Keeping Your Harley-Davidson® Motorcycle Clean

After a summer of riding, your motorcycle might be looking a little dusty and dirty. Now’s a good time to wash it before the leaves turn and it’ll be time to consider putting your bike in storage for the winter. Even if you like to ride your Harley-Davidson® motorcycle all year long, washing your bike periodically can keep it looking pristine and also improve performance and longevity. That’s why St. Charles Harley-Davidson has provided some tips for washing your motorcycle. If you need additional help, stop by our location in St. Charles, Missouri, serving St. Peters.

Gathering Your Supplies

Before you get started, you’ll want to gather all the supplies you need. It can be a lot easier to do this ahead of time, instead of stopping in the middle of your work to hunt down a rag or run to the store for cleaning products. This should include rags and brushes, cloths for drying, and a microfiber cloth and chamois for finishing touches.

You’ll also want to choose the right cleaning detergent. You’ll want something gentle that won’t damage the bike, but will be tough on dirt and grime. Luckily, your local Harley-Davidson® dealer might sell products specifically for this task. Finally, plug the exhaust using a rubber plug, rag, or glove, to prevent water from pooling inside.

Where to Wash

The spot you choose to wash your bike is also important. Avoid too much sun, as this can cause the soap and water to air-dry too fast, leaving unsightly streaks. Make sure you have plenty of room to work and that the bike itself is cool enough to wash without worrying about damaging any parts.

Hose Down the Bike

Now it’s time to get started. Hose down the bike completely, focusing on areas where the dirt and grime seem particularly stuck on. Keep in mind, if you’re using spray cleaners, you’ll want to start with a dry bike. If you have the option, choose a spray that offers more water pressure, instead of less. Even at higher pressures, the average garden hose shouldn’t damage your bike.

Scrubbing the Motorcycle

As you scrub your bike, you’ll want to keep everything fairly wet. If you notice the section you want to scrub has dried, hose it down before starting again. Start at the top and work your way down so as not to dirty spots you’ve already cleaned. Rinse your sponge or cloth fairly often to keep it clean, and try to avoid dousing things like chains and brakes. A little water is okay, but they don’t need the same type of cleaning the rest of the bike does.

Rinse and Dry

You’ll want to rinse as you go to avoid dried-on soap scum. Once you’re finished washing, give the entire bike one final rinse before drying with a cloth or chamois. We don’t recommend letting your bike air-dry, since this can lead to streaky finishes. If there are hard-to-reach areas that you can’t quite get to, you can always get a hair dryer or compressed air canister to finish the job.

Finishing Touches

There are some finishing touches you can add to your bike, including lubricating parts like the chain. A good wax and polish can always help keep your Harley-Davidson® motorcycle healthy, although polishing can be more complicated, so if you don’t have experience, you might want to ask a professional for help.

Now your motorcycle is spic and span and ready for whatever your next riding chapter may hold. Then again, the only way you can wash a bike is by first getting a bike. If you’re still looking for the right set of wheels, stop by St. Charles Harley-Davidson to check out our Harley-Davidson® motorcycles for sale near St. Louis and St. Peters, Missouri.