The 6 Step Guide On How To Wash A Motorcycle

4 min read
The 6 Step Guide On How To Wash A Motorcycle

One of the easiest ways to keep a clean motorcycle is to buy and use a motorcycle cover.

Of course, your bike will still get dirty, especially while you’re riding it, so we thought a detailed how-to guide about washing your motorcycle would be helpful.

Having a clean motorcycle is important not only to keep it looking good but also to keep your bike performing at a top-notch level. Washing your motorcycle not only cleans the body of your bike, but it also cleans the exposed motorcycle parts, which keeps them healthy.

In this motorcycle how-to-guide, we give you step-by-step instructions to wash your motorcycle and keep it clean.


 

Step One: Grab your motorcycle cleaning products and get your workspace ready to wash your bike.

First, start by collecting your motorcycle cleaning supplies, like spray cleaner, soapy water, and everything you will need to wash your bike. Be sure to pick a spot that is not in the direct sunlight, as you don’t want the cleaners to dry before rinsing them off your motorcycle.

Here are the cleaning products you will need while you wash your motorcycle:

Note: there are A LOT of different cleaners, polishes, waxes, etc. options out to clean your motorcycle. Double-check that the supplies you are using are safe to use when cleaning your motorcycle

 

If you're missing any of these motorcycle cleaning essentials, you can grab them on our site by clicking the images below:

 

Step Two When Washing a Motorcycle: Plug Your Exhaust Pipe

Plugging your motorcycle exhaust using an exhaust plug will make sure that soapy water and any debris you’re washing off of your bike don’t get into your exhaust pipe. Excessive water in your exhaust pipes could definitely cause some damage to your motorcycle.

 

Step Three When You Wash Your Motorcycle: Wash The Body of Your Bike

You’ll first want to make sure your motorcycle is cooled down before you start the washing process. Once it’s cool, rinse the bike with cool water with low pressure from a hose. We do not want a high-pressure hose because it could cause damage. Use low pressure to help loosen dirt and makes it easier to clean.

Once you’ve given your motorcycle a good rinse, spray Muc-Off Motorcycle Cleaner on the entire bike, and let it sit for 3-5 minutes to dry.

Using the sponge or wash mitt, wipe down the motorcycle, scrubbing off any grime or dirt that’s stuck on there. Use the small detail brush to help clean in small, tight places.

Rinse the entire bike off with clean water.

Wipe off surplus water using microfiber towels to avoid leaving water spots on your bike and allow your bike to dry.

Using a wheel brush, gently clean off any dirt leftover from the spray.

 

Step Four When You Clean A Motorcycle: Time For Chain Lube

Since water and cleaner undoubtedly got onto your chain, you need to re-lube it. Use Moose Chain Lube to get your chain lubed up again. All you need to do is spray it on and let it dry, which will seal the lubricant to your chain.

 

Step Five When You Wash A Motorcycle: Wax, polish, and condition after cleaning your motorcycle

Finishing touches of motorcycle washing include waxing, polishing, and conditioning your bike.

Wax: Wax is essentially a clear, protective coat. You’ll want to find one that doesn’t contain abrasives and is clear coat safe, as the CycleCar Formula Spray Wax.

Polish: You’ll want to find a polish that is specifically for the material you’ll be polishing. For example, chrome polish should only be used on Chrome. Just check the label and make sure it’s good for the material you want to polish. You could also consider a UV-protectant polish that can be used on both clear coats and chrome, to protect your parts from sun rays.

Conditioners: Leather conditioners are a great way to maintain the strength, beauty, and utility of leather. When you get your leather wet during a bath, putting some conditioner on it will nourish and protect the leather, so it will last longer.

 

Step Six For A Clean Motorcycle: Clean Your Windshield

Last but not least, cleaning your windshield is a must. With the windshield protecting you from bugs and debris, you’ll want to make sure you give it a good wash, too. Using a good windshield cleaner will have you looking out your clear windshield on your next ride.

 

 

Common Questions About Washing Your Motorcycle:

How often should you wash your motorcycle?

Most people agree that every 2 weeks is a good schedule for washing a motorcycle. Some prefer to do it once a week. If really depends also on your typical driving conditions. During certain times you might need to wash it more frequently due to road salt or bugs.

Is it OK to wash a motorcycle at a carwash?

That really depends. Most of the time car washes use high pressure to clean cars. High pressure washes should never be used when cleaning your motorcycle as it can cause much damage to your bike.

It might take some time to wash a motorcycle, but it is well worth the effort. It is a way to make your bike look great and also keeps your parts working well. Using our how-to guide to clean a motorcycle, you should be good to go for your bike’s next bath.