How To Clean A Dirt Bike
Helmets designed for dirt biking are distinct from those used for motorcycles in that they do not cover the face completely. The helmets have increased ventilation and are subjected to the elements to a greater degree.
For this reason, it is vital to clean your helmet on a regular basis, especially after riding in rainy conditions or waiting it out in a garage while it rains outside.
When you jump on your dirt bike and ride it on a trail or track, one thing is guaranteed to happen: you and your bike will become covered in mud. There is simply no way.
Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s get started and take a look at our suggestions for washing a dirt bike in a method that won’t do any damage to the bike.
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I went around it. And when the day is done, you’ll need to give your dirt bike a good washing.
Tools Needed for Washing a Dirt Bike
Washing a dirt bike is no different from any other kind of project in terms of how important it is to have the appropriate tools. We done the research and legwork for you and found the top items that can be used to clean a dirt bike. Don’t bother looking any further!
All of these goods, or ones very comparable to them, are ones that we use ourselves, and we have a lot of positive feelings about them. They make it simple to clean a dirt bike, which, to tell you the truth, is an advantage that all users of dirt bikes can certainly value.
When it comes to washing a dirt bike, you are going to require a variety of different tools, including the following:
- Airbox wash cover
- Exhaust wash plug
- Pressure washer
- Dirt bike stand
- Mud scraper
- Soap solution, such as dirt bike cleaner
- Spray bottle
- Soft brush
- Detailing brush
- Drying cloth
- Chain lube
Let’s go through each step of the process of washing a dirt bike one by one now that you are familiar with the necessary equipment for doing so.
What Is Dirt Bike Helmet?
A dirt bike helmet, also known as a motocross helmet or an off-road motorcycle helmet, is a particular kind of helmet that was developed specifically for the activity of riding a motorcycle off-road. There is a wide variety of styles and sizes available for riders to choose from when it comes to dirt bike helmets.
They typically consist of a plastic or hard shell exterior, and inside, they contain a foam liner that offers excellent protection against impacts to the head.Because of the dangers associated with riding an off-road motorcycle, wearing a dirt bike helmet is not required by law in most areas, although it is strongly advised due to the nature of the activity.
Part1
Pre-Cleaning Your Motorcycle
1 Let your bike cool down. The rapid shift in temperature that occurs when water is sprayed all over a hot engine is a formula for catastrophe since it can cause the engine block to break. Even if you recently rode your motorcycle down a muddy rural road and it is completely covered in muck, you still need to wait for it to cool down before you start.
2 Collect all of the items you will need for the cleaning.While you are waiting for your motorcycle to complete cooling down, why don’t you go ahead and start gathering the tools that you will need to clean it while you are waiting? The local auto or motorcycle store that you frequent should carry all of the necessary tools, equipment, and materials for you to purchase. Make certain to acquire the following:
- A bucket
- A clean sponge or two
- Several clean, dry cloths (chamois or microfiber)
- Degreaser and/or WD-40
- An old toothbrush (to help clean tight places)
- Auto/motorcycle wax (optional)
- Bug and tar remover (if needed)
- Chrome cleaner (if needed)
3 Start by cleaning the chain. If your motorcycle has a chain, the first step in cleaning it should be to remove any grime and grease that may be on it. When you try to clean your bike with this, the grime won’t get all over the other parts of the bike like it would otherwise. If you can find an approved chain degreaser at your local shop, then you should use it. Spray it on the chain to help loosen any debris, and then remove it with a clean cloth after you’ve done so.
- Additionally, WD-40 can be used as a solvent to break down grime and grease.
- When you are through cleaning your motorcycle, it is imperative that you reapply lube to your chain as soon as possible.
4 Clean the non-chrome engine parts with water and solvent. Before beginning work on the body, make sure that any of the crevices and nooks surrounding the engine region that require special attention have been attended to. Use an old toothbrush that you have dipped in clean, cool water to gently scrape away any dirt or debris. If you require further assistance in eliminating the muck, spray some WD-40 on it.
- However, in general, you should avoid getting too close to the bearings and the brake lines. Allowing water to penetrate these locations can lead to corrosion as well as a host of other issues.
Part2
Washing the Body
1 Rinse the bike with cool water. This will help any dirt become more loose and allow you to rinse away as much of it as possible, which will make the cleaning procedure simpler. Just remember to use a hose that sprays water in a somewhat soft manner. It is best to avoid using high-pressure sprays because they can ruin the finish, the paint, or other materials.
