Tips to Clean Your Motorcycle

Wherever you go, your Harley-Davidson® motorcycle turns heads and conquers the road. However, rain and water kicked up by other motorists, as well as mud, bug splatter, and so on can easily make it dirty and diminish your riding experience. If the dirt and grime sit for too long, they can damage your bike’s finish. To prevent this, you’ll want to wash your Harley-Davidson® motorcycle to make it shiny and ready for your next outing. Here’s a handy guide, put together by the experts at Chicago Harley-Davidson Wrigleyville, to get you started. We are in Chicago, Illinois, just across the street from Wrigley Field. 

Gather the Supplies

Before you begin, ensure that you have all the supplies you’ll need to give your bike a thorough wash. The items include:

• A hose with access to water.
• Soap and cleaning solution for your motorcycle.
• A microfiber cloth.
• Cotton sponges.
• Brushes for removing grime and flannels for drying.
• Tire shine and chrome polish.

Prepare Your Worksite

Choose a flat spot with plenty of space for you to maneuver. Ensure that the area is neither in direct sunlight nor on grass. Direct sunlight can dry up a cleaning solution before you’ve rinsed it, which can leave ugly spots on the metal. Also, the cleaning solution can damage the grass on your lawn.

If you’re just back from a trip, allow the engine to cool down before you start washing the motorcycle. Don’t forget to plug up the exhaust with a rag to prevent water from getting in.

Rinse Your Motorcycle

Use a standard pressure hose to soak your Harley-Davidson® motorcycle. You may need to spray more on dirtier areas. 

Scrub and Rinse Again

Gently scrub the motorcycle using a cotton sponge dipped in soapy water. Start from the top and work your way down. Ensure that you are using a motorcycle-friendly cleaning solution only, as an incompatible solution can damage the surface.

Avoid using a dirty sponge as it can scratch the surface, too. Rinse your sponge a few times during the process and remove the solution by thoroughly wiping off the motorcycle using a flannel or microfiber cloth.

Apply Finishing Touches

Now that your motorcycle is clean, you’ll want to apply some lubricant on the chains and brakes. It is possible that the scrubbing and rinsing may have washed it away. You may also want to apply tire shine or chrome polish to the metal parts to make them shine like new.

We hope these simple cleaning tips will help you shine your motorcycle like a pro. If you need more tips or help upgrading your bike, connect with our experts at Chicago Harley-Davidson Wrigleyville. We have a wide collection of Harley-Davidson® motorcycles that you can look at when you visit us at our dealership in Chicago, Illinois.