When to wash
Wash the motorcycle only after it has cooled down. Cold water on a hot exhaust or engine can cause stains and needless stress in the material. Do not wash it in direct sunlight, because water with detergent dries before you can rinse it off.
Before washing
- Cover the end of the exhaust, for example with a plastic bag and a rubber band.
- Cover the ignition and any connectors or the USB socket.
- If the motorcycle is very dirty, let insects and mud soak first.
Pressure washer: yes, but carefully
A pressure washer is quick, but a strong jet of water can push grease out of bearings and force water into electrical connectors, seals and instruments. If you use one, keep the nozzle well away from the motorcycle and do not aim directly at the wheel bearings, steering head, swingarm, instruments and electrics. A hose with moderate pressure is safer.
Washing procedure
- Rinse the motorcycle with water to loosen coarse dirt.
- Apply a cleaner intended for motorcycles and let it work briefly.
- Wash painted parts, wheels and the engine with a soft sponge or brush. Use a different sponge for paint and rims than for the chain and engine.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water from top to bottom.
- Dry with a microfibre cloth or compressed air.
After washing
Water stays in places a cloth cannot reach. After washing it is therefore worth taking a short ride so the engine warms up and the moisture evaporates. Lubricate the chain straight afterwards, because washing removed the lubricant. The first braking after washing is often weaker, so test the brakes at low speed first.
What to avoid
- Coarse sponges and abrasive pastes on paint and plastics.
- Aggressive rim cleaners on painted and anodised parts.
- Polishes and plastic care products on the seat, tyres and brake discs – they make them slippery.
- Washing at car washes with aggressive chemicals.
A motorcycle you look after regularly keeps its appearance and value for a long time. If you want to prepare your motorcycle more thoroughly after the season, we will be glad to advise you at Royal Enfield GARAGE on suitable cosmetics.
