How to clean engine

[rattypete]

What's best way (actually easiest) way to clean the engine.
I don't want/need it ultra clean but at the moment it has a mottled appearance. I tried a bit of wire wool but is it right
it seems as though it has a plastic coating, I tried emery paper on a small part and it seemed to start taking the coating off,
but I don't want to make a pig's ear of it.

[pikey]

What is the colour of your motor, it sounds like it could be one of the silver varients?
If so it`s not a plastic coating but a painted and laquered coating, it is the `creep` of moisture creating oxidisation under the laquer and paint that is making it appear mottled.
To make it look better depends on your time, budget and `can be arsed` attitude to make it look better!
I`ve seen some very nice results achieved by careful cleaning and preparation of the cases (hot washing with strong detergents), then careful masking (time consuming) and the application of a couple of coats of quality engine enamel from rattle cans.
Simoniz do the best engine enamels I`ve ever used but some folk swear by PJI too:

www.motorcycleproducts.co.uk/simoniz-vht-enamel-aluminium-p-4208.html

www.jktuning.co.uk/pj1prices.htm

So, the balls in your court, how much time do you have on your hands and how clean do you want your motor to look?
My NTV, `Barking Donkey` simply gets soaked all over in either WD40, GT85 or if I can afford it, ACF50 after a wash down.
Paint finishes matter little to me, she`s my donkey(gets loaded and ridden hard)so reliability and comfort is of far more importance.