Hey everyone, it’s the Fred Content Crew back with another handy post!
We have a question for you - how often do you wash your motorcycle? If you said at least every two weeks, you’d be correct! Dirt and grime not only look bad on your bike, they can also wreak havoc on your finish. Check out my guide below on how to wash your motorbike like a pro and keep your ride looking fresh!
Step 1: Prep
To get your ride looking good and really clean, I recommend picking up the following items to get the job done right:
A vehicle sponge
2 buckets
General purpose car wash or bike specific cleaner
Sponge brushes for getting into nooks and crannies
Shammies or old towels to dry off your bike
Pro Tip: My favorite cleaning products are made by Chemical Guys. Check them out!
Step 2: Spray Down
Using a hose or your bike-specific products, spray down your motorbike and then let it soak for a few minutes to soften all of the grime and dead bugs.
Pro Tip: Whether you’re washing your bike by hand or if you’re using a spray on and rinse off cleaner, it’s important that your bike is cool so your cleaner doesn’t steam off. It’s also a good idea to wash your bike in the shade so the sun doesn’t dry everything out and cause water spots and streaking.
Step 3: Sponge Bath
Fill one bucket with soapy water and the other bucket with fresh water for rinsing your sponge so it stays clean. Rinsing your sponge frequently is important because debris caught on your sponge could scratch your finish.
Next, use your soapy sponge and gently remove any stubborn dirt and grime. Use the sponge brushes to get into deep nooks and crannies to make sure nothing is missed. Wash your bike in sections, rinsing your sponge frequently and using the hose to wash off your bike as you go.
While temping, avoid using a pressure washer to clean your bike. Sensitive areas like your axles, wheel bearings, swing arm pivot, fork seals and electrical connectors can all be compromised by a pressure washer.
Pro tip: Never set your sponge or sponge brushes on the ground as they can pick up sand or dirt that can scratch your finish. Always place them in your buckets.
Step 4: Wipe Down
Break out your clean towels or shammies and wipe your bike down. You can also use a leaf blower or pressurized air to dry off your bike - it doesn’t matter, as long as it’s clean and grit free. Once the bike is dry, it’s a good idea to turn it on and let it run to allow any additional moisture to escape the drain hole in the muffler.
Pro tip: Once your bike is dry, this is a great opportunity to clean and lubricate your chain!
There you have it! If you’ve followed my tips, you should be left with a shiny, beautiful motorcycle, and there isn’t anything much more satisfying than that. If you’re still looking for the perfect bike, why not check out our supporting partners at Revival Powersports to get you on a bike ASAP. They have some awesome used motorcycles in stock right now.
As always, thanks for reading!
Your friend,
Fred.
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