A crucial component of motorcycle maintenance and upkeep is bike or motorbike washing. A motorbike is a naked vehicle that can pick up more dirt and trash than a car. The motorbike can be cleaned in various ways and methods, from simple water to sophisticated chemical wash. All have advantages and disadvantages but are equally good.
The main factor to consider is the quantity of time, space, and equipment you have. So, we must consider all these elements before choosing a bike wash type.
Your bike will surely suffer from increased pollutants and difficult environmental circumstances. As a result, the time and effort required to maintain our bikes will rise enormously. It is essential to understand the different types of motorcycle wash. Even if motorcycle manufacturers try to use the best external materials that last the test of time, primary care is still required.
We’re here to help and force you to choose the appropriate washing method for your motorbike. The benefits and drawbacks of each cleaning method will be covered in depth.
Different Types Of Bike Wash Or Motorcycle Wash
1. Water Wash
Water washing is the simplest and least expensive type of bike washing. A water hose or bucket with water is all you need. The only additional equipment required is a dry and wet microfiber cloth. While the dry one wipes away water stains after drying, the wet one soaks up water to remove dirt.
Pros Of Water Wash
- Affordable and reasonable.
- Less apparatus.
- Fit for home.
Cons Of Water Washing
- Need a lot of water.
- Spots that are hard to remove.
- Both acidic and alkaline water is harmful to bikes.
2. Kerosene/Diesel Wash
Kerosene or diesel wash is another technique for washing motorcycles at home. Except for using diesel instead of water, it is comparable to washing with water. Best for oil and grease stains and helps, to some extent, prevent the growth of rust. Less washing is needed compared to water. However, the principal drawback on metal and plastic surfaces is that paint quality may need improvement or repair. Consider using a diesel wash on any components underneath the motorcycle.
Pros Of Diesel Wash
- It can take off some difficult stains.
- Best for washing the bike’s undercarriage.
- Prevents some rust from forming.
- Effectively removes grease and oil stains.
Cons Of Diesel Wash
- It may permanently harm paint.
- Expensive when compared to water washing.
3. Shampoo Wash
The motorbike can be washed using one of the best procedures. Many specialized automotive shampoos on the market can accomplish the same thing. Shampoo wash’s main USP is that it balances the pH of the water. Water that is either acidic or alkaline is bad for bikes. Water, two buckets, two microfibre cloths, and shampoo are necessary for washing with shampoo.
It’s important to remember that bike shampoo should be distinct from the ordinary shampoo we use for our hair. Never use detergent or other household cleaning products because they are designed for different functions. Both professional teams and homeowners can wash their hair with shampoo.
To wash shampoo at home, we can use the two-bucket method, and the stages are as follows:
- Take two buckets of water, one containing a little more liquid.
- Fill the bucket with less water per quantity of bike shampoo.
- Since bikes have more dirt in the lower section, dunk the microfiber cloth in shampoo water and clean the bike from top to bottom.
- Next, wash the soiled microfiber cloth in a different bucket to remove the dirt.
- Now, go around the entire bike and repeat steps 3 and 4. Never washing soiled microfibre in shampoo water is one thing to remember. Here, keeping shampoo water as sanitized as possible is the goal.
- After thoroughly cleaning the motorcycle from top to bottom, allow it to dry for a while before using a dry microfiber cloth to remove any minor spots.
- Avoid washing the motorbike in hot weather or the presence of direct sunshine.
Pros Of Shampoo Wash
- Very efficient cleaning technique.
- It can eliminate tough stains.
- Protects surfaces such as paint.
- Neutralizes the pH of water.
- For use at home; simple.
- Removes oil and grease stains.
Cons Of Shampoo Wash
- We need a lot of water.
- Method that takes time.
- Require additional accessories.
4. Foam Wash
Foam wash is the most effective way to wash a motorbike. Compared to a shampoo wash, it may get rid of all stains and grime in a shorter time. However, the drawback is that expensive equipment is required. Thus, it is preferable to hire a professional cleaning crew. You can perform a foam wash at home, but you’ll need to purchase several pieces of equipment and have adequate room or space.
For foam washing, a pressure washer and foam sprayer cannon are necessary. These are essential tools, and they are fairly pricey. Let’s know about the steps or procedures for foam washing your bike.
- Keep the bike on a paddock stand or a center stand first.
- Next, wash the motorbike with water and a pressure washer, keeping the pressure washer far away from the vehicle to prevent harm to its components.
- Now, fill the foam sprayer cannon with the shampoo indicated before and spray it all over the bike with a pressure washer while keeping a safe distance.
- Wait 5 to 10 minutes for the foam to settle on the motorcycle, then pressure-wash it with water.
- Let the motorbike dry out now. Use a microfiber cloth or blower to clean and remove water or watermarks after 1-2 minutes.
- Washing at a single angle for an extended period should be avoided since water can enter important components.
- Avoid washing the motorbike in hot weather or the presence of direct sunshine.
Pros Of Foam Wash
- Very useful and gets rid of dirt and stains.
- A brief period of employment.
- Protects surfaces such as paint.
- Removes oil and grease stains.
Cons Of Foam Wash
- We need a lot of water.
- A lot of equipment is necessary.
- Expensive.
- Needs a large enough workspace.
5. Dry wash
When water is scarce or there is a drought, motorbike owners should use this strategy. A dry wash spray gun, a dry wash solution spray container, and a microfiber cloth are needed. This technique and foam wash are very similar.
Let’s talk about the methods or procedures for washing your bike dry.
- We must first prepare the solution. Mix a small amount of water with the dry wash solution spray, as stated in the published directions.
- As the manufacturer directs, fill the dry wash spray gun with the fresh solution and maintain the spray gun’s pressure.
- Maintain a space of two to three feet between the motorcycle and the spray cannon while evenly distributing the foam on all surfaces.
- Use a microfiber cloth to clean the surface now; do not use an ordinary cloth.
- An important reminder is to wait a few minutes before cleaning with foam after application.
- Avoid washing the motorbike in hot weather or the presence of direct sunshine.
Pros Of Dry Wash
- Very useful and gets rid of dirt and stains.
- A brief period of employment.
- Protects surfaces such as paint.
- There is barely any need for water.
Cons Of Dry Wash
- A little pricey.
- The time required to remove thick dirt is considerable.
- Not appropriate for an extremely dirty bike.
We hope this article clarifies your queries about various types of bike wash since we explored them earlier.
