Washing Your Harley-Davidson® Motorcycle
As time goes on, your Harley-Davidson motorcycle will inevitably need a good wash. After all, your bike takes on all kinds of rough conditions on the road. It battles dust, mud, water, debris, and other elements while you enjoy your ride. Unfortunately, you can’t just ride your motorcycle through the car wash. You’ll need to wash your bike by hand with extra care since many parts are exposed.
Your friends at Bartels’ Harley-Davidson have put together a short guide to help you get started with washing your motorcycle. If you need assistance with any repairs, or if you’re interested in exploring our wide selection of Harley-Davidson motorcycles for sale, get in touch with us at our dealership in Marina Del Rey, California.
Gather your Supplies
To properly wash your motorcycle, you'll need to find a spot that provides enough space for you, your supplies, and your bike. If you attempt to clean in a tight space, you'll be unable to fully get at each nook and cranny. Once you’re ready, gather all your cleaning supplies. There are several options for cleaners, so make sure to choose something that’s suitable for your particular motorcycle. You should have some sponges handy for removing stubborn grime, brushes for cleaning spoked wheels, a chamois for drying, and a microfiber cloth for the final touches.
Hose Down the Bike
Before you lather up your bike, make sure you block the exhaust with a rag, glove, or rubber plug. The main goal is to keep water out of the pipe, especially for bikes that have an exhaust that’s angled in such a way that water can easily pool up inside during the washing process.
Next, spray your machine with a combination of water and a motorcycle cleaner. This will help loosen any caked-on grime before you start washing. When you start to wash your bike, remember that less friction is better. The harder you scrub, the more likely it is that you’ll drag some dirt across your bike’s finish. When you rinse, be careful about the water pressure. It may seem appealing to use a high-power wash to speed up the task, but the intensity of that water flow can hurt your motorcycle's paint, so stick with a gentler, standard hose.
Scrubbing
The next step is to apply some soap to your sponge or brush and kneel by your bike to scrub it thoroughly. Start at the top of the bike and work your way down so that you won’t have to make multiple passes. Always make sure you’re using the right amount of chemicals for the surface you’re applying them to. Clean and rinse your sponge as you go so you can get rid of any dirt you picked up. It’s also a good idea to change out your bucket if it gets really dirty. It’s a tedious task, but do your best to avoid getting soap and water on your bike’s brakes and chain. At the very least, make it a point not to scrub those parts vigorously.
Rinse and Dry
When you’re lathering up your bike, don’t let it sit too long before you rinse it off. Streaks that get left behind are caused by dry soap, so work at a consistent pace. You’ll want to get rid of any residue, so don’t waste time and be sure to do a thorough job. Water can eventually cause corrosion if it’s left in tiny crevices. This is an excellent time to pull out your microfiber towel or chamois. With bikes, you simply can’t get away with taking it for a ride and hoping it will air dry on its own.
Final Touches
Now that your Harley-Davidson motorcycle is nice and dry, it’s time to add some final touches. Apply some lubricant to your bike chain since the soap and water have most likely washed some of it away. A good waxing can help protect your bike’s finish and give it a wonderful shine!
Take a bit of extra time to give your Harley-Davidson motorcycle some TLC in the form of a thorough wash. You’ll have a clean bike to be proud of, and you’ll do your part of keeping up with regular maintenance while you’re at it. For more tips, or if you’re in need of service, contact Bartels’ Harley-Davidson in Marina Del Rey, CA. We proudly serve all those in Malibu and Santa Monica.