Tech Tip - Washing your Bike

If you want motorcycle cleaning tips that will help you clean your motorcycle faster, easier, and without damaging it, here are some tips to help you...

       

NEVER START WITH A HOT MOTORCYCLE LET IT COOL FIRST 
  
What Motorcycle Cleaning Products You Will Need:

•    Some soft, clean cloths. You'll need some for washing and some that you keep dry for drying and polishing. A dirty rag can scratch the bike.     
•    Wheel cleaner made specifically for wheels
•    Leather conditioner for saddle and any accessories
•    Clean sponges - a dirty sponge can contain dirt which can scratch paint and chrome.
•    Cleaning solution made specifically for motorcycles. Because the cleaners will get on the paint, saddle and chrome, use products that are not going to cause problems with discoloring the finish or "blue" the chrome. When it comes to motorcycle cleaning, many bikers make a mistake of using the wrong motorcycle cleaning products, which can damage your motorcycle.
•    You may want a bucket for mixing solutions. Follow the mixing directions on any supplies. Be sure each product is used properly.
•    Of course, you need a water hose as well.
If you have heavy dirt or have bugs on the fenders, hose down those areas gently from top to bottom first. This will allow them a kind of "pre-soak" to loosen them. Beginning from the top to the bottom, wash gently, using a clean soft cloth or a wash mitt. If your cleaning cloth becomes soiled, do not take the chance of scratching the paint or chrome; change to a clean cloth. If you use a sponge, be absolutely certain no debris gathers in the sponge pores and causes scratches.

Rinse the bike from top to bottom, paying special attention to any areas of extra heavy soil. If the heavily soiled areas do not come clean, you may need to do a little extra cleaning in those areas. Just remember to be gentle. It is far better to wash a spot three times than to rub the area hard and end up with no shine in the paint, dulled chrome or visible scratches.

Check every little place that dirt can hide to be certain you have the motorcycle completely clean. Then begin the final rinse process. Hose the motorcycle from the top down. Then rinse exactly the same way again. Leaving any trace of cleaning products is very bad for the finishes. While rinsing, watch how the water reacts and drains from the bike. If water beads, then a full polish is optional. If the water runs off in sheets and fails to bead at all, you probably need to take the time to perform a full polish job with manufacture-recommended polishes

Use a wheel cleaner and soft rag to completely and thoroughly clean each wheel. Not only does dirt collect on the wheels, but as the brakes are used, dust from the brake pads can get on the wheel and actually cause corrosion because the metals react with one another. Rinse the wheel thoroughly.

Dry your motorcycle off with clean soft rags. This process can best be done in the shade rather than direct sunlight, if possible. This prevents streaking. Check for streaks and if you need to, dampen a spot and dry that area again. Just a few drops of water is all you need to moisten a streaked spot.

Mike Johnson
City Limits Harley-Davidson - Service Manager