Tips for Washing Your Motorcycle

Each time you go out at conquer the open road, your motorcycle will return with a little more gunk and grime. While this may seem like simply a cosmetic issue, that debris buildup can start to eat away at your bike and cause damage if left unaddressed for too long. That's why it's important to regularly clean your machine.

Here at Lawton Motorsports, we strive to make your life easier. We've created the following guide to washing your motorcycle below. For all your motorcycle needs, visit our dealership. We proudly serve those in Lawton and Edmond, Oklahoma as well as Wichita Falls, Texas.

Get Your Supplies

You won't need that much to give your motorcycle a thorough wash. First, you'll need some type of cleanser. Many different products will work fine, but be sure that whatever you plan on using is compatible with cleaning a motorcycle. Next, get some sponges to help scrub away the caked-on gunk. Then, find some brushes for cleaning your spoked wheels. Finally, you'll want flannels or a chamois for drying.

You'll also want to get your workspace set up. Find a spot with enough space for you to really get at each nook and cranny on your bike. Try to pick somewhere that is not in direct sunlight. The hot sun rays will cause soap to dry faster, which makes it hard to get out streaks and water spots. Finally, you'll want to make sure your vehicle is cool and not hot from riding. Cold water splashed on a hot machine can be damaging.

Prevent Water Damage

Before you give your bike a good rinse, you'll likely want to plug up your exhaust. If you own a dirt bike, you are already familiar with this step. Any motorcycle that has exhausts angled in a way that could let in a decent amount of water should be plugged with a rubber plug, rag, glove, etc to keep the moisture out.

Spray Your Motorcycle

Make a mixture of motorcycle cleanser and water and use it to spray down your bike. It'll help rinse away loose debris and can help soak dried-on bits to make them easier to wash away later. Use a standard-pressure water hose since a high-power wash can be damaging to the exterior finish.

When you are ready to scrub, you'll want to begin at the top and work down. Be careful not to apply too much pressure. Throughout this process, you'll also want to clean your sponge when it gets gunky. You don't want to be putting debris right back on the bike! If your water bucket gets too filthy, you'll want to dump it out and refresh with new water.

Rinse and Dry

Once you are done scrubbing, you'll want to rinse away the soap as soon as possible. This helps you avoid unappealing streaks that occur when soap dries onto a surface.

You'll also want to get moisture out of areas so it won't cause damage. An air blower works well here, such as a leaf blower or even a can of compressed air that works for office equipment. Be sure to get air out of all the tiny crevices. You can also use a microfiber towel or chamois to get moisture away too.

You are almost done! Don't forget to lubricate your motorcycle chain since the soap may have washed some of it away. Now is also a good time to add polish and wax to keep your machine looking like-new.

We hope you found this guide helpful! For all your motorcycle needs, visit Lawton Motorsports. We proudly serve those in Lawton and Edmond, Oklahoma as well as Wichita Falls, Texas.