Cleaning your motorcycle: Tips for washing, properly cleaning & sealing your motorcycle
Why is it important to clean your motorcycle?
Table of contents
Preparation: What you should consider before washing
Before you start cleaning the motorcycle, make sure that you use the correct cleaning agents and tools to hand. These include a bucket of clean water, a soft sponge, a brush, special cleaning agent for motorcycles, and if you plan to use a pressure washer, check its settings and minimum distance. It is also important to have a collection device for the waste water to avoid environmental pollution. With our Biosativa® cleaning concentrate, you not only clean your motorcycle gently but also in an environmentally friendly way, as it is completely biodegradable.
Clean your motorcycle properly: The basic cleaning
Start with the pre-wash by spraying the motorcycle with clear water to remove loose dirt. A high-pressure cleaner can be used well here, but be careful: keep a sufficient distance and do not aim the jet directly at sensitive components such as electronics and seals. Then spray special cleaning agents onto the motorcycle and leave them to work for a short time.
Important: Make sure that all products used are suitable for your application. Read the manufacturer’s instructions and ask if you are unsure.
Tips for hand washing
After the pre-wash comes the hand wash. A soft sponge and a soft brush (test carefully in an inconspicuous area) are particularly suitable for removing dirt without scratching the paintwork. Always start at the top and work your way down. Make sure to thoroughly clean all hard-to-reach areas such as the steering head bearings, wheel hubs and swing arm. If necessary, use a wheel cleaner to remove brake dust and stubborn dirt.
The right way to clean plastic and chrome parts
Plastic and chrome parts require special care. Use special cleaning agents to clean plastic parts and be careful not to apply too much pressure to avoid scratches. Chrome parts can be polished to a high shine with special polishes. A cloth or polishing pad is ideal for applying the polish and working it in carefully.
Using the high-pressure cleaner: What you should bear in mind
Washing the motorcycle with a pressure washer can be effective, but there are also risks involved. Always keep a minimum distance to prevent sensitive parts from being damaged. Avoid direct water jets on areas such as steering head bearings, electronics and cable connections. A high-pressure cleaner should only be used if it is really necessary to remove stubborn dirt.
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After washing: Dry and lubricate
After washing the motorcycle, it is important to dry it thoroughly. Use a soft leather or microfiber cloth to dry all surfaces. No water should be left behind, especially in sensitive areas such as electronics and cable connections. To prevent rust from forming, spray critical areas with a fine mist of spray oil afterwards.
Special attention for the motorcycle chain
The motorcycle chain requires special care. Use a special chain cleaner to remove old residues of chain grease and dirt. Allow the cleaner to work in briefly and then rinse thoroughly. After cleaning, the chain should be relubricated. A high-quality chain spray ensures that the chain runs smoothly and is protected against wear.
Care after cleaning: Lacquer and polish
Once the motorcycle has dried thoroughly, you can start with paint care. Apply a high-quality paint care product with a soft cloth to protect the paint and achieve a perfect shine. Take care not to leave any residue of the care product on unpainted plastic parts, as this can cause stains.
Regardless of whether you are cleaning your motorcycle on private property or in a public place, environmental protection should always be taken into account. Use collecting devices for coarse dirt and waste water to ensure proper waste water disposal. Oil separators and collecting devices help to prevent oil and cleaning residues from entering the drain.
Frequently asked questions about motorcycle cleaning
When cleaning your motorcycle with a high-pressure cleaner, you should be careful not to set the pressure too high so as not to damage sensitive parts. Keep the high-pressure cleaner at a distance of at least 30 cm and do not point the water jet directly at the electronics or bearings.
Stubborn dirt can be treated by soaking with a suitable cleaning agent. Leave the agent to work for a few minutes before rubbing off the dirt with a soft cloth or brush. Avoid aggressive cleaning methods to prevent scratches.
In a wash box, you should make sure that you use the collection devices for coarse dirt and do not use any harmful cleaning agents. Clean your motorcycle from top to bottom to prevent dirt from getting onto areas that have already been cleaned.
After washing your motorcycle, you should dry it with a clean, dry leather cloth. Make sure you also dry cracks and hard-to-reach areas thoroughly to prevent the build-up of water, which can lead to corrosion.
Yes, a steam jet can be used for motorcycle washing as it is gentle on the surface and effectively removes stubborn dirt. However, make sure that you regulate the temperature and pressure so as not to damage sensitive parts.
The frequency of cleaning depends on the use and the conditions in which you ride. In general, it is advisable to clean your bike after every long ride or after riding in bad weather to prevent dirt and corrosion.