Motorcycle Washing: Tips and Precautions
Although the roads in Bangladesh are moderately suitable for riding motorcycles, the polluted environment is not good for either bikes or bikers. The amount of dust and sand on the roads in Dhaka and other urban areas is very high, which is harmful to bike engines. Furthermore, it is quite difficult to keep a bike clean in an environment with monsoon mud, potholes, and vehicle smoke. In short, no matter how clean you are, if you ride a motorcycle on the roads of our country; whether it's winter, summer, or monsoon, the bike will get somewhat dirty. If the bike is not washed regularly, various problems can arise in its different parts. Vehicle smoke and dust usually float in the air, so when you go out with your bike, some dust will inevitably stick to the bike's engine and other parts. This dust is extremely harmful to the bike's engine and some other parts. Therefore, to keep your bike clean from mud, dust, and vehicle smoke, it needs to be washed occasionally. You should wash your bike at least once a week. This will keep your bike looking new, prevent rust, and ensure it remains usable for a long time. Always remember that bikes should not be washed with soap or detergent. There is a type of wash gel available in the market for cleaning bikes, and using this gel will keep your bike shiny and clean.
This blog elaborates on the rules for washing motorcycles. Here you will learn how you can clean your bike yourself, along with some common methods for washing bikes.
Generally, before washing your bike, check if there is mud on it. If so, spray water to clean it. Then, mix a good quality washing liquid in a bucket and clean it with a clean cloth or a brush. If there is dust instead of mud, wipe it off first with a cotton cloth.
There are no fixed rules for washing bikes, but since it's a mechanical vehicle, it's good to know some methods. Many people don't have time to clean their bikes themselves due to busy work schedules; they should get their bikes washed and serviced regularly at a good quality bike wash center.
Keeping anything in good condition depends on how much care and importance you give to it. Anything stays good if taken care of. Those who are very passionate about bikes usually clean their bikes themselves. Most importantly, a clean bike reflects the biker's personality and taste.
When cleaning your motorcycle yourself, keep a few things in mind. Here, we discuss and advise on motorcycle washing rules, tips, and some related precautions. Follow these tips to keep your bike fit and pristine for a long time.
Motorcycle Washing Rules
First Step – Keep everything you need for washing the bike at hand
Prepare the cleaning items. Such as - a bucket for water, washing gel/shampoo or a good cleaner, tar cleaner, engine cleaner, a brush for cleaning wheels, tire cleaner, WD40, gloves, cotton sponge, and a good cloth for wiping.
Do not use ordinary soap or detergent when washing the bike. Instead, use wash gel/shampoo. Use soft, spongy foam when cleaning the bike. Because using a hard cloth can damage the paint.
Second Step – Choose a sloped area
Choose a slightly elevated area for washing the bike so that water can drain away. Do not clean the motorcycle immediately after driving; give the engine time to cool down. Do not wash the bike in direct sunlight because the heat will cause the gel/shampoo to dry on the bike's surface. Place the bike on its double stand, and slowly wet the entire bike with water. Pay special attention to spraying water thoroughly on the engine, under the engine, mudguard, and under the exhaust pipe. Once the dirt softens, scrub it off with a brush.
Third Step – Mix the washing gel/shampoo
Take the required amount of water in a bucket and mix the washing gel/shampoo thoroughly. Apply the mixed gel/shampoo water well over the entire bike using a sponge foam. Use a brush on the engine and wire joints. After waiting for a while, slowly scrub and clean the entire bike with a soft cotton cloth. Use a brush on the engine, wire joint areas, and mudguard areas, then spray water. After that, spray water with full pressure over the entire bike to wash it off. Check if there is mud on the rear part of the bike, under the engine. Wait for some more time; once the water drains, wipe the entire bike with a dry, soft cloth. Make sure no water remains on the engine or wire joints, as this can cause rust.
Use a hard brush when cleaning the wheels. Dirt accumulates and hardens on the wheels, the underside of the bike, and brake parts. So, first, wet them with water to soften them. Then, you can clean the sprocket, swingarm, mudguard, and other lower parts using a power spray.
Fourth Step – Use sponges, rags, polish, and brushes correctly
Different parts of a bike are assembled in various ways. For this reason, sponges, rags, polish, and brushes must be used separately when washing the bike. Use a wet soft cloth before washing, a sponge during washing, and a dry soft cloth after washing. Do not use a sponge when cleaning grease. Use separate cloths and brushes for cleaning wheels and the engine.
