Cleaing, Drying & Waxing Your Bike

MOTORCYCLE MAINTENANCE TIPS
Anyone that owns a bike, loves their bike. And likely our most gratifying moment is when the motorcycle is new and is looking great. However, motorcycles are not like statues in a environmentally controlled museum. They are subjected many different kinds of abuse including the dirt, rain, sun, etc.. All of these elemental factors will affect in the most expensive bikes. But, there are things that you can do to ensure that your bike's condition is protected as best as possible.

** It is always important that you wear safety glasses. If you get any sort of dirt or debris in your eye, its not only going to hurt it can blind you! Get more info about wearing the proper safety gear. Ger more riding safety tips.

Detailing Your Bike
Lets begin with scratches. How come? Potentially they are the biggest enemy to the finish of your motorcycle. Preventing scratches is the trick to sustaining your bike's good looks. Grime and dirt that gets rubbed in while drying or washing is going to be like sandpaper to your motorcycle's paint finish.

Below are a few tips to follow regarding the surface of your bike:
- Try and avoid having anything hard come in contact with your bike. Be careful with zippers!
- Make sure you use towels and/or cotton cloths that are clean when applying any waxes, etc. or when drying your bike.
- Be certain to thoroughly rinse wash mitts and sponges before you clean your bike (and even after).
- It is very common for detailers to separate the areas being washed into rough (engine, tires, exhaust, etc.) and normal areas (painted areas) Area designated sponges are used for cleaning each area to reduce the chance grime and dirt effecting sensitive areas.
- Avoid using high water pressure when cleaning your bike. Too much pressure will result in scratches from dirt being forced into your paint.

Washing
Rinse your bike as thoroughly as you can. As we said with detailing, use plenty of water with minimal pressure. Try using a hose without a nozzle and just let the water flow freely.

Always use soap that is developed specially for motorcycles. Never use dishwashing soap. Its very strong and will likely eat away any wax you used on your bike.

Wash your bike in sections and take your time. Rinse your sponges regularly.

When you are done washing, rinse your bike of soap as soon as possible. You want to avoid soap drying, which is not good for the finish. Make sure you rinse out all of the nooks so that you eliminate the chance of soap drying anywhere.

Use plenty of water when rinsing; several buckets. Large bikes should use 4 or 5 buckets and smaller ones 2 or 3. When rinsing your bike, make sure you hit all of the nooks of your bike.

Drying
Use a bunch of the softest towels you can find. Folding the towel into a square and turning it and unfolding it often will allow you to utilize the whole towel. We recommend using bath towels cut in 1/2.

Drying is a two step process. The first step entails getting the majority of the water off your bike. The second step is going over the bike again and drying any extra water that may be present from the first go around.

Additional washing tips:
- Never use a chamois being that they are dirt trappers and leave scratches.
- Washing a bike in the sun is not a good idea. Your bike will dry faster than you can rinse resulting in soap film and water spotting. Washing at night, in the early morning or in the shade is your best bet.

Wax
When your bike is all clean and dry, its time to wax. Wax works like a paint preserver by assisting in the retention of oils that reduce oxidation. Was also will protect your bike from bird crap, tree sap, ultraviolet rays from the sun, etc.. It also makes the paint of your bike shiny and rich looking.

There are three types of wax: paste, spray and liquid. Liquid wax tends to go on much easier, but the liquid products do not last as long as the paste wax. The type of wax you use is your decision but we do recommend one with high Carnauba content (will say on the label). Do not use wax sprays. They are very thin....too thin for their purpose.

Apply two medium applications as opposed to one heave one. You should also consider putting a third layer in your front fender's leading edge. This area is prone to wind and will likely wear off wax quicker.

The round applicators that come with the wax work best. You can also try using a damp kitchen sponge. For those close to edges areas, use one of those small foam paint brushes. I also like to use a small foam paint brush for getting up close to edges. An extra application is a good idea on the leading edge of the front fender and on the front of the tank, where the wind will quickly wear off the wax.

Removing wax is equally important as the application. Use a very small cloth to remove the residue only when the wax is 100% dry. Once the movement of the cloth hits resistance, move to a new surface. Never use on of those orbital buffers because you will run the risk of burning your paint. Be certain to keep a close that no foreign objects or dirt are on the cloth that can cause scratches.

Removing was from the edges and creases (ie. emblems and fender tips) of your bike are the most difficult. You can try using a soft bristled toothbrush. Using a toothpick is also effective at times.

It is recommended that you wax your bike at least once every three or four months.

In addition to the information above, we suggest you read more about keeping your bike clean.

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