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.
