Motorcycle Detailing: Tips and Tricks!

When is the last time you detailed your motorcycle?

Depending on who you talk to, detailing a motorcycle can mean different things. For some, it’s a quick rinse or a ride in the rain. For others, especially for those whose bikes are highly customized, a full detailing might mean a cleaning that’s more labor intensive. Anyway you look at it, properly cleaning a motorcycle is just as important as cleaning your car. Here are a few tips that we would like to offer if you’re going to take on the task of cleaning your own motorcycle.

First of all…

make sure that your bike’s exhaust and engine are cool. You’ll want to give your bike one good rinse just to make sure any bugs and the big road grime are gone. Be sure you use a proper vehicle cleaner and a good microfiber cloth or wash mitt. If you use a regular sponge, you’ll need to rinse often in clean water. You may also want to use some smaller tools like small brushes, sponges or even cotton swabs to get into the small cracks and crevices of your motorcycle.

Before you rinse off your vehicle, clean the wheels with a proper wheel cleaner. However, be sure you read the labels as some cleaners cannot be used on aluminum, magnesium or powder coated wheels. Once you rinse off your bike you’ll want to get it dry pretty quickly. One great way to get the water off of and out of the small spaces of your bike is by using an air compressor and blowing it dry. You can also use dry microfiber towels or a chamois to dry off your motorcycle. If you’re up to it, you can use a clay bar or pull the tiny impurities out of the paint and then buffing with a clean microfiber towel.

You’re not finished yet…

Don’t leave out the important step of waxing your motorcycle. There are plenty of waxes and creams available that do a pretty good job. Just make sure you apply the wax out of direct sunlight and that the outside temperature isn’t too cold or too hot. Again, you’ll want to make sure that you use clean microfiber towels or applicator pad and only use a small amount of the wax. It tends to go a very long way.

Remember, there are other parts of your bike like instrument panels, switch boxes, wires and grips that are also exposed to the elements. Those parts can end up drying out, turning gray or cracking. You’ll want to make sure those parts are also properly cleaned and protected. You will also want to make sure your exhaust pipe is cleaned as well, but cleaning that is usually a lot more labor intensive. It includes wet sanding and an exhaust cleaner or polish. You can use a tiny bit of detailing spray and small towel on wheel spokes and around the rim. Use wheel wax so that next time you wash your bike, the road grime and brake dust was off easier.

Call Myrtle Beach Detailing!

Of course, giving your motorcycle a proper detailing will take some time and some money. You can avoid the headache and the hassle by letting us detail your motorcycle for you! At Myrtle Beach Detailing, we’ll take care of the dirty work, saving you time and money. Give us a call today to schedule your appointment!