How to wash a motorcycle

Washing your motorbike is also incredibly easy, and with the right kit and technique you can have a beautiful motor on your drive (or garage) all year round. Here is our quick guide on how to wash a motorcycle and getting your ride looking good.

Equipment for Cleaning Your Motorbike

Bucket (x2) CLEAN wash-mit / sponges Degreaser Good Automotive Shampoo Wheel Cleaner Body Wax Soft Brush Wheel Brush WD40 Chamois Leather Microfibre towels Chain Lube

If it looks like this, you're doing it wrong!

Pre-cleaning checks

1. Ensure that your ignition hole is covered by tape to stop water getting into the ignition.
2. Cover clutch and switches on the handlebars with plastic bags and secure with rubber bands to prevent water getting to the wiring beneath the switches
3. (optional) cover the rear opening(s) of the silencers / mufflers with plastic bags.
4. If it’s a sunny day clean your bike in the shade to prevent watermarks on your paint.

Cleaning your bike

1. Add your chosen brand of automotive shampoo and fill the bucket with warm water (not hot). Using dishwasher liquid will actually damage the finish on your paintwork so it’s important to get a proper shampoo. Fill your rinse bucket to the rim with cold water.
2. Apply degreaser to the particularly dirty areas of the bike (wheel, engine & chain areas) and wipe off with a rag to loosen the dirt.
3. Use a wheel brush to get into the nooks and crannies of your wheels, and if you have a dedicated wheel cleaning spray use this and allow to settle before proceeding. (always follow the instructions on the products you use)
4. Using cold water, spray the entire bike and pay particular attention to dirty areas. Working from the top down, wash the bike with your sponge / mitt and regularly rinse in your rinse bucket to prevent picking up dirt and rubbing it in. Clean the dirtiest areas last and rinse thoroughly to maintain your sponge.
5. Rinse the entire bike off with a bucket of warm water and allow it to dry for 5 minutes.
6. Take a chamois / microfiber towel and dry the parts of the bike that are still wet. Following this apply your wax with a clean rag and work in with a circular motion. Allow to set briefly and then buff off with a lint free cloth.
7. Lastly apply chain lube to the chain (following the instructions on the product) and remove the water proofing (don’t forgt the ignition hole!)
8. Admire your gleaning bike and feel all smug about how good it looks for the rest of the day.

Does anyone here have any extra hints or shortcuts for cleaning your motorcycle? Any secrets that you have up your sleeve? Comments welcome below!

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