As the rainy season is getting over, we need to take care of our motor vehicles, for sure. The mud and dirt of rains must have made an impact on the ride. It needs to be taken care of so that the motorbike can be prevented from getting rusted.
Rinsing your motorbike isn’t just about retaining your sweet ride looking fabulous. If you don’t wash your bike frequently and ideally, you’ll risk ruining its looks and parts. However, cleaning your dusty motorcycle doesn’t need more than few basic groceries like water, a sponge, and a cleanser. Polish up accessories like the wheels and any chrome before you end, and your bike will quickly be turning heads anew.
Pre-Washing the Motorbike
Let the motorbike cool down. Sprinkling water over a hot engine is a prescription for disaster: the abrupt temperature shift can break the engine block. So even if you’ve just gone down a wet country road and your motorcycle’s caked in mud, let it cool down before you begin.
Get your cleaning gear together. All of the groceries you’ll require can be spotted at your local auto or motorbike shop. Ensure to collect:
- An old toothbrush
- Auto/motorcycle wax
- A bucket clean sponge or two
- Several clean, dry cloths
- Chrome cleaner
- Degreaser and WD-40
- Bug and tar remover
Begin by wiping the chain. If your motorbike has a chain, taking the dirt and grease off its prime is intelligent progress. It retains the grime from splashing all over the rest of your bike when trying to clean it. Next, use an approved chain degreaser if you can find one at your local shop. Diffuse it on the chain to extricate debris, then rub it away with a clean cloth. Finally, ensure to apply lubricant to your chain again once you are done washing your motorbike.
Rinse the non-chrome engine parts with water and solution. Before beginning on the body, consider any other nooks and crannies nearby the engine area that needs special attention. Wet an old toothbrush in clean, cool water and mildly scrub dirt and debris off. Sprinkle WD-40 on the gunk if you require additional help eliminating it.
Generally, keep off from the brake lines and bearings. Getting liquid into these areas can cause corrosion and additional problems.
Soaking the Body
Rinse the motorbike with fresh water. It will help release any dirt and rinse as much of it away as feasible, making the cleaning process more manageable. Just ensure to apply a gentle stream of water from a pipe. High-pressure sprays can harm the finish, paint, or other substances and should be bypassed.
Massage the whole frame with a soft sponge or cloth. A little joint grease at this point will assist in eliminating additional grime. Next, dip a sponge or soft cloth in a pail of cool water, and rub it all over the frame of your motorcycle.
If you are cleansing your bike to eliminate salt from it, use water in this process, then hop to waxing it. Utilizing detergents or other cleansers might make the salt problem more damaging.
Clear plastic parts with lightly foamy water. If your motorcycle has synthetic features on the body, it’s just fine to utilize an accredited auto detergent. Add some to a bucket of freshwater, and wipe the components with a sponge soaked in the suds.
Rinse the complete motorbike again. After you’ve cleared off all the trash and grime from your bike, grasp your hose repeatedly. Use a mild spray to wash away the last of the dirt and any bits of suds. If there’s not much to remove off, you can also soak a clean sponge into the clear, fresh water and use this to wash the bike.
Sift off excess water and let your bike dry. Next, take a waterproof chamois or microfiber cloth and lightly rub down your motorbike. It will wick away the moisture left on it so that there won’t be any water spots left as your bike air-dries.
Don’t let your vehicle dry in direct sunlight since this can also cause water spots.
Buff your seat with a regular protectant. Motorcycle fittings can be made from a mixture of substances. Vinyl and leather are the most common. Vinyl seats are pretty tough but can sink and crack over time. Use an authorized vinyl protectant to prevent these problems. Leather seats are more dangerous, but using a leather care cream will preserve yours.
Protectants for vinyl and chamois can be located at any auto or vehicle equipment store. Do not utilize detergents on leather.
Analyzing Your Ride
Eliminate stubborn bug smudge. Any biker comprehends that a nice ride can withdraw your motorcycle, looking like you waged war facing a swarm of flies. If your bike is hardened in bug goo, soak it liberally with pest and tar remover. After the grime is released, utilize a soft sponge or cloth to wipe it away and another damp one to eliminate any leftover residue.
Try to clean aluminum wheels with foamy water. Many modern bikes own lightweight aluminum wheels. If you require to wash yours, apply only soapy water and a soft cloth. Flush with water and wipe with a dry rag.
Abrasive cleaners or appliances can degrade the finish or paint on wheels, so dodge these.
If you have established chrome wheels, use chrome cleaner instead.
Apply car or motorbike wax for added protection on clean motorbike. A quality wax can shield the finish of your bike and retain dirt and grime away. Employ this after the rest of your bike is thoroughly cleaned. Follow the directions on your commercial wax spray or rub. Each product will have slightly different instructions. Spray protectant on your bearings. The bearings are one of the most essential but sensitive parts of a motorcycle. A dedicated guarding spray will help coat the bearings and prevent moisture and dirt at bay. Get your favored product’s package for detailed application guidance.