You wake up one fine day, kickstart your dirtbike, and it doesn’t start.
You try to figure out the problem, look up for solutions on Google and after hours of headhunting for solutions, realize that your bike’s radiator has been clogged up by dirt, causing an engine jam.
That’s when you understand the importance of washing your dirt bike.
Washing a dirt bike isn’t a difficult thing to do, but it’s also not the easiest, either. Many riders simply hose down their bike and go. Some scrub it with a brush, and some pay the extra money for a bike wash. But, how do you know where to start? Where are the best places to clean, and in what order?
We have shared important dirt bike washing tips that you can’t afford to miss. Keep reading.
Things You’ll Need
- Airbox cover
- Duct tape
- A Bike stand
- A Pressure washer
- Some S.O.S. pads
- A Wire brush
- A Spray polish
- A Soft brush
- Few Scotch-Brite pads
- Dielectric grease
- A Rubber mallet
- Compressed air
- A couple of Microfiber towels
- A Contact cleaner
- A Wash bucket
- A Spray bottle
- A Bike-washer solution
- WD-40 or other penetrating lube
- A Few Exhaust pipe plug/s
Getting Started
The first step in dirt bike washing is pressure washing. To deep-clean your dirt bike, you’ll want to take it outdoors and spray it down with a pressure washer. It’s important to follow your owner’s manual and lube the chain before washing. Then, spray off your dirt bike with hot water. This will loosen up any dirt or mud that the bike is coated in.
It’s also a good time to get off any stickers or decals. After washing, you’ll want to use a rag to buff off any remaining dirt or mud. We’d also recommend using a wax and grease remover to get off stubborn stains.
After that, continue hosing it down, using a pressure washer, and scraping the bike with a mud scraper or an air compressor.
Things To Do Next
Once your dirt bike has been pressure washed, it’s time to clean the engine. If you have a two-stroke engine, be sure to use motor oil. Spray some into the air filter to let it run over the engine. Spray the engine down thoroughly, then use a microfiber towel to remove the oil.
Cleaning The Skid Plates & Aluminum Frame
The skid plate and the frame are the two dirt bike parts that are most exposed to mud, dust, and water, making them more susceptible to rust. So, you must pay special attention to these parts. The most important thing is to clean the bike after every ride and wash it regularly. A pressure washer is an excellent tool for thoroughly cleaning your bike, but all the work should be done by hand. You should start with the skid plate and then move on to the frame.
You can use S.O.S pads and Scotch Brite to clean the skid plates and Aluminium frame.
Removing Black Marks Using Contact Cleaner
The most important tool you need for this job is a microfiber cloth. This is a synthetic material that is very absorbent, and it will make it easier to use your contact cleaner. For the best results, spray the cleaner directly onto the cloth and dab the cloth onto the marks. Because you do not want the cleaner to run, it is best to work on a dry day. If you have to work on a damp or rainy day, then use a plastic bag to cover the seat.
Graphic: 4 Most Important Areas To Wash
Top Dirt Bike Cleaners You Can Consider Buying
1. Maxima Bio Wash Cleaner
Most bike parts are made from aluminum, which doesn’t rust but is soft and easily scratched, especially when it comes into contact with sand and mud. Aluminum can be polished to a shine, but the best way to prevent scratches is to keep it clean.
The Maxima Bio Wash Cleaner is a powerful cleaner that is specially formulated to clean dirt bikes. The cleaner effectively removes all the dirt, grease, and grime that are often found in dirt bikes.
Its top features include:
- Eco-friendly and biodegradable formula
- Safe on various surfaces like alloys and rubber
- Effective micro-chemistry
2. Motul Moto Wash
One of the most common problems riders face is the accumulation of dirt and grit on the wheels and hard-to-reach areas of the dirt bike. Cleaning them can be a task. That is why a good cleaner makes the cleaning process easier.
The Motul Moto Wash Cleaner is a dedicated motorcycle cleaner used on various dirt bike surfaces like aluminum and rubber, with the same effectiveness. It is also very easy to rinse with water after it’s application. You can also use a dispenser to dispense the cleaner after applying it to the affected areas.
Its top features include:
- It can be used on various surfaces – rubber, plastic, aluminum, etc.
- Effective in grease removal
- Biodegradable
- Dries quickly and evenly
3. Liquid Performance Cycle Wash [32 Oz]
The perfect solution of Liquid Performance Cycle Wash for dirt bike cleaning comes in a 32 oz spray bottle. It can be used to clean everything from your helmet to your goggles to your body armor without leaving a residue. The wash is safe for all types of plastics and can even be used to clean your bike’s engine without fear of damage.
The top features of this cleaner are:
- Sports a surfactant-based formula for effective cleaning
- Advisable for high-tech metal
- Biodegradable and non-corrosive
Few Things to note about this cleaner:
- The cleaner is alcohol-based, so it’s not recommended to use it too much on painted surfaces.
- Its smell can make you feel like you’ve had a few drinks.
Final Word
Dirt Bike Washing is a great way to keep your motorbike dirt bike in pristine condition and prolong its life. To achieve the best results, you have to find the right products to use. We have mentioned the tools of the trade, how to clean your bike, and important areas to focus on. However, for any dirt bike-related shopping, make sure you check out MXStore. They have everything related to dirt bikes you’ll ever need!
