Keep your pride and learn how to washyour motorcycle. This ensures you that your bike will look as good as the day you rode it off the forecourt and it is also vital to keeping it running smoothly.
Every time we ride on the road, insects, dirt, and all kinds of grime start to build up, and over time this can cause important components to begin to corrode. While you might think that cleaning your motorcycle is as simple as scrubbing it with some warm water and soap, that is not quite true. That is why in this latest blog, we thought we would take a look at some top tips on the best way to clean your motorcycle.
Is it OK to wash your motorcycle?
Maintain Your Motorcycle’s Sparkle: Bi-Weekly Full Wash Guide For those opting out of a quick spot-clean after each ride, it becomes essential to conduct a comprehensive wash every two weeks or after 5-6 rides to eliminate accumulated dirt. This pro-level maintenance entails employing hot, soapy water to cleanse the bike’s body, wheels, and windshield. Embracing these practices will keep your motorcycle looking pristine and performing flawlessly, as if it were brand new
What is the best way to clean a motorcycle?
When it comes to cleaning your motorcycle, you will need a bucket, mild detergent or motorcycle cleaner, a soft sponge, a microfiber cloth, a hosepipe, chain cleaner, and wax or polish. Once you have gathered these items, the process is quite simple:
Prepare your bike
First, position your bike in an area with enough space so you can move around it with ease. Make sure that the engine is cool, and where possible, the bike is parked outside of direct sunlight so it doesn’t dry too quickly, causing streaking.
- Rinse
The first step of cleaning is to rinse the entire bike using your hosepipe. This will loosen any dirt and grime, but be cautious of any exposed filters, exhaust systems, and electrical components.
- Scrub
Next, fill the bucket with water and detergent and use your sponge to scrub the entire bike from top to bottom. Make sure that you pay close attention to areas where dirt builds up, such as the wheels, engine, and fairings. Don’t forget to focus on your chain, too, using a specialist chain cleaner.
- Rinse, dry, and polish
Finally, use your hose to rinse off any remaining soap and dry the machine using a microfibre cloth. Once dry, add a motorcycle-specific wax or polish to keep your paintwork and fairings looking their best.
Is it OK to pressure wash a motorcycle?
You might be tempted to save some time and elbow grease by using your pressure washer; however, this can be damaging to your machine. Motorcycles have lots of exposed components, and the high pressure can damage the electronics, seals, and bearings, so you should avoid using one where possible.
If you do plan on using a pressure washer, then make sure that it is set to a soft power setting of under 1,000 PSI.
What not to do when cleaning your motorcycle
To keep your bike in the best condition, there are some things to avoid. The first is using car shampoos or household soaps, as these can damage your paintwork and even the metal components. Make sure you are using a dedicated motorcycle cleaner whenever you wash your bike.
You should also make sure the engine is not hot. Not only will this increase the risk of you burning yourself, but the sudden cooling from the cold water from your hose could lead to cracking. Once you have cleaned your motorcycle, make sure that you are lubricating your chain. Washing your bike will inevitably get water and soap onto the chain, so lubricating it afterward will keep it working in the best condition.
Final thoughts
Cleaning your motorcycle might seem like a chore, but it is a vital aspect of keeping it running smoothly and operating safely. Following the steps we listed above and taking your time to remove any dirt and grime will ensure your bike looks fantastic for many more years to come!
After deep cleaning, you can further protect or style your bike with premium products from Bagoros Performance or check out our Youtube channel for other great tips. . You’re welcome 😉