How To Wash a Motorcycle

A consistent wash schedule for your motorcycle will keep it looking social media ready, as well as keep its parts in healthy shape. It doesn’t need a wash every single day (though it won’t hurt), but regular care will keep it in tip-top order. 

Unlike cars that primarily keep their parts tucked away and hidden from the elements, motorcycles leave many mechanical parts exposed to the road’s detrimental typhoon of filth. So although the process of washing a car is similar to the process of washing a motorcycle, there are small differences that require special attention.

Nobody else is lining up to clean your motorcycle, so it’s up to you to protect your investment for the duration of its life. The Drive’s crack informational team is here to show you how to get the job done. 

Let’s get it.

Estimated Time Needed: Half-hour

Skill Level: Beginner

Vehicle System: Exterior

Washing a motorcycle is a simple, low-risk task, but cleaning products could be toxic. Be sure not to get any soaps, waxes, shines, detailers, or grime in your eyes, mouth, or open wounds. Wear gloves if you want to keep your hands clean from the chemicals.

Using the wrong items, such as a dishtowel or dish soap to clean your bike could damage the paint. And there are thousands of different cleaning options, each of which has a different mission, uses different chemicals, should be applied differently, and reacts uniquely to various materials. Always read the instructions on the cleaners you’re using. 

As for what’s needed, a few cheap purchases, some of which you’ll only have to buy once, will greatly upgrade the effectiveness of your next wash. Here’s what you need:

Organizing your tools and gear so everything is easily reachable for your motorcycle's wash, will save precious minutes waiting for your handy-dandy child or four-legged helper to bring you the sandpaper or blowtorch. (You won't need a blowtorch for this job. Please don’t have your kid hand you a blowtorch—Ed.)

Related post: Best Motorcycle Windshield Cleaners

You’ll also need a flat workspace if you want to wash your motorcycle properly, such as a garage floor, driveway, or street parking that’s also well-ventilated. Check your local laws to make sure you’re not violating any codes when using the street because we aren’t getting your ride out of the clink.

The two-bucket method aims to reduce the amount of dirt and grime in your wash mitt that could potentially damage a vehicle’s paint. One bucket is filled with plain water for rinsing, while the other is mixed with soap. At the start, rinse the mitt with the hose and in the plain water bucket. Then dip it in the soapy water and start washing the vehicle. 

Once that section is complete, thoroughly rinse the dirty mitt in the plain water before once again dipping the mitt in the soapy water. The hope is that most of the dirt falls to the bottom of the buckets and is trapped by the guards. If the vehicle is extra dirty, it’s never a bad idea to dump out dirty water mid-wash and replace it with fresh clean water.

Now, let’s do this! 

Many motorcycles are driven by a chain, and it's crucial to keep these chains clean and lubricated. Regular plain chains and sealed chains, those with o-rings included into the chain design, require slightly different care, but both can be cleaned with motorcycle chain cleaner and kerosene. Make sure the bike is turned off, and let's walk through the process.

*There is an endless variety of chain lubricants out there, and everybody has their own personal favorites. To determine what you need, read your motorcycle manual for the suggested type of lubricant and how to apply it.

Great work, you're ready to ride.

For any specialty motorcycle equipment and chain maintenance needs, visit our fanatic friends at RevZilla.

The Drive recognizes that while our How-To guides are detailed and easily followed, a rusty bolt, an engine component not in the correct position, or oil leaking everywhere can derail a project. That’s why we’ve partnered with JustAnswer, which connects you to certified mechanics around the globe, to get you through even the toughest jobs. 

So if you have a question or are stuck, click here and talk to a mechanic near you. 

The Drive’s editors have washed countless rides over the years, and we’ve picked up a handful of pro tips along the way. Check these out. 

As a general rule of thumb, it’s important to wash your motorcycle at least every two weeks. Obsessives will do it every week, or sometimes more frequently. Additionally, irregular dirt such as road salt and bug guts require immediate attention to prevent paint or metal damage. Here are a number of common reasons to wash your bike more often.

We always recommend hand-washing a motorcycle, and affordable wash kits are available for less than $25. More professional products can cost more than $100 in total.

Once a motorcycle is washed, there are several ways to elevate its cleanliness, smoothness, and shine. To give you that extra sparkle, follow The Drive’s other detailing and cleaning guides to add protection and gloss to your ride:

Turtle Wax Ultimate Car Care Kit

Mothers California Gold Carnauba Wash & Wax

Chemical Guys Bug & Tar Heavy Duty Car Wash Shampoo

Got a question? Got a pro tip? Send us a note: guidesandgear@thedrive.com