Six gear cars

Archive for March 6th, 2010

How To Clean Your Motorcycle

Do you want to maintain your bikes good looks and performance? Cleaning your motorcycle on a regular basis will keep it looking sharp and make you look better too and it can also help keep your bike running smoothly. The following are recommended steps for cleaning your motorcycle.

PreWash Steps

First water doesnt mix well with every part of your bike so make sure that the necessary parts of your bike are protected from water. In order to prevent water from entering the exhaust pipe or pipes plug the ends. Most dealers or parts stores carry universal exhaust plugs but if you are without them you can carefully place a plastic bag around the opening and either tie it in place or use a strong rubber band.

Also the air filter will need to be protected. The best way is to simply remove it or you can use a plastic bag to keep water away.

If you find the engine cases are really greasy use a small brush like an old toothbrush and apply engine degreaser. Steer clear of the chain sprockets and wheel axels as the degreaser can potentially cause some nasty problems.

Finally ensure that the spark plugs battery caps gas cap oil filler cap and the engine oil lever cap are all secured so no water can get into the engine.

Washing Your Bike

You can rinse off the dirt and the degreaser using a garden hosebe careful that youre not using too much water pressure. You want to use just enough to clear your bike of dirt and degreaser. Using too much pressure could get water into the front forks or transmission seals. Wheel bearings can be susceptible to water creeping in also.

When most of the gunk is rinsed off go over your bike with warm water and mild soap. Dont forget that toothbrush or some other type of small brush for areas that are tough to reach.

After washing the bike its not time to take a break yetyou should immediately rinse it off with clean water and then dry it as best you can. Pay particular attention to the chainyou dont want rust to develop so make sure its good and dry and then lubricate it with chain lube. For your chrome parts you can make those shine with auto chrome polish.

If you would like to wax the painted and chrome parts of your bike make sure you use an automotive wax. You dont want to apply wax that contains abrasive material that could scratch or damage parts.

When you are finished dont forget to remove any plastic bags you used to cover the exhaust pipes or air filter and start the engine. Let it run for a few minutes to let all the water dry and to ensure there is no water damage.

Now take that beautiful bike out on the road . . .

About the writer:nbsp;nbsp;Jim Buchanan is an Internet Marketing Specialist for Mindscape at HanonMcKendry. His hobbies include reading writing going to concerts sports and riding motorcycles.He is a writer for Honda Parts House. For more information and for all your motorcycle parts needs please visit http://www.hondapartshouse.com.