How to Clean a Motorcycle

It might be fun to think about riding your motorcycle through a car wash, but realistically that wouldn’t be the smartest thing to do! Our team at J&L Harley-Davidson® understands the importance of keeping your motorcycle clean and in top condition, so we’ve put together a quick cleaning guide for you. 

1. Select the Right Location

When you’re gearing up to wash your bike, it’s actually very important to choose the right location. You want somewhere with good drainage options that is also away from direct sunlight. You don’t want the products you use to runoff into someone else’s yard or into the water supply and direct sunlight can leave soap spots on the body of your bike! 

2. Select the Right Products

Once you’ve found the right location, you’ll want to then choose the correct products. You can refer to your owner’s manual to find the perfect cleaning solutions for your specific model, or you ask one of our team members what they recommend! 

You’ll need a cleaning product, wax, polish, and cleaning supplies to get the job done. 

3. Rinse First

After gathering all of your supplies, you’ll start by rinsing your motorcycle very well. Avoid using a power washer, though, because that can damage your paint! A standard garden hose and nozzle will work just fine. 

4. Scrub Away! 

After the initial rinse, you can use your cleaning product to scrub away any caked on debris and grime. Remember to scrub the underside of your motorcycle and the exhaust. 

From there, you’ll dry, wax, and polish your bike. 

Cleaning your motorcycle doesn't have to be a difficult task, but it’s important to do it well! Visit us in Sioux Falls, SD, to view our inventory and stock up on the parts you need. We proudly serve the Watertown and Brookings areas.