I swear that motorcycles know when they’re dirty. Perhaps it’s my imagination, but they seem to perform better after a good clean and polish.
Are they saying thank you?
Cleaning isn’t just for looks. Motorcycles will last longer when dirt and grime don’t corrode parts or deteriorate bodywork.
A clean and well-maintained bike will also hold its resale value.
Muc-Off Brush Set
Simple and Cheap
Sometimes you just need to access those hard-to-get-to areas where the real grease and grime sit.
The Muc Off 5 x Brush Set will reach those areas without damaging the surfaces.
Reviews
Let’s have a look at our top five products.
S100 Motorcycle Gel Cleaner 1 litre
A big concern when cleaning your motorcycle is gaining access to those tricky areas and avoiding damage with aggressive brushing or wiping.
This unique gel formula may be the solution.
Check Prices on SportsBikeShop
The SDoc 100’s adhesive properties allow it to stick to the surfaces and work on the dirt. Other more liquid-based sprays may run off before they have a chance to make an impact.
Unlike more specific sprays or gels, the SDoc 100 is kind to the more sensitive areas and hence suitable for cleaning almost the whole bike.
Pros
Active degreaser formula- Dries without leaving a residue
Active degreaser formulaCons
- More expensive than other brands
- Just a 1 litre bottle. May not give many cleans
More expensive than other brandsMotul M1 Helmet & Visor Cleaner – 250ml
The Motul M1 helmet and visor cleaner isn’t a big bottle, but with accurate and effective use, it’ll do the job of cleaning and shining very nicely.
Besides, we’re not cleaning a whole bike here, just the helmet shell and visor.
Check Prices on SportsBikeShop
The size is an advantage when keeping the bottle in a pocket or small pouch. Just whip it out, spray your helmet and then put it back again… nice and easy.
Despite being a spray, it has a decent viscosity, ensuring that the liquid doesn’t run away when applied.
Pros
- Gives a streak-free shine
- Compact and easy to use
- Smells good!
Cons
- Small bottle may not be ideal for heavy and frequent use
Muc-Off 5 x Brush Set
Separating cloths and brushes helps avoid greasy or oily substances from dirtying your motorcycle’s more sensitive areas such as paintwork.
Check Prices on SportsBikeShop
This collection of five brushes allows that separation and greatly enhances access to those difficult to reach locations.
The Soft Washing Brush with large-sized head for cleaning bike frame and external components.
The Detailing Brush is a more brutal brush for those challenging to reach sprockets, hubs, suspension mounts, and fork crowns.
The Claw Brush is a three-headed brush primarily used for accessing all sides of the chain.
The Wheel and Component Brush covers all areas of the wheel, such as tyres, rims, spokes and centre.
The Two Prong Brush is a good all-rounder for hard-to-shift caked in dirt in otherwise inaccessible locations.
Pros
- Rubberised impact zones
- Easy to use and store
- Durable nylon bristles
Cons
- A little ‘brush management’ is required
Silkolene – Fuchs Wash Off
Fuchs Wash Off is a very easy-to-use cleaner spray for any type of motorcycle.
Check Prices on SportsBikeShop
Whether applied to plastics or metals, you just spray it on, wait a few minutes and then wash it off with a fresh water hosing.
The Fuchs composite detergents allow safe use on unprotected aluminium, making it ideal for most areas of your bike. Not quite a one-stop-shop but very close and will leave your bike in near-showroom condition.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Good price
- 1 litre bottle
Cons
- Effective but deep grime may need some additional help to remove
Muc-Off Miracle Shine Polish – 500ml
Finally, after all the spraying and brushing, you can give your bike a polish and shine.
Check Prices on SportsBikeShop
Muc-Off Miracle Shine both polishes and protects through its unique blend of waxes. The Fluoro Polymer Technology provides resistance to water and contaminants, keeping grime and heavy dirt at bay.
The advantage to you is a longer lasting shine between washes. Rainwater slides off the wax layer, leaving your paintwork looking like new.
Pros
- Contains 3 separate waxes including Carnauba wax
- Good price
- Half litre bottle
Cons
- Slightly runnier than some polishing liquid
How To Clean Your Motorcycle
Step 1
Do all the washing and shampooing stuff first. That takes away the surface dirt, mud, or grime. It’s hard to polish a bike that’s already caked in dirt.
The heavy-duty dirt removal from chains, sprockets, spokes and wheels should also come before more sensitive cleaning and polishing.
- Start by hosing your bike down (with an ordinary garden hose) from top to bottom to loosen any dirt or bugs that have accumulated. Rinse several times if necessary to soften up any debris before cleaning
Step 2
- Use a recommended cleaning agent (reviews below) in line with the instructions. This may be a spray or you may need to add it to a bucket of water
- Wash your bike from top to bottom using a soft cloth or special brushes (see below). Sponges can pick up grit or dirt that could scratch your bike.
- Cleaning mitts or microfibre cloths may be a better option but ensure these are rinsed clean regularly so they remain free of dirt (you could utilise the 2 bucket method to avoid this (one specifically for rinsing)
- Use brushes to remove stubborn dirt and dust that gathers in wheels or other cracks and crannies. A toothbrush or bottle brush is useful for this
- Once your bike is thoroughly clean, hose down with clean water until there are no further traces of cleaning products
Step 3
- Let most of the water run off your bike, then dry it thoroughly with a good quality chamois leather or soft microfibre cloth, making sure water isn’t pooling in places that are hard to get to
- If the water runs off in sheets rather than beading, it could probably do with a polish and/or wax. Use a polish recommended by your manufacturer and follow their instructions for use
- Treat your saddle and leather accessories with products recommended by your bike’s manufacturer
- N.B. Keep an eye on the condition of your motorcycle chain and oil if necessary, and remember never to apply any treatment to the tread of your motorcycle tires.
A few Dos and Don’ts
- Allow your bike engine to cool before cleaning to avoid cracking the engine, damaging the chrome, or leaving streaks and spotting on the bodywork
- Always use cleaning products recommended by your bike’s manufacturer
- Wash your bike in the shade. Quick-drying in the sun can cause spotting and streaking (consider buying a motorcycle dryer if you want that showroom finish)
- Avoid pressure washers because they can damage the paintwork, electrical connections, etc
- Do not use washing-up liquid because it contains salt and can cause corrosion
- Remove watches, rings, belts with metal buckles, etc. before cleaning to avoid scratching the paintwork
The right materials
Use the right materials for each job. Here’s a list of items regularly included in a biker’s cleaning box:
- Helmet & Visor spray – See our guide to cleaning your motorcycle helmet
- Wax Cream
- Polishing Cream
- Leather treatment spray
- Shampoo liquid
- Chrome cleaner
- Windshield spray
- Brushes and cloths
- Chain spray – See our guide to the best chain cleaners and lubricants
After all the cleaning and polishing work has been done then take the bike for a careful ride. Chances are that a few water pockets exist.
A light ride will flush them out and also allow the brakes to be tested at low speeds. It’s possible that cleaning material or water may have entered the system and softened them out.
Conclusion
Cleaning a bike thoroughly offers a great opportunity to inspect the bike.
This attention to detail allows you a close look at each area where you can spot if anything is out of place or doesn’t look quite right.
A tidy desk is a tidy mind, goes the expression. A clean and polished motorcycle also says a lot about how we regard our bikes.
Cleaning a bike can also be fun or even meditative. So, with a mug of coffee, some peace, and quiet or background music, immerse yourself in the art of motorcycle cleaning and polishing.
When it’s all done, stand back and admire your work. You might even want to ride your bike too!
Safe and happy riding to all.
Recommended Reading: