How to Wash Your Motorcycle

While you’d rather ride your motorcycle than wash it, removing all the grime and muck off your bike can be a very satisfying task! To help you do the job correctly, we have rounded up the right steps to take in this brief guide. Read on to learn more!

Gather the Supplies

Before you begin cleaning your bike, you should take the time to collect all the items you’re going to need to get the job done. There are a lot of cleaning products to choose from, just make sure they’re compatible with your bike. You’ll also need a sponge to clear off the grime, brushes for your spoked wheels, cloth, and flannels to help dry, chamois for that final pat dry, and a microfiber cloth or brush for finishing touches.

Find the Right Site

You should also ensure that you have enough space to keep your motorcycle, supplies, and yourself as well as let you move around with ease. If you end up scrubbing away in an awkward position, you might end up with painful cramps! Avoid splashing cold water on a hot bike and try to avoid working in direct sunlight. It can make the water dry faster but it also dries out the suds, making your cleaning job harder.

Give It a Spritz

When it comes to spritzing your motorcycle, try to create as little friction as possible. Don’t scrub too long because it increases the chance of picking up some dirt and scrubbing it into the bike. Spray the bike with a mixture of the cleaning product and water. This will help loosen up any congealed grime. Motorcycle spray cleaners should be applied to a dry bike before rinsing because they help loosen the muck. Avoid high water pressure while rinsing.

Then the Suds

Start at the top and work your way down so you’re not redoing any bits and letting gravity help you. Ensure that you’ve got the right product and the right mix of it for the different surfaces of your bike. Make sure your sponge remains clean and replace the water if it gets too dirty. Try not to get too much water on the chain and brakes and ensure you give them attention next.

Rinse and Dry

Don’t let the lather sit too long on your bike. If the soap dries, it might leave streak marks on your bike so rinse it off thoroughly. You should also try to finish drying your bike as quickly as possible and be thorough about it because if water is left in any of those tiny motorcycle crevices, it’ll cause corrosion. You can use a leaf blower to help dry those hard-to-reach places. Here’s also where you can use your microfiber cloth and chamois to help dry.

Hopefully, these steps will help you have your bike looking as good as new in no time! If you need help with your bike or are looking to buy a new one, contact us at SoCal Honda Powersports in Carson, California. We proudly serve all those in Los Angeles and Long Beach.