How to Clean Your Dirt Bike the Right Way

Each time you take your dirt bike out for an off-road adventure, kicked-up debris finds its way onto the frame. All that gunk does more than just spoil your bike's appearance. Left too long, it can actually start to damage your motorcycle. That's why regular washing is so important. Cleaning your dirt bike isn't tough, but there are a lot of steps to remember. Here at Outdoor Motor Sports & Trailer Sales, we strive to make your life easier. That's why we created this quick guide so you'll never miss a step. For all your dirt bike needs, feel free to give us a call or visit our dealership. We are located in Amsterdam, New York, where we proudly serve all those in Schenectady.

Set Up Your Workspace

To properly clean your dirt bike, you will need a decent amount of space. It should fit your motorcycle, all your supplies, and there should be plenty of room for you to walk around your bike. If you set up shop in a cramped space, you won't be able to get at those hard-to-reach spots, which means your motorcycle won't get as clean.

If possible, try to avoid washing your bike in the sun. The sunlight will speed up the drying process of the soap, which will make it harder to prevent streaks and water spots. Once you pick your location, you'll need to gather up your supplies. You'll want a specialty cleaner and a sponge to get that gunk off. Brushes work well for cleaning spoked wheels. Cloth, flannel, or a chamois can be helpful in removing moisture. Plus, a microfiber cloth or brush is ideal for the final touches.

Rinsing Your Motorcycle

Your dirt bike should be fully cool when you wash it (a hot vehicle and water don't go well together). Before you rinse it, you'll want to ensure that your exhaust stays dry. All you need to do is place a rubber plug, rag, or glove inside the exhaust.

Applying a specialty cleaner to your motorcycle will help remove the loose gunk and grime, which makes it easier to scrub away the caked-on gunk later. Then you can rinse away the soap. Some people prefer using a high-power wash to speed up the process, but that isn’t a good idea. The high intensity of the water flow can damage your motorcycle paint. Instead, use a gentler standard hose.

Washing

Start at the top and work down. Use enough pressure that you can get the caked-on grime off. But don't use so much pressure that it will hurt the paint. As you clean, your sponges are going to get dirty. You'll want to clean them off a few times, otherwise, you could scratch your paint or put the dirt right back on your frame.

Final Steps

You are almost done! Once your dirt bike is rinsed, you'll want to remove the moisture. Leaving moisture in crevices can become corrosive. Use an air blower to get the moisture out. We don’t recommend letting your dit bike air-dry, since this can lead to streaky finishes. Once your motorcycle is dry, it's time to lube up your chain. Your final task is to polish and wax your bike. It will protect your paint from scratches and leave it looking like new.

We hope that this dirt bike washing guide has been useful. For all your motorcycle needs, visit Outdoor Motor Sports & Trailer Sales in Amsterdam, NY. If you are looking to buy, check out our incredible selection of dirt bikes for sale. We also have a service department to help you get your bike running like new. We welcome all those coming from Albany, so stop by today!