How to Clean Your Motorcycle

With every adventure, motorcycles return home a little dirtier. Over time, a buildup of grime can actually start to damage the motorcycle's exterior! It's important to regularly clean your motorcycle. Plus, it's a helpful step in maintaining the bike's stunning appearance.

Use the following steps to efficiently clean your motorcycle. For more maintenance tips or to shop motorcycles for sale, visit Hideout Harley-Davidson. Our dealership is based in Joplin, Missouri, and we also serve those in Springfield as well as Rogers, Arkansas.

1. Pick the Work Area

It's best to clean your motorcycle somewhere out of direct sunlight. The sun makes the soap dry faster, which can cause streaks and water spots.

2. Get the Right Cleaner

Before you use a certain cleaner, check that it is compatible with your motorcycle's materials. Using the wrong cleaner can result in an ineffective clean or damaging the frame.

3. Prepare the Motorcycle

Plug up the exhaust to keep water from getting inside and causing damage. A rubber plug, rag, or glove works fine. 

Make sure the motorcycle is cooled down and hasn't been ridden recently. Adding cold water to a hot motorcycle can result in damage.

4. Rinse

Make a mixture of water and motorcycle cleaner, then spray down your motorcycle. This helps clear away some grime and is an effective first pass. Use a standard-pressure hose to rinse this off. Using a high-pressure washer could hurt the motorcycle's paint.

5. Scrub

Next, scrub the suds onto the motorcycle. Start at the top and work down. Odds are, you will need to rinse the sponge a few times throughout this process. If your motorcycle was really dirty, you will need to rinse out the bucket and add a fresh mixture.

6. Rinse Again

Once you have scrubbed away all the grime, do one last rinsing of the motorcycle to remove the suds.

7. Let the Motorcycle Dry

Finally, get your motorcycle dry. Chamois, cloths, or flannels work well. For the hard-to-reach spots, an air blower can be a helpful tool. A leaf blower or a can of compressed air should do the trick.

8. Add Lubrication

When you wash your motorcycle, the soap and water often strips away lubrication from the motorcycle chain. Take a minute to re-apply the lube.

9. Polish and Wax

Finally, it's wise to apply a layer of polish and wax. This helps protect the motorcycle's finish and boosts the motorcycle's appearance.

Want more maintenance advice? Looking to shop for motorcycles for sale? Whatever you need, the experts at Hideout Harley-Davidson are here to help. Reach out or stop by our dealership in Joplin, Missouri. We also serve Springfield, Missouri, and Rogers, Arkansas.