For cleaning the bike's upper surfaces, such as the gas tank, chamber, fenders, seating space, fairings, and overall painted surfaces, use washing liquid/gel. You can use warm water in these areas, and always use a clean cloth for wiping. On the other hand, use chrome polish for cleaning chrome parts and painted surfaces. Various liquids for cleaning bikes, gels to increase shine, and oils to keep wheel-engine joints smooth are available in the market. These are quite effective for bike washing and make the bike look shiny.
Fifth Step – Using WD40
WD40 is a widely used lubricant that is used as a degreaser and to remove rust. It is used to clean dirt and grease stuck in carpeting or seats. It helps remove grease from fenders, rearview mirrors, and various parts. It maintains rubber items, such as seating space and tires, and prevents cracking.
For proper cleaning of excessive grease, WD40 should be used, not water. If engine cables, levers, and other sensitive areas are cleaned with water, the bike's natural lubricant starts to degrade. Using WD40 is a good method for relubricating and regreasing them.
Sixth Step – Wipe thoroughly
Many people give importance to washing the bike but do not take wiping thoroughly after washing seriously. If water remains on the engine area and machine parts, it will rust. Even after wiping completely, water might not dry everywhere, so after 10-15 minutes, start the engine and warm it up slightly. This will dry the water with the engine's heat.
Final Step – Lubricate the chain and reattach it
After washing and drying the motorcycle, attention should be given to the chain. The chain is removed and cleaned even before the bike wash, and accumulated dust, dirt, and grease are washed away. By the time the entire bike is washed, the chain dries. Then, the chain needs to be lubricated. Wipe the chain with a little engine oil, then lubricate it. After lubrication, spray lube or wax on the chain. These will prevent grease from accumulating. Subsequently, cleaning the chain will be easier. Never use detergent when washing the chain. You will find good quality lubricants and wax sprays in the market, which will make the chain smooth.
Some Tips While Washing Your Motorcycle
(1) Most dirt accumulates on the engine of a bike, so if you wash, wipe, or spray the engine parts daily, the bike won't need washing or servicing as frequently. This simple task won't take more than 5 minutes of your time.
(2) Use washing liquid/gel or shampoo for washing the bike. Experts advise against using detergents or chemical elements. You can use detergent only for cleaning stubborn dirt on the wheels and some lower parts.
(3) Use a sponge to scrub and clean the bike. Spray on cables and sensitive areas.
(4) The exhaust pipe gets the dirtiest. Shoe marks, greasy dirt, soot, and grease accumulate here, forming a hardened layer of grime. You can use cleansers and degreasers to remove this dirt.
(5) You can wash the entire bike with a powerful water spray gun every week or so. If you don't have a spray gun, a hosepipe can also be used. This task won't take much of your time either. (6) To enhance the bike's shine, use gel/bike shiner cream after washing.
Some Precautions While Washing Your Motorcycle
(1) There is no need to wash your motorcycle every day; doing so can degrade the bike's natural lubricant and shine. Regularly wiping it down and spraying air is better.
(2) Do not park your bike under intense sun heat, as this damages the bike's shine and evaporates fuel. Do not park the bike in a hot place; park it in a shady, relatively cool spot.
(3) Do not use detergents or chemical products to clean the bike's surface; use bike cleaning liquid/shampoo/gel. Do not wash the bike when the engine is hot. (4) Do not wash the chain with detergent or soapy water. This causes rust. Clean it with a spray and then apply lubricant.
(5) Driving the bike in the sun for extended periods can cause discoloration due to solar heat and UV rays. Therefore, use anti-UV gel/polish to maintain the bike's shine.
(6) If the bike's radiator is not cleaned regularly, insects, dust, and dirt accumulate, causing the bike's engine to overheat.
(7) Clean disc brakes and drum brakes carefully. If water accumulates here, it will cause problems with the braking system. (8) Use a water-resistant bike cover. Under no circumstances should you cover the bike while it is wet after washing.
Those who love bikes usually clean their own bikes. They make time for their bikes amidst thousands of busy tasks. Every laborious task involves effort, but when you see a shiny and sparkling bike after a wash, you will forget the effort. All bikers should know some general motorcycle washing rules. Not everyone might have such time, and many want to be more careful about cleanliness and servicing, so they can get their bikes washed from mechanics/servicing centers.
