How to clean your motorcycle

In this article, I'm breaking down the key steps and recommended products for giving your two-wheeled beauty the thorough clean it deserves. We'll cover everything from the basic wash to the more intricate parts of cleaning your motorbike. Trust me, your motorcycle has a lot of moving parts that need proper care to keep it ready for action. So, let's roll up our sleeves and get started!

Step 1: Gather Your Cleaning Arsenal

Before we dive in, let's make sure we've got all our gear ready. Here's what you'll need:

Bucket and hose (if available): For rinsing and holding your cleaning solution.
Sponge with soft and abrasive sides: Perfect for tackling different surfaces.
Microfiber cloths: These are gentle on your bike's finish and great for drying.
Motorcycle-specific cleaner: Look for a biodegradable product that's safe for all parts of your bike.
Protective gloves: Trust me, your skin will thank you for this!
Specialty products: Brake cleaner, engine parts cleaner, and chain cleaner.
Chain cleaning brush: A three-sided brush makes chain cleaning a breeze.
Remember, always check product labels for instructions.

Step 2: Prepare Your Bike for Washing

Now that we've got our supplies, let's get that bike ready for its spa day:

Find the perfect spot: Move your motorcycle to a suitable cleaning area. Ideally, you want a flat surface with good drainage.
Cool it down: Make sure your engine is cool before you start. Water on a hot engine can cause damage and steam burns are no joke!
Protect sensitive areas: Cover up that exhaust pipe to keep water out. You can buy special plugs for this, or in a pinch, a plastic bag and rubber band can do the trick.
Step 3: Initial Rinse and Apply Cleaner
Time to get that bike wet:

Give it a quick shower: Use your hose or a bucket to wet all surfaces. This helps the cleaner work more effectively.
Apply that magic potion: Spray your motorcycle-specific cleaner generously over the entire bike. Don't be shy - get it into all those nooks and crannies.
Let it sit: Give that cleaner 2-3 minutes to work its magic. This is the perfect time to get your warm water bucket ready for the next step.
Step 4: Scrub and Clean the Exterior
Roll up your sleeves, it's scrubbing time:

Get scrubbing: Use your sponge and warm water to methodically work your way around the bike. The warm water helps activate the cleaner and lift off that stubborn grime.
Cover all bases: Pay attention to all surfaces - plastics, metal, tires, and engine components.
Be gentle: Around sensitive areas like the exhaust, take extra care. We want to clean, not damage.
Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly
Let's get all that soap off:

Rinse, rinse, rinse: Use clean water to wash away all soap residue. If you have a hose, great! If not, clean buckets of water will do the trick.
Be thorough: Make sure you haven't left any cleaner behind. Dried-on soap can leave nasty residues.
Step 6: Clean Specific Parts
Now for the detail work:

Brakes:

I'm using A9 Racing Oils brake cleaner here - it's a fantastic product that really gets the job done. Spray it generously on your brake discs and pads. Remember, this cleaner is pretty powerful stuff, so make sure you've got those gloves on to protect your hands.
To ensure you get full coverage, give your wheel a slow spin while you're applying the cleaner. This way, you'll reach every part of the disc and get into all those hard-to-reach spots between the pads.
If you've been working on your brakes, like bleeding them or changing brake fluid, it's a good idea to use this cleaner on any areas where brake fluid might have spilled. Remember, brake fluid can be corrosive, so giving those spots a thorough spray with the A9 cleaner helps protect your bike's finish.
Engine and metal parts:

For this step, I'm using the A9 Racing Oils Engine Parts Cleaner. It's specially formulated to tackle the tough grime that builds up on your engine and other metal components.
Spray the A9 cleaner generously on the engine parts and other metal areas that need cleaning. The bottle's instructions recommend letting it work for about 30 seconds. This short wait allows the powerful formula to break down that stubborn dirt and grease effectively.
After the 30 seconds are up, take a clean microfiber cloth and wipe away the dirt. You'll be amazed at how easily it comes off!
Chain:

Now for the chain, we're going to use the A9 Racing Oils Chain Cleaner. This product is specifically designed to tackle the tough grease and grime that builds up on motorcycle chains.
Apply the A9 Chain Cleaner generously along the entire length of your chain. Make sure you get good coverage all around.
Next, grab a special three-way proworks chain brush. This is where the magic happens! The unique design of this brush allows you to clean three sides of the chain links in one go. Work the brush along the chain, really getting into all the nooks and crannies.
Once you've given it a good scrub, use a clean cloth to wipe down the chain thoroughly.
After cleaning, it's crucial to re-lubricate your chain. While the A9 Chain Cleaner does an excellent job of cleaning, it also removes the existing lubricant. A clean, well-lubricated chain is essential for smooth operation and longevity.