed, thinking, "Hey, spoked wheels take some time, but doing it by hand is totally doable." ...Little did I know what was waiting for me at the back.
[Rear Wheel] Nightmare Zone! The Traps Looming in the 15-Inch Rear Wheel
A Dense Pack of Components: The 15-Inch Small-Diameter Dilemma
The moment I moved to the rear wheel, the entire atmosphere changed.
"...It's way too tight! I can't get my hand in here!"
European X-ADV owners must struggle big time with this as well.
Intricately Crossed Spokes: The Frustration of Unreachable Gaps
To handle the engine's torque, the rear wheel uses a layout where the spokes cross tightly near the hub.
Look closely at the photo. Every time you try to slide your fingers in, the crossed spokes block your path, preventing you from reaching the inner rim at all.
Battling the Brake Rotor: Pure Determination and Folded Cloths
In the end, fold your microfiber cloth into a thin, tight strip. Poke your fingertips through the narrow gaps around the brake rotor and sprocket like a pair of tweezers, and wipe it down with pure determination.
Because Zero Finish is a user-friendly "spray and wipe" chemical, I managed to finish the job. If this were a hardening glass coating that required you to "apply, let dry, and buff out hard with a separate cloth," this task would be nearly impossible.
Conclusion: The Rear Is Tough, But It Is Worth Every Ounce of Effort!
That wraps up my real-world review of coating the X-ADV's front and rear wheels.
Compared to the easy front wheel, the 15-inch rear spoked wheel proved to be a formidable adversary.
However, because I took the trouble to coat every single nook and cranny with Zero Finish, the matte black rims now wear a deep, elegant luster that looks better than factory condition.
With a powerful 300°C heat-resistant glass barrier now activated, it doesn't matter how much brake dust or chain oil flings off tomorrow—my invincible wheels are ready to be cleaned with just a quick spray of water!
To all current and future X-ADV owners: cleaning the rear wheel is definitely a chore, but applying preemptive protection with Zero Finish is worth every ounce of effort!
Ride safe, and enjoy the ultimate motorcycle life!