Washing & Drying

Washing is the process of removing loose dirt, bugs and road film from your bike. A good automotive or bike wash solution provides lubrication to prevent scratching and conditioners to maintain the shine. Don’t use a household detergent to wash you bike, They are far too harsh.

Here are some tips to make washing easier:

1. If your bike has bags or a detachable box, remove them prior to washing. Wash these items separately with a damp towel.

2. Wash the wheels first! Use a good wheel cleaner and a soft tire and wheel brush. I like the OXO brushes.

3. Make sure your bike is cool and, if possible, work in the shade. A hot surface causes the wash and rinse water to evaporate too quickly, increasing the likelihood of water spotting. One trick is to park on a slight incline. This allows rinse water to run off the bike better. Start by thoroughly wetting the motorcycle’s finish with a medium spray of water to remove loose grit and surface dirt.

4. Use a wash shampoo specifically formulated for automotive or motorcycle use. Look for a shampoo containing surface conditioners. My favorite is P21S Bodywork Shampoo. It has conditioners that act as a lubricant to help sand and abrasive grit slide off in the rinse water without scratching. Whatever shampoo or wash you choose, follow the manufacturer's directions for the proper mix ratio. Using too much shampoo is wasteful and may leave a filmy residue.

5. I prefer using Cotton Chenille Pad or Sheepskin Wash Mitt for washing. These tools have a large number of fine filaments that draw dirt and grime away from the surface being cleaned into their internal structure. Typical synthetic (flat sided) sponges and wash clothes can trap dirt, grit, and grime which can scratch your bike's paint and plastic. Another great tool to have for washing is a 1-inch Round Detailing Brush. Use it to get into areas your wash sponge or mitt won’t reach.

6. Start washing from the top down and rinse the bike often. Frequent rinsing is especially important if you are using a wash containing conditioners. While the conditioning oils cushion the paint and minimize abrasion, they are heavier than water and can leave a film if allowed to set.

Tips to make drying easier:

1. I recommend starting your motorcycle as soon as you’re finished washing it. A little warmth helps dry the engine, and the vibration will shake off a good majority of the water. Three to five minutes is more than enough.

2. If you have an air compressor or the Metro Air Force Blaster, use compressed air to blow dry the engine, instruments, brakes and other tight areas. A leaf blower or shop vacuum are good alternatives to an air compressor. I use my Vac N’Blo vacuum with the small nozzle attachment.

3. Use a synthetic drying towel S100 Drying Towel and the Water Sprite are excellent) or a microfiber towel to dry the bodywork, seat and bags. I really like the Big Blue Microfiber Towels, because they don’t leave a trace of water or spots.

4. To renew that just-waxed-shine, spray your bike with a quality detailing spray and wipe it down with a microfiber towel.