| The vast majority of a motorcycle can be cleaned | | | | accumulated. Once the motorcycle has been properly |
| using the same processes and methods that would | | | | dried the protective coverings can be removed. It |
| be used when cleaning a car, though there are a | | | | should be noted that when washing, rinsing & |
| number of important steps that should be taken to | | | | drying particular care should be taken around stickers |
| protect it before and during cleaning. | | | | & vinyls ensuring they do not begin to lift |
| The most important thing to consider when cleaning | | | | around the edges. |
| a motorcycle is that any parts that should not come | | | | Suitable parts of a motorcycle like the fairing and |
| into contact with water and cleaning products are | | | | mud guards can be polished just like the paintwork of |
| sufficiently covered & protected. Parts like these | | | | a car. A good quality all in one polish product would |
| would include the seat/saddle area, the speedometer | | | | be very suitable and should be applied via a micro |
| & gauge cluster area, any air intakes or vents, | | | | fibre or sponge applicator pad, again taking particular |
| any switches and exposed electrical components and | | | | care around the edges of stickers & vinyls. |
| upward facing exhaust pipes which should be | | | | Product residue should be buffed off with a clean |
| covered at the tips to prevent any water from | | | | soft micro fibre towel. Once polished these areas can |
| entering. | | | | be protected with a synthetic sealant or designated |
| The exposed or sensitive parts should be covered | | | | wax product applied via a sponge applicator pad and |
| with a suitable material. A 'cling film' or shrink wrap | | | | again buffed off after curing with a micro fibre towel. |
| type product should be used as this can easily be | | | | Wheels and calipers (if painted) can also be polished |
| worked around intricate or awkward areas and will | | | | and protected if required after these areas. |
| provide good protection. Plastic bags can be used to | | | | Plastics & trim can be dressed with a designated |
| cover slightly larger parts but ensure that where the | | | | dressing/protectant product to help prevent them |
| bag is connected, it is securely fitted with either an | | | | from fading over time and to protect them from the |
| elastic band or some tape to make it water tight. | | | | weather. You should however, ensure that no |
| Once all sensitive areas have been covered the | | | | product is applied to, or close to control areas of the |
| motorcycle can be washed in the same manner that | | | | motorcycle like brake levers, grips and foot controls |
| a car is cleaned. Lower areas including wheels & | | | | for instance. Tyre walls also should not under any |
| tyres should be pre-sprayed with a diluted all purpose | | | | circumstance be dressed as this would be extremely |
| cleaner, a designated degreaser, or traffic film | | | | dangerous for the rider. |
| remover product, left to dwell, then thoroughly rinsed | | | | Metal parts of a motorcycle such as exhausts, |
| off. | | | | chrome trim and exposed metal wheels should be |
| Wheels and brake calipers should then be cleaned | | | | polished to excentuate them. For chrome details a |
| with either a diluted all purpose cleaner or a | | | | suitable product should be used that will not scratch |
| designated non-acidic wheel cleaner depending on | | | | or mark them. A standard metal polish product can |
| how dirty they are, working in the product with a | | | | be used on non chrome parts, using a micro fibre |
| selection of soft and stiff bristled brushes and then | | | | applicator pad to work it in, and buffing it off with a |
| thoroughly rinsing the area off. | | | | micro fibre towel. Fine wire wool can be used to help |
| A diluted all purpose cleaner or a designated | | | | remove any stubborn marks or oxidation. Once |
| degreasing product should be used in conjunction with | | | | polished, metals could be sealed with a suitable metal |
| a soft bristled detailing brush to lift dirt from and | | | | sealant to protect the parts and prolong the polished |
| clean parts like the swing arm, suspension areas and | | | | finish. |
| mud guards. | | | | Screens and dial covers can be cleaned with a glass |
| Once the wheels, tyres, brakes and lower areas | | | | cleaner and a soft micro fibre towel and sealed to |
| have been sufficiently pre-cleaned and degreased the | | | | allow any rainwater to run off easily. |
| motorcycle can be washed with a normal vehicle | | | | Any leather on a motorcycle can be appropriately |
| shampoo product using a soft wash mitt, washing | | | | cleaned with a designated leather cleaning product, |
| from top to bottom covering all areas and ensuring | | | | working it in with a micro fibre applicator pad and a |
| no cleaning solution is allowed to dry. | | | | stiff bristled detailing or nail brush for ingrained dirt if |
| Once washed, the motorcycle should be thoroughly | | | | necessary. It is important that any leather parts are |
| rinsed off and dried with a micro fibre towel ensuring | | | | sufficiently conditioned/hydrated after cleaning to |
| all water is removed from any fairing and trim details, | | | | help prevent them from drying out especially if they |
| wheels and anywhere else where water may have | | | | are exposed to the elements. |