Cleaning your bike after a ride is important to keep it in good condition. It might take some time, but it’s worth it. Dirt and grime can wear out important parts of your bike faster. So, even if you don’t like cleaning your bike, it’s important to do so to keep it running well. This article will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to clean dirt bikes effectively.
Cleaning your bike can also make it look nicer, which can be rewarding. If you find it hard to clean your bike, there are ways to make it easier, like using the right cleaning products and a bike stand. By taking care of your bike, it will perform better and last longer, meaning you can enjoy more rides in the future. In this article, we’ll discuss how to clean dirt bikes.
Table of Contents
Steps about how to Clean Dirt Bike
Here are the steps about how to clean dirt bikes:
- Protect Sensitive Parts
- Rinse Large Debris
- Scrub the Bike
- Spot Clean
- Rinse your Bike
- Lubricate the Chain
- Dry your Dirt Bike
- Polish your Dirt Bike
Protect Sensitive Parts
Maintaining your dirt bike is important to keep it in top condition for years to come. One crucial aspect of maintenance is washing your bike regularly. However, before you begin washing, there are certain parts that you should remove or cover to prevent damage. Here are the things you need to remove or cover before washing your dirt bike:
Parts to Remove:
- Remove the seat to avoid water damage to the foam inside. Also, make sure to reinstall the seat bolts after removing the seat so that the shrouds don’t wobble.
- Remove the air filter to avoid getting water in the filter and damaging your bike.
- Remove the skid plate, pipe guard, bark busters, and other similar parts to access potentially dirty areas that need cleaning.
Parts to Cover:
- Cover the airbox even if you remove the air filter. You can use an airbox cover or duct tape over the holes to protect it from water damage.
- Cover the muffler to avoid water damage to the engine. You can use wash plugs or cheaper alternatives such as duct tape or a sandwich baggie and a rubber band.
By taking these steps to remove or cover sensitive parts, you can prevent damage and keep your dirt bike healthy and looking good.
Rinse Large Debris
Cleaning your dirt bike with a hose is an essential step that should not be taken lightly. It is crucial to avoid using a pressure washer as it can potentially damage your bike. Pressure washers can get water into places where it does not belong, causing damage and ruining your dirt bike.
Even if you want to use a pressure washer, you need to be extra cautious while cleaning around the engine and stand far enough from the bike to avoid knocking it over with the pressure. Instead, use a hose with a spray nozzle to wash your bike.
While hosing your dirt bike, be very careful not to spray water directly onto parts like your airbox, carburetor, or muffler, as it can cause damage. The goal of this step is to loosen mud, dirt, and grime that’s caked onto your bike, so don’t worry if it is not sparkling yet.
Scrub the Bike
Now that you’ve scrubbed your dirt bike and made sure all the stubborn dirt and grime are gone, it’s time to move on to the next step. But before that, take a moment to appreciate the effort you’ve put in so far. Your dirt bike must be looking cleaner already!
While the brushes did most of the heavy lifting, you may still have some dirt and grime clinging to hard-to-reach areas like the engine and exhaust pipe. For these areas, a soft sponge or rag can be used to gently wipe away the remaining grime.
Again, be mindful of the areas where water shouldn’t go, such as the airbox, carburetor, and electronics. If you’re not sure about a specific area, it’s better to be safe than sorry and avoid spraying water on it.
Once you’ve wiped down the dirt bike with a sponge or rag, rinse it off again with a hose to ensure that all the dirt and grime are removed. Make sure to use a spray nozzle that allows you to control the water pressure, so you don’t damage any parts of your dirt bike.
Now that your dirt bike is looking cleaner than ever, it’s time to move on to the next step: drying it off.
Spot Clean
Now that you have successfully scrubbed your dirt bike, it’s time to take it up a notch with some good ol’ soapy fun. But, before you start lathering it up, remember to choose the right soap. Depending on where you ride, different kinds of soap will help you combat the tough grime that builds up on your bike.
Once you’ve chosen your soap, it’s time to mix it with some warm water and create a bubbly solution. Grab a big bucket, mix the soap and water, and create a good lather. You can choose between a sponge, a soft brush, or a wash mitten to apply the soap to your bike. If you’re unsure about what to use, try experimenting with different tools until you find what works best for you.
While applying the soap, make sure you cover all the larger areas of your dirt bike. However, avoid using sponges or mittens on smaller, tight areas like in-between spokes. These areas require a different approach.
