Giving Your Motorcycle a Proper Wash

Washing your motorcycle is a key part of upkeep. The left-on grime does more than make your bike look less appealing. It actually causes damage to your vehicle if it's left there too long. That's why it's important to regularly wash your motorcycle. It's not a hard process, but it is a lot of steps to remember. That's why we created the following step by step guide. For all your motorcycle needs, visit Biggs Harley-Davidson®. We are located in San Marcos, California.

Create Your Workspace

Washing motorcycles require two things. First, you need a decent area to clean the machine. You'll need enough space for yourself, the supplies, and the motorcycle. Cleaning in a cramped space will result in you not being able to scrub all the tough-to-reach spots, so your bike won't get fully clean. That leftover gunk can cause paint damage or other issues, so it's important to do a thorough clean. If you can, find a spot that won't put your machine in the sunlight. The sun will dry the soap faster, making it harder to fight against streaks and water sports.

Second, washing motorcycles require supplies. Get a specialty cleaner and a sponge to scrape off the grime. Use brushes on your spoked wheels to get at those tough angles. Pick up cloth, flannels, or a chamois to remove the moisture. Then get a microfiber cloth or brush for the last touches.

Rinsing Your Motorcycle

Only wash motorcycles when they are cool! A hot machine does not mix well with water. Before you rinse, make sure to take measures to keep your exhaust dry. Put a rubber plug, rag, or glove into it.

Unlike the soap used to wash a car, the soap used to wash motorcycles should be applied to a dry vehicle. You'll make a mixture of water and cleaner and apply this to the vehicle without a pre-rinse. This step is all about getting the loose gunk and grime off so that you can later scrub away the caked-on grime.

It may seem appealing to use a high-power wash to speed up the task, but the intensity of that water flow can hurt your motorcycle's paint. Stick with a gentler, standard hose.

Washing Your Motorcycle

Begin at the top and work your way down. You'll want to hit a sweet spot of pressure. You need enough force to get the dirt off, but you don't want to do it so hard that you'll hurt the paint. Don't forget to clean your sponges a few times throughout this process. You don't want the dirt on your sponge to scratch your motorcycle or get put back onto the vehicle!

Final Steps

Your motorcycle is now glistening clean - you are almost done. But now it's all wet and you need to dry it off. Moisture left behind in crevices can become corrosive. All you need is an air blower to get the moisture out. After your machine is dry, you'll want to lube up your chain, then it's time to polish and wax your ride. This helps to guard the paint and leaves a glorious shine.

We hope you found our guide helpful! For all your motorcycle needs, you can visit Biggs Harley-Davidson. If you are looking for motorcycles in San Diego, check out our wide selection of new and used motorcycles. We offer options for all budgets and riding abilities. If your motorcycle needs more than a wash, check out our service department. We can replace broken parts or conduct a full service - whatever you need. We proudly serve those in San Marcos, San Diego, Oceanside, and Poway, California.