Tips for Washing Your Motorcycle
Your motorcycle gets dirty each time you hit the open road for an adventure. The kicked-up debris does more than reduce the shine of your bike. Left too long, the gunk can eat away at your paint job and cause damage.
Fortunately, washing your motorcycle isn’t a tough task. We have put together a step-by-step guide to make it as easy as possible. For all your bike needs, get in touch with us at Doc’s Harley-Davidson in Kirkwood, Missouri.
Find a Proper Workspace
You will need a decent amount of space to properly wash your motorcycle. You should be able to comfortably fit your bike along with all the cleaning supplies, and there should be plenty of room for you to walk around. If you set up shop in a cramped space, you won't be able to get at those hard-to-reach spots, which means your bike won't get as clean. If possible, try to avoid washing your motorcycle in the sun. The sunlight will speed up the drying process of the soap, which will make it harder to prevent streaks and water spots.
Gather Your Supplies
Once you pick your location, make sure that you have all the materials you need. Consider consulting your owner’s manual for product suggestions. It can also give you tips for your specific model. Here are some of the supplies you will need:
A motorcycle-friendly specialty cleaner (avoid using harsh chemicals).
Sponges to clear away caked-on grime.
Brushes for spoked wheels (these will help you clean those hard to reach spots).
Microfiber cloth and flannels for drying.
A chrome polish (it can really make your bike gleam).
Prevent Water Damage
Before you get started, make sure that the bike is cool enough to wash without worrying about damaging any parts. The exhaust is often angled in such a way that water will start to pool in one spot, so you’ll want to keep it dry by placing a rubber plug, rag, or glove inside it.
Spray Your Motorcycle
Make a mixture of water and a bike cleaner and use it to spray down your bike. This will help remove the loose gunk and grime, making it easier to scrub away the caked-on gunk later. When you are ready to scrub, you'll want to begin at the top of your motorcycle and work your way down. Be careful not to apply too much pressure. Throughout this process, make sure to clean your sponge when it gets dirty. If your bucket gets too filthy, you'll want to refresh it with clean water.
Rinse Thoroughly
Don’t let a soapy bike sit for long before giving it a rinse. Soapy streaks aren’t very attractive and defeat the whole purpose of washing your motorcycle. Work steadily and thoroughly to rinse off the suds. Some people tend to use a high-power wash to speed up the process, but that's not a good idea. The high intensity of the water flow can damage the paint. Instead, opt for a standard-pressure hose, which will get the job done without excess pressure.
Final Touches
After your motorcycle is rinsed, you'll want to get the moisture off. Leaving moisture in crevices can become corrosive, so use an air blower to get the moisture out. Once your bike is dry, it's time to lubricate your chain. Your final task is to wax and polish your machine to give it a nice sheen, and it will protect your paint from scratches, too.
We hope this guide to washing your motorcycle will help you to get your machine clean and shiny so that it turns heads the next time you ride! If you’re in the market for a new bike, visit our dealership in Kirkwood, MO, to check out our full selection of Harley-Davidson® motorcycles for sale. Doc’s Harley-Davidson proudly serves all those in St. Louis and St. Charles.