Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a weekend enthusiast, dealing with a Dirty Bike is just part of the experience. From road grime and bug splatters to mud and chain grease, motorcycles can accumulate a lot of mess. But keeping your bike clean isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about maintenance, longevity, and pride in your ride. This guide will walk you through a proven method for effectively cleaning your dirty bike, ensuring it looks its best and stays in top condition.
Why Start Cleaning the Lower Portion of Your Dirty Bike First?
You might be wondering, “Does it really matter where I start cleaning?” The answer is yes, especially when dealing with a genuinely dirty bike. The lower areas of your motorcycle, like the engine, wheels, and undercarriage, typically bear the brunt of the road’s filth. Starting here prevents you from dragging that heavy grime upwards onto already cleaned sections, saving you time and effort in the long run. Think of it as working from the dirtiest to the cleanest areas – a more efficient and logical approach.
Gathering Your Supplies for Cleaning Your Dirty Bike
Before you get started, gather your cleaning arsenal. Having everything at hand will make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll likely need:
- Two Buckets: Essential for the two-bucket cleaning method, separating clean rinse water from dirty wash water.
- Cleaning Solutions for Lower Portions: For tackling tough grime on the lower bike, consider degreasers like Simple Green, Purple Power, or specialized motorcycle cleaners like BMW M/C Wheel Cleaner. These are effective for cutting through grease and road film.
- Wheel Cleaner: A dedicated wheel cleaner is crucial for removing brake dust and stubborn grime from your wheels.
- Car Wash Soap for Upper Portions: Use a quality car wash soap formulated for painted surfaces and delicate materials.
- Hydrogen Peroxide: A fantastic trick for loosening bug splatter before washing.
- Various Brushes: Different brushes are needed for different tasks. Stiffer brushes are great for wheels and engine parts, while softer brushes are ideal for painted surfaces. Consider:
- Detailing brushes for intricate areas.
- A wheel brush for reaching into wheel crevices.
- A long, soft brush for cables and controls.
- Sponges and Mitts: Use a soft sponge or wash mitt for painted areas. Microfiber mitts are particularly gentle.
- Kitchen Scrubber (optional): A kitchen scrubber with a sponge and soft plastic scratcher can be helpful for stubborn spots on non-painted lower parts.
- Drying Tools:
- Air Compressor (optional): Great for blowing water out of crevices.
- Microfiber Towels: Essential for a scratch-free and spot-free finish.
- Leather Cleaner and Conditioner (if applicable): If your bike has leather components, have a leather cleaner and conditioner like Lexol ready for after the wash.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Dirty Bike
Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of cleaning your dirty bike, starting with the lower section:
- Prepare Your Buckets: Fill one bucket with your chosen cleaning solution for the lower portion (e.g., Simple Green, Purple Power, or a mix). Fill the second bucket with clean water for rinsing.
- Tackle the Wheels: Apply wheel cleaner to your wheels and let it dwell for a short period as per the product instructions. Use various brushes to scrub away brake dust and grime. Rinse thoroughly with water from your rinse bucket.
- Clean the Lower Engine and Undercarriage: Apply your chosen degreaser (Purple Power or 407 are mentioned in the original article as examples) to the engine and other unpainted lower parts. Use brushes and a scrubber to agitate and remove dirt. Rinse frequently with water, ensuring you don’t let the cleaning solution dry on the surfaces.
- Prepare for the Upper Bike: Empty and refill one bucket with hot, soapy water using your car wash soap. Keep the other bucket with clean rinse water.
- Bug Removal (Windshield and Fairings): Before wetting the upper parts, spray hydrogen peroxide on bug splatters, especially on the windshield and fairings. Let it bubble and loosen the bugs for easier removal.
- Wash the Upper Painted and Windshield Areas: Using a clean sponge or microfiber mitt dipped in your soapy water, gently wash the painted surfaces and windshield. Start with the windshield, as it often accumulates bugs and grime. Rinse frequently with clean water. Use a long, soft brush to clean around cables, lines, and controls where bulkier items can’t reach.
- Final Rinse: Give the entire bike a final rinse with clean water to remove any remaining soap residue.
- Drying: Use an air compressor to blow off excess water, especially from hard-to-reach areas. Follow up with microfiber towels to dry all surfaces thoroughly, preventing water spots.
- Ride and Final Dry: Take your bike for a short ride. The airflow will help dry the brakes and force out any remaining water from hidden areas. Plus, it’s a great excuse to enjoy your freshly cleaned machine!
- Leather Care (if applicable): Once the bike is dry, apply leather cleaner and conditioner to any leather parts to keep them supple and protected.
Conclusion: Ride Proud with a Clean Bike
Cleaning your dirty bike might seem like a chore, but it’s a rewarding process that keeps your motorcycle looking great and helps you connect with your machine. By following these steps and starting with the lower portion, you’ll be cleaning more efficiently and effectively. So, get out there, get your bike dirty, and then enjoy the satisfaction of bringing it back to a sparkling shine! Happy riding!
