Like any motorcyclist, you’ll want to keep your bike in tip-top shape, especially when riding season begins. However, there are a few areas of motorcycle cleaning that sometimes go overlooked. To help you keep things in running order, here are some tips for the next time you clean your bike…
Motorcycle Cleaning: Keep Things In Shape
Proper storage is key
Before getting into motorcycle cleaning proper, you first should make sure your bike is stored properly. Rain, car exhaust, and UV lights are just some of the things that can mess up a bike’s paint job. If you can, store it someplace safe like your garage. If inside storage isn’t an option, your next best bet is getting a high-quality bike cover. This will also protect your bike’s wiring from any outside moisture.
Polishing procedure
Polishing your chrome and paint job is another key part of motorcycle cleaning. However, it’s also a bit of a double-edged sword. The same stuff that makes it shine also works to wear at the finish. That’s why you’ll have to manage your polishing and waxing. Polishing once a month and then applying a high-quality wax can give you the best balance between shine and protection.
Protect your tires
More often than not, a set of tires can last quite a long time. Still, that doesn’t mean they should be overlooked in your motorcycle cleaning routine. The sidewalls of tires are quite susceptible to UV light, which is the main cause of sidewall rot. Applying a good cleaner as well as a tire dressing can keep your tires in great shape.
Leather cleaning
Keeping the leather on your seat well-cleaned is important to help it keep its shape and quality. Thankfully, it’s also quite easy to do. Any kind of leather cleaner will be effective in getting your seat cleaned up. This is also true for saddlebags as well, and you can even have those dry cleaned for added longevity. Applying treatments after a cleaning can also help in regards to waterproofing your leather.
Bike cleaning is something that can get overlooked, especially by newer riders. To get the most out of your bike, and to keep it safe for future rides, it’s important to make sure your bike is clean and ready for the road ahead. Make sure to be aware of any special cleaning changes that come with the wintertime as well.