How to Clean Your Motorcycle
Do you want to maintain your bike’s good looks and performance? Cleaning your motorcycle on a regular basis will keep it looking sharp (and make you look better too), and it can also help keep your bike running smoothly. The following are recommended steps for cleaning your motorcycle.
Pre-Wash Steps
First, water doesn’t mix well with every part of your bike, so make sure that the necessary parts of your bike are protected from water. In order to prevent water from entering the exhaust pipe, or pipes, plug the ends. Most dealers or parts stores carry universal exhaust plugs, but if you are without them, you can carefully place a plastic bag around the opening and either tie it in place, or use a strong rubber band.
Also, the air filter will need to be protected. The best way is to simply remove it, or you can use a plastic bag to keep water away.
If you find the engine cases are really greasy, use a small brush, like an old toothbrush, and apply engine degreaser. Steer clear of the chain, sprockets and wheel axels, as the degreaser can potentially cause some nasty problems.
Finally, ensure that the spark plugs, battery caps, gas cap, oil filler cap, and the engine oil lever cap are all secured so no water can get into the engine.
Washing Your Bike
You can rinse off the dirt and the degreaser using a garden hose—be careful that you’re not using too much water pressure. You want to use just enough to clear your bike of dirt and degreaser. Using too much pressure could get water into the front forks, or transmission seals. Wheel bearings can be susceptible to water creeping in also.
When most of the gunk is rinsed off, go over your bike with warm water and mild soap. Don’t forget that toothbrush, or some other type of small brush for areas that are tough to reach.
After washing the bike, it’s not time to take a break yet—you should immediately rinse it off with clean water, and then dry it as best you can. Pay particular attention to the chain—you don’t want rust to develop, so make sure it’s good and dry, and then lubricate it with chain lube. For your chrome parts, you can make those shine with auto chrome polish.
If you would like to wax the painted and chrome parts of your bike, make sure you use an automotive wax. You don’t want to apply wax that contains abrasive material that could scratch or damage parts.
When you are finished, don’t forget to remove any plastic bags you used to cover the exhaust pipes or air filter, and start the engine. Let it run for a few minutes to let all the water dry, and to ensure there is no water damage.
Now take that beautiful bike out on the road . . .