Riding cruiser motorcycles throughout the city is a great way to chase thrills...and get your motorcycle dirty. The extra grime does more than look bad. Left too long on your vehicle, it can wear down your paint job and cause damage. Washing your motorcycle is easy once you know the steps. We created the following guide to washing cruiser bikes below. For everything related to cruiser motorcycles, visit Reno’s Powersports KC. We offer a range of new and used cruiser bikes for sale as well as a service department for all your motorcycle repair needs.
The Supplies
Washing cruiser motorcycles requires the right supplies. It helps to get all your gear in one place before you start. That way, you ensure you have enough product to begin.
You will want to gather up the following items:
- A cleaner specially designed to work on cruiser bikes (not all soaps are the same!)
- Sponges to work against any caked-on grime
- Brushes to get those hard-to-reach angles on your spoked wheels
- Something to dry to prevent air dry spots, such as cloth, flannels, and chamois
- Microfiber cloth or brush for finishing touches
It also helps to clear out a workspace. Give yourself plenty of room for you, your supplies, and your cruiser. If you attempt to clean in a cramped space, you will inevitably miss some spots. Set up a space with enough room to do this process right.
Finally, grab your cruiser bike. It’s important that you wash your motorcycle when it is cool. Throwing water onto a hot motorcycle is a recipe for disaster. Try not to wash it in the sunlight as sunlight will make the soap dry faster. This makes it harder to prevent streaks and water spots.
Rinsing Your Cruiser Motorcycle
Unlike washing a car, you’ll want to apply the soap to a dry vehicle. Motorcycle cleaner works best when it’s combined with water and applied dry. This initial rinse can clear off loose dust or debris so that you can tackle the paint underneath it. Avoid using a high-power washer since the force can damage your paint. A standard-pressure hose will do the trick.
As you dose your motorcycle in water, try to keep the exhaust dry. You can stick a rubber plug, rag, or glove in it. This is even more important if your exhaust is angled as it’ll encounter larger amounts of water pooling inside it.
Washing Your Cruiser Bike
After the initial rinse, you are ready to wash. Start at the top and work down. Aim for enough force to get the debris off but not so hard that you’ll hurt your paint. Make sure to clean your sponge as you go since grime clings to it. Otherwise, you’ll end up putting the dirt back on your motorcycle or scratching the surface with it. If your cruiser is very dirty, you’ll want to empty your water bucket halfway through.
Finishing Touches
After all the gunk is washed off your cruiser motorcycle, you will want to fully dry it. If water is left in crevices, it can cause corrosion. Riding in the wind won’t cut it, but an air blower can clear it out. Once your cruiser bike is dry, apply lube to your motorcycle chain. Then polish and wax your cruiser motorcycle. This will give it an appealing sheen and help protect the paint.
For all your cruiser needs, visit Reno’s Powersports KC. Check out our range of new and used cruiser bikes. Get your motorcycle running smoothly after a visit to our service department. Whatever you need, you can find it with us. We proudly serve Kansas City, MO.
