Washing your motorbike: How to clean your bike properly

You should wash and clean your motorbike regularly. Before you start caring for your gem, there are a few things you should know in advance about the right way to do it.

Washing and cleaning your motorbike: Choosing the Right Place

A well-maintained bike is the adornment of every proud motorcyclist. But not everywhere is allowed to wash the beloved two-wheeler. Therefore, consider the following points before washing your motorbike on your own property.

• Where a motorbike may be washed is regulated by the Water Resources Act (WHG). This is prohibited in water protection areas and on unpaved roads.

• Violations are punished as an administrative offence and can be punished with hefty fines of up to 50,000 euros.

• Vehicle washing is permitted on private property under certain circumstances if there is a connection to the public sewer system. Oil and chemicals must not be allowed to enter groundwater.

• If you are allowed to wash your motorbike at home, it is best to ask your local municipality.

• You are on the safe side legally at public washing places. For little money, you can give your bike a new shine. Make sure that the engine has cooled down before washing it.

Washing a motorbike: how to do it right

When washing your motorbike, here’s how you should do it:

• Start with a professional pre-cleaner that you spray on the motorbike and let it soak in. This makes it easier to remove stubborn dirt.

• After the specified exposure time, take a sponge and a bucket of water as hot as possible and wash your bike thoroughly with gentle pressure.

• Insect residue often sticks to the windscreen and headlights in particular and is difficult to remove. An insect remover from a specialist dealer can help.

• There are also special insect sponges whose rough texture removes insects without attacking the surface of the motorbike.
• Finally, rinse the entire motorbike thoroughly. Make sure that no cleaning agent residue remains.

• When using high pressure jets, be careful not to point the nozzle directly at the bearings. Otherwise the bearing grease could be forced out.

• Use a lint-free cloth or chamois leather to polish your two-wheeler. Dry everything off and then apply special care products to the seat and plastic parts to ensure a long life.

• You can also take this opportunity to clean and grease the chain. The chain grease should not get on the rims and tyres, as it leaves an unsightly film of grease there.

• It is therefore best to apply the grease to the inside of the chain. It will last longer there than on the outside, where it will be worn off more quickly by mechanical action.