2 Rub the whole body with a soft sponge or cloth. At this stage, putting in a little extra effort with your hands will help remove further filth. To clean the exterior of your motorbike, place a sponge or soft cloth in a pail of cool water and then wipe it down all over the frame and body.
- If you are cleaning your bike in order to remove salt from it (for example, after riding on a road during the winter), you only need to use water for this method, and you may forgo waxing it. It’s possible that using detergents or other types of cleaners will make the salt problem much more severe.
3 Clean plastic parts with slightly soapy water. It is quite OK to use a detergent designed for use in automobiles while cleaning the plastic components of the body of your motorcycle. Put some into a pail of cold water, and then use a sponge immersed in the suds to clean the various components.
4 Rinse the entire motorcycle again. When you are finished cleaning all of the mud and filth off of your bike, go ahead and grab your hose once more. Make use of a mild spray in order to remove any last traces of dirt and suds from the surface. You can also rinse the bike with a clean sponge that has been dipped in water that is clear and cool if there isn’t much debris that has to be removed.
5 Wipe off excess water and let your bike dry. Utilize a chamois or a microfiber cloth that is dry, and rub your motorcycle in a circular motion. This will remove any remaining moisture, ensuring that your bicycle will not develop any unsightly water stains while it dries naturally in the air.
- It is important to keep your motorcycle out of the direct sunlight while it is drying, since this might lead to water spots.
6 Buff your seat with an approved protectant. There is a wide range of materials that can be utilized in the production of motorcycle seats. The most prevalent materials are vinyl and leather. Vinyl seats are quite durable, however with time they might become discolored and fracture. To put a stop to these issues, use a vinyl protectant that has been approved. Leather seats are more sensitive, but you may protect yours by using a cream designed specifically for leather maintenance.
- Protectants for vinyl and leather can be purchased at any shop that specializes in the supply of automobiles or motorcycles.
- When working with leather, you should never use detergents.
Part3
Detailing Your Ride
1 Remove stubborn bug grime. A pleasant ride can leave your motorcycle looking as if you fought a swarm of flies, which is something that every biker is well aware of. If the tar and insect crap on your motorcycle is caked on, you should thoroughly soak it in a product that removes both. After the filth has been dislodged, remove it using a damp sponge or cloth, and then use another damp sponge or cloth to remove any residue that may have been left behind.
2 Clean aluminium wheels with soapy water. Wheels made of lightweight aluminum are found on many current bicycles. If you wish to clean yours, you should simply use water with a little bit of soap in it and a gentle cloth. After rinsing with water, dry the surface with a cloth.
- Avoid using any cleaners or tools that include abrasives, since these might scratch the finish or paint on wheels.
- Use chrome cleanser rather than regular wheel cleaning if your vehicle has classic chrome wheels.
3 Use car or motorcycle wax for added protection. Your bike’s finish can be protected and kept free of dirt and grime with the application of a good wax. Apply this after you have finished cleaning the rest of your bike completely. Always make sure to follow the instructions provided with any commercial wax spray or rub. Each product will come with instructions that are slightly different from one another.
4 Apply some protective spray on your bearings. Bearings are one of the most crucial parts of a motorbike, but they are also one of the most fragile parts. Coating the bearings with a protective spray designed specifically for the purpose will help keep moisture and grime at bay. You can find the specific application directions for your product of choice printed on the packaging.
FAQs
Is washing a dirt bike a risky proposition?
Spray the bike with water in a light mist to help loosen the dirt and make it easier to remove.After letting it set for a minute or two, you may then start cleaning the bike with a power washer. Make use of your common sense, and avoid directing a significant amount of spray at the bearings and seals.
What is the recommended cleaning schedule for a dirt bike?
The accumulation of dirt and grime on your dirt bike can be avoided by washing it after each ride. A yard hose, a pail of hot water, some dish soap, a sponge, and a bristle brush are all you need to perform miracles in the cleaning department.
Does rain ruin dirt bike?
In the end, motorcycles and dirt bikes are both meant to be ridden in the rain, and it is unlikely that putting your bike out in the rain for a single day would result in damage that is beyond repair. Your bike won’t suffer any damage from the rain on its own, but if you let it sit out in the elements for several days, it will.
How difficult is it to maintain dirt bikes?
Is There Much Maintenance Involved With Dirt Bikes? Many people who are interested in riding dirt bikes, particularly those who come from the world of street bikes, are concerned that dirt bikes require a lot of upkeep. They are not particularly difficult to uphold, despite the fact that they are held by a rather large number of people. They merely need routine maintenance performed more frequently.