Detailing a Motorcycle Without Causing Problems

A motorcycle has more finished surface area relative to its size than a car and far less tolerance for careless water.

What water must not reach

• The exhaust outlet, particularly when hot or cooling.
• Wheel and steering head bearings, where forced water displaces grease.
• Electrical connectors, the ignition switch and the instrument cluster.
• The chain, which loses lubricant and then rusts.
• Air intake and airbox.

No pressure washer, ever. Low-pressure rinse and hand work is the whole method.

Materials, all different

A bike carries painted panels, bare and anodised aluminium, chrome, stainless, plastic, rubber and frequently leather in one place — each wanting something different.

• Chrome wants a dedicated polish, not an abrasive.
• Anodised aluminium is damaged by strong alkalines and acids. Wheel cleaner intended for cars can permanently stain it.
• Matte and satin finishes must never be polished or waxed with a gloss product.
• Painted plastics scratch more readily than a car's steel panels.

The sequence

1. Cool bike, chain covered.
2. Pre-rinse at low pressure.
3. Wheels and lower areas first, with appropriate product for the finish.
4. Bodywork by hand, two buckets, clean mitt.
5. Rinse, then dry thoroughly with a blower — a bike holds water in far more places than a car.
6. Chain cleaned and re-lubricated, since it will have lost some.
7. Metal polishing where appropriate.
8. Protection on paint, and a plastic protectant on trim.

After

Ride it briefly to dry the brakes and displace remaining water from crevices. Then check the chain lubrication again.

We detail bikes as well as cars. Call (863) 529-4370.