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8 Essential Tips to Clean Your Bike

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For a bike enthusiast, a motorbike is the most prized possession. Maintaining and cleaning the bike is a part of a routine and not just left for garage visits. After a long road trip, it is a must to clean your bike to remove all the accumulated dirt. Cleaning and washing a bike is an easy job, anyone can do it by themselves, and you don’t always need to go to a garage. Regular cleaning ensures a long life as it helps in monitoring any damage or wear and tear which may require service. However, cleaning should be done in a proper way using proper cleaning tools so that it doesn’t cost anything later. Like regular maintenance, upgraded bike insurance is also a must to cover your bike against any damage or loss.

Here are some tips to help you in washing your bike

1. Prepare Your Bike:

Never was your bike immediately after a trip or ride. Let the engine cool down first because if you spray water on a hot engine, it may damage certain parts. Also, remove any accessories you are wearing such as a watch or bracelet, it may get ruined due to chemical exposure, and it may also scratch the paint on the bike’s body while cleaning.

Remember: Do not wash in direct sun as the soap and water will get dry quickly even before you rinse, leaving spots that are difficult to remove. Remember to remove any bike accessories that can get damaged with water like GPS, tank bag, etc.

2. Get Cleaning Supplies:

Before you start the cleaning process, make sure you have all the cleaning supplies. The best thing to do would be to prepare a list of supplies you will need and check with what you already have beforehand so that you are not short of anything while cleaning. Here is a list of supplies you might need, for quick reference:

● Cleaning solvent for washing

● Bucket

● Microfiber towels

● Clean and dry clothes for wiping and drying

● Clean and dry sponge pieces

● Wheel cleaner solvent and a brush for cleaning wheels

● Leather solvent for cleaning seat fabric

● Grease and Oil cleaner and a toothbrush

● Lubricant

● Gloves for protecting hands

3. Remove the Dust:

First, clean your bike with just water to remove the dust and dirt. Use a pipe hose to remove dirt from mud flaps and wheels, and for the body and other parts use a damp cloth to wipe it clean.

Wash it in an area with tiled or cemented flooring with good drainage, so the dirty water is drained, otherwise, dirty water can get accumulated and will make your bike dirtier. Remember to plug the exhaust before washing so that water doesn’t enter the exhaust.

4. Cleaning the wheels:

It is always good to start from the bottom of the bike. To clean the wheels use a wheel cleaning solution. Spray the solution over the wheels and let it rest for a few minutes. Use a brush to rub the cleaning solution.

Clean the spokes and other hard-to-reach parts. Once you have rubbed the wheel and its parts completely, wash it using a pipe hose to wash away all the dirt. The cleaning solvent is helpful in removing all the dried mud and is also suitable for all kinds of cleaning.

5. Cleaning the chain:

Cleaning the chain is very important because a chain with dirt and grease accumulated on it for a long time may result in the breaking of the chain due to increased friction.

After cleaning with fresh water, apply a cleaning solvent to the chain by moving the chain so that the solution is applied all over the chain. Leave for some time and rub it with a toothbrush. Once the chain is cleaned, wipe with a rag. Apply lubricant using lubricant spray, to avoid spraying on other parts use cardboard behind the chain.

Remember: Apply lubricant in limited quantities only that is enough for chain lubrication, do not over-apply.

6. Cleaning the Body:

Choose the right cleaning product, do not use the detergent you use at home for cleaning. It will damage the paint or chrome. Use automotive shampoos for cleaning your bike.

Use a cloth to apply the shampoo all over the bike’s body and later rinse it with water. Your bike will get its shine back.

7. Drying the Bike:

Drying is very important after washing, if you miss it there will be watermarks all over your bike. Use a microfiber towel to wipe your bike dry, repeat it so that no trace of water is left, leaving a clean and shiny surface.

8. Polishing:

Apply polish to give your bike a glossy finish and make it scratch resistant. For plastic parts, you can use wax to make them look shiny and new.

Note: After washing, drying, and polishing, maintain the shine of your bike by wiping it with a dry cloth after every use. Also, invest in good bike insurance to cover any damage or loss.

Conclusion

A clean, sparkling bike does not only look good but rides well also. Maintain your bike well to enhance its life and performance. With the above tips, you can easily wash your bike yourself, thus saving a lot of money. However, you can save money on cleaning but do not save money on insurance, get comprehensive bike insurance for your priced possession to cover any damage or loss.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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