Washing Your Motorcycle

As time goes on, your motorcycle will inevitably need a good washing. After all, your bike is built to last and it takes on all kinds of rough conditions on the road. It battles water, dirt, mud, dust, exhaust, rocks, debris, and other elements while you enjoy the ride. You don’t want to be that guy on the road with a nasty bike that looks like it’s never been washed. Unfortunately, you can’t just ride your motorcycle through the car wash. You’ll need to wash your bike by hand with extra care since many parts are exposed.

Bellevue Suzuki Kawasaki has taken the liberty of providing you with a complete guide to washing your motorcycle.

If it’s your first time and you’re a bit nervous or you’d rather leave it to a professional, schedule an appointment without service department today. We are located in Memphis, Tennessee near Bartlett, Germantown, and Collierville. We also proudly serve Olive Branch and Southaven, Mississippi.

Gather your Supplies

Once you’re ready to begin washing your motorcycle, gather all the supplies you need and bring them to the place where you’ll be using them. There are several options for cleaners, just be sure to choose something that’s suitable for use on your bike. You should have some sponges handy for removing stubborn grime, brushes for spoked wheels, cloth and flannels for drying, chamois for further drying, and a microfiber cloth for final touches.

Spray it Down

Before you lather up your bike, make sure you plug up the exhaust with a rag, glove, or rubber plug. The main goal is to keep water out of the pipe, especially for bikes that feature an exhaust that’s angled in such a way that water can easily pool up inside during the washing process. This is usually a pointer for dirt bikes, but it never hurts to take extra precaution. You definitely don’t want to compromise the roar of your bike when you start it up in the morning.

Now it’s time to spray her down with a combination of water and motorcycle cleaner, which will help loosen any stuck-on bits before you start washing. When you start to wash your bike, remember that the less friction the better. The harder you scrub, the more likely it is that you’ll drag some dirt across your bike’s finish. When you rinse, be careful of the amount of water pressure that’s applied to the bike.

Add Suds

Start at the top of the bike and work your way down so that you won’t have to make multiple passes. Always make sure you’re using the right amount of chemicals for the surface you’re applying them to. Clean and rinse your sponge as you go so you can get rid of any dirt you picked up. It’s also a good idea to change out your bucket if it gets really dirty. It’s a tedious task, but do your best to avoid getting soap and water on your bike’s brakes and chain. At the very least, make it a point not to scrub those parts vigorously.

Rinse and Dry

When you’re lathering up your bike, don’t let it sit too long before you rinse it off. Streaks that get left behind are caused by dry soap, so work at a consistent pace. You’ll want to get rid of any residue, so don’t be afraid to really get in there. The process is the same for dying, so don’t waste time and be sure to do a thorough job. Water can eventually cause corrosion if it’s left in tiny crevices. This is an excellent time to pull out your trust microfiber towel or chamois. With bikes, you simply can’t get away with taking it for a ride and hoping it’ll air dry on its own.

Final Touches

Now that your bike is nice and dry, it’s time to add some final touches with a bit of lubricant. You should give your bike chain a good re-lubing since the soap and water have most likely washed some of it away. A good waxing can help protect your bike’s finish and also makes it look pretty spiffy. Polishing can be much more involved and is better left to those who know how to get the job done.

If you feel you need some washing tips or you want to check out our new and used motorcycles, stop by Bellevue Suzuki Kawasaki in Memphis, Tennessee near Bartlett, Germantown, and Collierville. We also proudly serve Olive Branch and Southaven, Mississippi.