Maintaining your motorcycle goes beyond just changing its oil and replacing the brake pads, keeping it clean is also a big part of properly maintaining it so that it runs smoothly and lasts long. But cleaning a motorcycle isn’t as easy as washing a car. With all its nooks and crannies, it takes a little bit more elbow grease to get this job done. Here are a few tips on how to properly clean your motorcycle:
- Start with some car shampoo — no dishwashing detergent, that’ll strip the polish from the painted surfaces which leads to potential corrosions — and a bucket of warm water. Warm water is more effective at cleaning than cold.
- Mix the two until you get a good sudsy, soapy mixture.
- Degrease the various parts of your bike like the engine and wheels. Use a rag to wipe off areas with a lot of build-up to loosen up dirt and make for an easier wash.
- If you can, remove the rear wheel so you can get to those hard-to-reach areas.
- Clean the swing-arm and rear suspension area.
- Now wet the entire bike with the bucket of water and, using a sponge, clean off all the dirt on the wheels, suspension, and other areas.
- Give the degreaser a good wash, then rinse the entire bike with another bucket of warm water, or hose it down. Rinse it thoroughly; you don’t want to leave any residue.
- Move the bike to a dry area and wait a couple of minutes until some of the water has drained from it.
- Using chamois or microfiber towels, wipe the bike, making sure to dry it well.
- Use WD-40 to spray swing-arm then wipe off with a rag. WD-40 keeps metal clean, shiny, and prevents corrosion.
- Wax the bike’s bodywork with bike polish and buff using a lint-free cloth.
- To keep from getting your hands dirty during this process, use gloves.
- Clean foot pegs, brake pedals, and clutch leavers with Autosol or Brasso on a rag, then buff once it dries.
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