Dodsfall
10-12-2011, 09:00 AM
Many riders like to ride a clean, shiny motorcycle. Some are meticulous, taking their time to polish every visible part, while others have a more laissez faire attitude toward motorcycle cleaning. However you wish to wash your motorcycle, there are some basic procedures to follow that will keep your motorcycle in top condition.
Why we wash
Motorcycles collect road grime and bugs like a magnet. Many times, substances picked up from the road will be corrosive. Over time, these will not only damage the finish of a motorcycle, but can cause electrical and mechanical issues that could easily be avoided with an occasional scrubbing.
Start with the soap
There are a multitude of washing products both motorcycle-specific and for general automotive use. Personally, I use a standard automotive one-step wash and wax to clean the entire motorcycle. I just like to keep it simple and not spend a lot of time polishing. There are great polishes for both aluminum and chrome that will bring out the best shine for the rider who doesn't mind spending the time applying them. Waxing painted surfaces will help protect them from the elements and grime. Never use soaps or detergents not designed for automotive or motorcycle use on the painted surfaces. These may dull the finish and make it difficult to bring the shine back.
Getting it wet
Motorcycles are built to be able to get relatively soaked without ill effects. Care must be taken not to get too much water directly into the air intake area, inside of electrical connections, and any engine venting ports. A gentle spray of water from a garden hose over the motorcycle while washing will be fine, while using a power washer is a bad idea. When washing, pay special attention to the underside of the motorcycle, including under the fenders. A lot of road grime ends up in those places.
Check back tomorrow for more tips on tools, drying your bike, and a secret pledge.
Why we wash
Motorcycles collect road grime and bugs like a magnet. Many times, substances picked up from the road will be corrosive. Over time, these will not only damage the finish of a motorcycle, but can cause electrical and mechanical issues that could easily be avoided with an occasional scrubbing.
Start with the soap
There are a multitude of washing products both motorcycle-specific and for general automotive use. Personally, I use a standard automotive one-step wash and wax to clean the entire motorcycle. I just like to keep it simple and not spend a lot of time polishing. There are great polishes for both aluminum and chrome that will bring out the best shine for the rider who doesn't mind spending the time applying them. Waxing painted surfaces will help protect them from the elements and grime. Never use soaps or detergents not designed for automotive or motorcycle use on the painted surfaces. These may dull the finish and make it difficult to bring the shine back.
Getting it wet
Motorcycles are built to be able to get relatively soaked without ill effects. Care must be taken not to get too much water directly into the air intake area, inside of electrical connections, and any engine venting ports. A gentle spray of water from a garden hose over the motorcycle while washing will be fine, while using a power washer is a bad idea. When washing, pay special attention to the underside of the motorcycle, including under the fenders. A lot of road grime ends up in those places.
Check back tomorrow for more tips on tools, drying your bike, and a secret pledge.