How to Clean Your Motorcycle

Motorcycles are magnets for dust and debris, and regular cleaning is a maintenance task that should not be overlooked! This is far from just a cosmetic procedure. The grime that collects on your motorcycle will cause corrosion over time, and that can lead to costly repairs. Not sure how to go about cleaning your motorcycle? You came to the right place! This guide from North County Indian Motorcycle® will walk you through each step of the process.

Are you still in the market for a motorcycle? Head to your nearest North County Indian Motorcycle® location! You can find plenty of options to choose from at our dealerships in San Marcos and Corona, CA.

Gather Your Supplies

First of all, you will need a suitable cleaning product. The owner’s manual provided with your motorcycle should specify which products to use. You should also have a regular garden hose or a spray bottle, a mop bucket, a soft-bristle brush, a few soft sponges, and a microfiber or chamois cloth. Some riders like to apply chrome polish and tire shine for a nice finishing touch.

Prepare the Work Area

Park your motorcycle on level pavement or gravel, away from direct sunlight. Make sure to avoid spots where soapy water could trickle downhill and contaminate your or a neighbor’s lawn! Clear the surrounding area so you can maneuver easily and access each part of your motorcycle. Once you are all set up and ready to clean, block the exhaust pipe with a rag to prevent water from getting in.

Spray It Down

Some people prefer to wet their motorcycles using a spray bottle, but you can also use a regular garden hose with gentle pressure. Just avoid using a high-pressure hose, as this can damage the surfaces of your motorcycle. The goal here is to soak your motorcycle to loosen up dirt and debris, not blast it away.

Scrub with Soap

Now you can get your sponge nice and sudsy, and start cleaning your motorcycle. Remember to wring out your sponge in a bucket of water as you go, and change out the dirty sponge water from time to time. Avoid getting water on the brakes and chains; you can target these areas with a soft-bristle brush, along with any tight spaces that have become packed with dirt.

Rinse and Dry

When you have lathered up every inch of your bike, grab your hose and rinse off all that soap. Pay close attention to make sure you have removed every trace of residue. Now go in with your microfiber or chamois cloth to wipe it dry. You can also use a leaf blower or a can of compressed air to speed up the drying process!

Apply the Finishing Touches

Your squeaky clean motorcycle is now ready to be waxed and polished. This is also a good time to apply chrome polish and tire shine. Whatever products you choose, make sure they are compatible with your motorcycle, and follow the directions on the product label.

We hope you found this guide helpful! If you need more advice on motorcycle maintenance, the qualified staff at North County Indian Motorcycle® would be happy to assist you. We welcome customers from San Diego and Oceanside, CA.