Washing a motorcycle is not the same as washing a car, so here's
how it's done.
Steps
- Squirt the required amount of cleaning agent into the bucket.
Fill with warm water until the foam reaches the top of the
bucket.
- Apply degreaser to very dirty areas of the bike. These tend to
be areas like the wheels, engine area and chain area.
- Wipe all of the areas you have applied the degreaser to with a
rag so that it is all loosened off and easier to clean with the
soap and water.
- Spray/soak more degreaser in a rag and (if possible, with the
rear wheel off the ground) wipe the chain as hard as you can and
rotate the wheel so that all of the chain is clean. If you can, get
into the swingarm and rear suspension area and give that a good
scrubbing, too. Real stubborn dirt and grease may take a
while.
- Get the bike very wet with the sponge and bucket and wash the
bike all over, just as if you were washing yourself. Spend more
time on the wheels and the nigly areas such as rear suspension
forks and number plate areas.
- Wash off the degreaser as well as you can.
- Throw a clean bucket of warm water over the bike, taking care
of any electrical parts (you may wish to spray WD40 before this
part). Repeat as many times as required. If you have a hose, use
this instead.
- Leave for 5 minutes for the water to drain away and then move
the bike to a dry spot.
- Take a chammi leather and wipe over the entire surfaces to dry
any remaining moisture. Run the engine up for a few minutes to help
dry the engine and end can area.
- Use the wax spray or chain lube and coat the chain of the bike
by following the instructions on the can.
- With the WD40, cover the swingarm, being careful not to get
over the rear break disc. With the rag you can wipe the WD40
over.
- Put bike polish on a clean rag and apply to the bodywork.
- When dry, buff off the wax with a lint free cloth.
- Apply Autosol/Brasso to another rag and clean the footpegs,
brake and clutch leavers as well as forks, etc.
- Buff off once dry.
Tips
- Make sure you have plenty of rags as you always use them.
- Get some gloves from your local garage to help keep your hands
clean.
- Warm water always cleans better than cold.
- Use a chammi to finish drying. This prevents water spots.
- WD40 helps keep metal clean and shiny and also prevents
corrosion.
Warnings
- Never have the engine running to help clean the chain on a
bike. You may lose a finger or ten.
- Keep WD40 and degreaser away from your eyes and always spray
from the brake disc side to help prevent contamination.
Things You'll Need
- A bucket and large sponge
- Washing liquid or car shampoo
- degreaser
- WD40 or similar spray oil
- Chain wax or similar lube
- lots of old rags.
- Polish/wax
- Autosol or sim metal polish.
