Revving up your engine, tearing through the dirt, and feeling the wind in your face - that's the true joy of riding a motorcycle or dirt bike! But let's be honest, after an exhilarating ride, your beloved two-wheeled beast is bound to get dirty, muddy, and splattered with bugs. No worries, fellow riders, it's time to put on your cleaning gear and get ready to make your bike shine like a new penny! In this blog post, we'll delve into the art of bike cleaning, so grab your bike and let's get down and dirty!
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
- Foam Wash
- Foam Applicator
- Garden Hose / Pressure Hose
- Wheel Cleaner
- Wheel & Alloy Brush
- Degreaser
- Spray Wax
- Leather Protector
- Microfibre Cloths
STEP BY STEP GUIDE
Step 1: Rinse away the dirt
Start by giving your bike a good rinse with your hose or a pressure washer. This will help to remove any loose mud, dust, or dirt that has accumulated on the surface. If you have a dirt bike that's caked in mud, make sure to pay extra attention to the wheels, undercarriage, and other hard-to-reach areas. A little extra water pressure should do the trick to get your bike looking less like it just conquered the mud pits.
Step 2: Get wheel-savvy
Wheels and tyres can be a pain to clean, especially if you've been tearing up the trails on your dirt bike. Grab a wheel cleaner spray and apply it generously to your wheels and tyres. Use a wheel and rim brush to scrub away the grime and brake dust from all those hard-to-reach places. Don't forget to give extra attention to the rims and tyre treads. Get those wheels shining like new!
Step 3: Get the greasy bits
Motorcycles and dirt bikes can accumulate oily build-up in various areas such as the engine, chain, and exhaust. Use a degreaser spray to tackle these greasy bits. Spray the degreaser on the affected areas and give it some time to break down the grime before we move onto the next step. Your bike will thank you for it!
Step 4: Foam time
Now it's time for the main event - washing your bike! Grab your favourite foam wash, and if you have a dirt bike, opt for something a bit hardier to cut through the dirt and grime. For motorcycles, go for something pH neutral especially if you have waxes or coatings on your paintwork. Apply the foam wash all over your bike using a foam applicator of your choice (not sure which applicator to use check out our blog here). Rinse thoroughly with water, making sure to remove all the soapy residue.
Step 5: Dry with style
After giving your bike a thorough wash, it's time to dry it off to prevent water spots and streaks. Grab a clean microfibre drying towel and start drying your bike from top to bottom. Pat dry the bodywork, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.
Step 6: Wax on, shine on
After washing, give your bike's paintwork some extra love by applying a spray wax. Use a microfiber cloth in circular motions, covering all the painted surfaces. The wax will protect your paint and give it a glossy shine that will turn heads as you ride down the road.
Step 6: Treat the seat
Don't forget about your bike's seat! Use a leather conditioner or a similar product to clean and protect your seat. Apply the product according to the manufacturer's instructions, and use a microfiber cloth to buff it in evenly across the seat. This will keep your seat looking and feeling good for your next ride.
And there you have it - a step-by-step guide to cleaning your motorcycle or dirt bike. Remember to rinse, spray, degrease, foam, wax, and treat your bike to give it the care it deserves. Happy cleaning, fellow riders! May your bike always be as shiny as your helmet visor!