A Quick Cleaning Guide for Your Motorcycle

Washing your motorcycle isn’t nearly as much fun as getting it dirty, but it’s very important. There’s nothing like riding a bright and shiny bike, and washing your bike regularly will preserve its paint job. It’s also a great way to spot minor repair issues before they have a chance to turn into big ones. If you follow these easy tips, you'll be sure to turn heads everywhere you go. For more information, visit Crossroad Powersports in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, serving Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Wilmington, Delaware.

Gather Supplies and Prep The Cleaning Area

The first step is to gather the right specialty cleaning supplies. Your local bike shop or auto parts shop will carry all the detailing chemicals and chamoises that you’ll need to do a proper job, and you can find specific product recommendations and reviews online. Make sure the motorcycle engine has completely cooled down before you start, and avoid working in direct sunlight. The sun makes soap dry faster, and it can leave streaks and water spots on your bike.

Wash Your Bike From the Top Down

Spray down your bike with motorcycle cleaner and water before you get started. A good motorcycle cleaner will loosen up dirt and grease and make for a quicker cleaning job. Give your bike a good rinse, and then soap it up and wash the bike from the top down. Don’t use excess friction when you’re cleaning your bike. If your motorcycle has gathered any dirt or other particles, your sponge or cloth can gather them up and potentially scratch your paint. Change out your water when it begins to get dirty, and be sure to rinse out any dirt and grime that has gathered at the bottom of your bucket. 

You might be tempted to take your bike out for a ride to dry it off, but it’s a better idea to use your wet/dry vac or your leaf blower. You can also use a soft and clean chamois to gently blot up any remaining water droplets.

Finish up With a Coat of Wax

A good coat of wax is a great way to make your fuel tank and chrome absolutely gleam in the sunlight. The wax fills in the imperfections in your surface and your paint job, and if you wax your bike regularly it will look factory-new for years. Just be sure to buy a product that’s safe for your bike and follow all of the instructions on the box or the label.

For more information, and to see our current inventory of motorcycles for sale, visit Crossroad Powersports in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania. We serve riders in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Wilmington, Delaware.