Since people say that washing your motorcycle is an easy task. If you haven’t done it yourself, you might overdo it and make mistakes that can damage their motorcycles. Here are some of the mistakes you should avoid when washing your bike:
Hot engine motorcycle
Hot metal and cold water are not buddies. Therefore washing your motorcycle with cold water just after riding on it may not be a smart move. When hot metal parts expand, they take some time before cooling down to normal temperature; hence a sudden temperature change can damage the metal parts. The engine block can also crack, damaging the chrome and nickel coating, which is very expensive. Being patient and waiting for the bike to cool is a more comfortable option as it saves you the trouble.
Getting prepared
Washing my bike requires some preparation, just like any other task. It is essential to have all the requirements before I start cleaning the bike. Some of the requirements are adequate water supply and a hose, clean cloth, washing products, leather conditioners, and the right brushes. When cleaning, I like seeing it back to its dealership condition; hence I have to dedicate my time and energy.
Start by cleaning the chain.
Cleaning the chain is one of the most challenging and dirty jobs, especially for the bikes that come with a chain final drive. If you are filthy rich, you can consider replacing the chain from a motorcycle parts dealer instead of cleaning it. Just kidding!
Cleaning the chain is best done before cleaning the rest of the bike. Using some of the best chain cleaners like muc-off biodegradable chain cleaner and wurth chain and brake cleaner as they ensure that your chain lasts longer.
Soaking
It happens after covering a long distance, and you feel like starting your next journey with a clean bike. It is vital to allow the dirt to soak for some time as it helps remove the dead insects that reside on my bike’s shiny surfaces. It is easier to use an insect-removal spray and allow it to soak for a while. The same also applies to a thick mud layer. Making sure that it is soaking wet helps ensure easy removal hence no need to scrub excessively. It is essential to ensure that you don’t soak the gunk in water as it accumulates in certain areas.