Washing Your Motorcycle
Bugs. Dirt. Mud. Oil. Debris. All of these things can wreck the appearance of your motorcycle and cause damage over time. You love your motorcycle, and you want to keep it clean and shiny. And it’s important to use the correct materials and cleaning products that will protect your bike and keep it looking new for a long time to come. Here at Lawton Motorsports in Lawton, Oklahoma, we understand that your bike is your baby, and we’ve created this brief guide to help you understand the best way to keep your bike clean. And if you’re looking for a new bike or accessories, please come see us!
The Basics
The first thing you need to do is get all of your tools and cleaning products together in one place, so everything is easily available. Make sure the cleaners you plan to use are suitable for your bike, and get some sponges and maybe a toothbrush for scrubbing out the stuck-on grime. If you have spoked wheels, you might consider getting a fine-toothed brush for cleaning them. You’ll also need some towels or flannels for drying and buffing, and the all-important finishing touches.
Make sure you have enough room in your workspace so that you can easily move around your bike and clean its every nook and cranny. You might consider getting a bike lift so you can get under the bike and clean its underside more easily. Figure out how and where you’re going to dispose of your wastewater, so that you don’t pollute the groundwater or end up with a flooded garage.
You should also make sure you’re washing your bike after it has had time to cool off after a long ride. You don’t want to burn yourself or damage your bike, both of which can occur if you try to wash your bike when it’s too hot from a ride.
Get it Wet
First off, before you get your bike wet, plug up the exhaust with a rag or towel, especially if your bike has an angled exhaust that would allow a lot of soap or water to collect in there while washing.
Once you’ve plugged your exhaust, start by spraying down the whole bike with a combination of cleaner and water. You might consider a hose attachment that allows you to spray water and soap simultaneously, but don’t go for a high-pressure spray. This initial soaking will help to loosen and remove muck, bugs, and road debris prior to scrubbing.
Get it Sudsy
When sudsing up the bike, it’s critical to start at the top of the bike and work your way down - that way, you don’t end up spreading dirt to areas you’ve already cleaned. Rinse off your sponge regularly so you don’t end up scratching your bike with accumulated grit, and keep an eye on your wash bucket - if things get too gross in there, you’ll want to change out your water. You should also try to avoid getting your bike chain and brakes wet, but that might prove difficult. If they get wet, don’t panic - just don’t scrub them.
Get it Rinsed
You don’t want to let the soap sit on your bike before you rinse it. Waiting too long to rinse can cause streaks, and that’s not great. Rinse the bike thoroughly and carefully, making sure to get into those nooks and crannies. If you really spend time on a rinse, then your bike will end up looking that much cleaner when you’re done, and isn’t that the point of the whole exercise?
Get it Dry
Don’t ride your bike hard and then put it up wet. That’s a recipe for rust and damage, and you don’t want that. After you’ve rinsed your bike, get in there with a towel or flannel and really get a thorough dry. You might consider getting an air dryer, like a leaf blower or a can of compressed air for those hard to reach places.
Get it Done
Lubricate your chain, check your brakes, consider waxing and maybe even a spit shine. These finishing touches can make a real difference. Remember, your bike is your baby, and you want to show it off to the world. Taking the time with a good cleaning job on a regular basis is critical to your bike’s longevity.
We hope these tips and tricks will help you understand how to keep your bike looking shiny and new. And of course, we’re happy to help you with parts, accessories, or even a new bike when it’s time. Come see us at Lawton Motorsports, where our professional team can answer your questions or help you find the bike you’ve always dreamed of.