Tips for Cleaning Your Motorcycle

As you hit the open road on your motorcycle, the open road hits back in the form of dirt, debris, and grime. Your bike gets dirty each time you ride. This does more than just reduce the shine of your motorcycle. Left too long, the debris can eat away at your paint job and cause damage. Fortunately, cleaning your bike is an easy process. We have put together a step-by-step guide to make it as easy as possible.

Rinsing Your Bike

Rinse off your bike with a combination of water and motorcycle cleaner. Unlike the soap used to wash a car, motorcycle cleaner is best applied to a dry motorcycle. This initial spurt of water will clear off loose debris or dust, getting it out of the way so you can clean the paint underneath. Skip the high-power wash as it can put out too high pressure and damage your paint. Go for a standard-pressure hose, which will get the job done without excess pressure.

Washing

Begin at the top of the motorcycle and work your way down. Watch how much force you apply. You want to aim for a sweet spot: hard enough to get the grime off but light enough that you won’t damage the paint. Rinse off your sponge as you clean. This gets off any dirt or grime that’s clinging to it (you don’t want to put the grime back on your motorcycle or have it scuff up the surface!) If your bike is dirty enough, you’ll want to change the water in your bucket more often. Try to limit how much water gets on your chain and brakes.

Final Steps

Dry off your motorcycle thoroughly. Water can corrode if left in crevices, so use an air blower to get it right out. You’ll need an actual tool, not just riding in the wind. After your bike is dry, add some lube to your motorcycle chain. Polish and wax to give your bike a nice sheen and protect the paint.

For all your motorcycle needs, visit Nielsen Enterprises in Lake Villa, IL. We offer parts replacement, servicing, and a wide selection of motorcycles for sale. We proudly serve all those in Chicago, IL, and Milwaukee, WI, so stop by today!