Washing your motorcycle.

In part three we will cover the best way to wash your motorcycle. I know, your thinking, "well just how many ways is there to wash my motorcycle?" Really only two ways now that you ask---the right way and the wrong way! Remember, the quickest way to prematurely age your motorcycle is not wash it at all. The dirt and grime will sit on the motorcycle and ruin the paint, chrome, etc. Using the right items we covered in parts one and two helps but knowing HOW to clean your motorcycle is just as important, and it begin's with soap and water, lots of water.

Put your motorcycle in a shaded area where it will stay cool and no direct sunlight. Take the key out of the ignition and cover this, along with any other electronics with zip-lock plastic bags held on with rubber bands. From your previous trip to the store for supplies you should have a liquid soap made specifically for washing cars/motorcycles. Do not use powdered soaps because they can scratch and absolutely do not use dish washing liquid! Do not use hot water when mixing soap and water in the bucket. The hot water will remove previous applied wax from the painted surfaces of the motorcycle.Start with the wheels and tires using the bucket, mitt and brush you have dedicated for this purpose. Keep in mind cleaning the wheels and tires can easily take as long as you will spend cleaning the rest of the motorcycle. Why? Because they generally receive the most dirt and grime plus the difficulty reaching every nook and cranny. Not to mention if your motorcycle has spoked rims. Rinse often.

If you plan on using a specialty cleaning detergent or degreaser on the engine or drivetrain, plan on applying it after you have finished cleaning the wheels but before you start on the painted surfaces. By doing your motorcycle wash in these steps you can completely wash off any harsh used to clean the motor or drivetrain that might have splashed up onto the painted parts of the motorcycle.

Your now ready for the "clean" bucket, mitt, etc you designated for the painted surfaces. Again, use plenty of water! Think of the water as your helper when washing the motorcycle. Water washes off loose dirt and provides the initial "lubricant" essential for a clean bike. Do not use a high-pressure washer as the water will be much more likely to work its way into electronics, fork seals, engine seals, gaskets and electrical connections. A garden hose is what you want.Start at the top of the motorcycle and work down. If you accidentally drop your wash mitt on the ground set it aside and get another one. Using the same mitt that has hit the ground will increase the risk of scratching the paint greatly. Take your time and rinse the motorcycle thoroughly. OK, doing great so far. As soon as the wash is done dry your motorcycle . This will prevent water spots. Use the synthetic chamois for this and do not use compressed air to speed the drying process as this can easily force water into bearings, past seals and gaskets and into electrical connections.

Remember to always wear a quality motorcycle helmet and ride baby, ride!