Now it’s time to let the soap sit for a few minutes to allow it to penetrate and loosen up any remaining grime. During this time, be mindful of where the soap and water are going, so they don’t get into any places they shouldn’t be.
After the soap has worked its magic, rinse your dirt bike with water again, ensuring you get all the soap off. You’re one step closer to having a sparkling dirt bike.
Rinse your Bike
Once you’ve finished scrubbing your dirt bike with the bike wash, it’s time for the final rinse. This step is crucial to ensure that all the soap, bike wash, and grime are completely washed away.
Using a hose, rinse your dirt bike thoroughly, starting from the top and working your way down. Make sure to pay extra attention to hard-to-reach areas, such as the underside of the bike and the areas around the wheels and chain.
When you’re rinsing your dirt bike, be careful not to spray too much pressure on any of the sensitive parts, such as the electrical components. Excessive water pressure can damage them.
Lubricate the Chain
Once you’ve completed the washing process, it’s important to take care of your dirt bike’s moving parts. Apply a lubricant to your dirt bike’s chain to keep it from rusting and to keep it moving smoothly. There are several different types of lubricants to choose from, such as wax-based, oil-based, or synthetic.
It’s important to apply the lubricant to a clean chain, so make sure to clean it first if it’s dirty. You can use a chain cleaner or degreaser to do this. Apply the lubricant slowly and evenly, making sure to cover the entire chain. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe off any excess lubricant with a clean cloth.
Taking care of your dirt bike’s chain is important to keep it running smoothly and extend its lifespan. You should also take a look at how to clean the dirt bike chain.
Dry your Dirt Bike
Once you’ve finished cleaning your dirt bike with soap and bike wash, the next step is to dry it off completely.
To get the job done, you’ll need a clean and dry towel. You can opt for cotton, terry cloth, or microfiber towels, depending on your preference. I like to use a terry cloth to soak up the bulk of the water, then go over everything with a microfiber towel to ensure there are no lingering traces of dirt or grime.
Don’t forget to pay extra attention to the hard-to-reach areas like the lower fork legs, as well as the cables. These areas tend to get overlooked but are just as important to dry off thoroughly.
If you’re short on time or just want a more efficient way to dry off your dirt bike, you can also use compressed air to blow out any water that may be trapped in the nooks and crannies. This will help prevent rust or mildew from growing and save you a lot of time in the process.
Polish your Bike
Last step in how to clean dirt bikes is polishing your dirt bikes. If you’re someone who likes to have their dirt bike looking its absolute best, then a bike polish is a next step for you.
Bike polish is an extra step that can help make your dirt bike shine like new. It can also protect your dirt bike’s paint and other finishes from UV rays, dirt, and other environmental factors.
When using bike polish, make sure that the dirt bike is completely dry. Apply the bike polish with a clean, dry cloth in a circular motion. You can use a microfiber cloth for this step to avoid leaving any scratches or swirls on your dirt bike.
It’s important to be careful when applying bike polish to plastic parts, as it can cause them to become discolored or brittle over time. It’s best to use a plastic-specific cleaner or avoid the plastic altogether when using bike polish.
Remember, bike polish is not a necessary step, but it can help make your dirt bike look its best and protect it from environmental factors.
Conclusion on how to Clean Dirt Bike
In conclusion, cleaning your dirt bike is an essential part of bike maintenance that can prolong its lifespan and keep it looking great. It is important to choose the right products and tools for each step of the cleaning process, including rinsing off loose dirt and grime, scrubbing with soap and water, using a bike wash for extra cleaning power, and drying off with a clean towel or compressed air.
So, in this article, you’ve learned how to clean dirt bikes. By following these steps, you can ensure that your dirt bike is clean, functional, and ready for your next ride. I hope you enjoyed this article. This article has taken a look at how to clean dirt bikes. If you have any questions about how to clean dirt bikes, please leave a comment below.
FAQs
How often should I clean my dirt bike?
It is recommended to clean your dirt bike after every ride. However, this may not be practical for everyone, so at a minimum, you should clean your dirt bike every few rides or whenever it appears excessively dirty.
Can I use a pressure washer to clean my dirt bike?
Yes, you can use a pressure washer to clean your dirt bike, but you should be cautious not to use too much pressure, which can damage sensitive parts such as the bearings, seals, and suspension components.
What soap should I use to clean my dirt bike?
You can use mild dish soap or specially formulated bike washes designed for dirt bikes. Avoid using harsh chemicals, such as bleach or solvents, as they can damage your bike’s components and finish.
Can I clean my air filter with water?
It is not recommended to clean your air filter with water, as it can damage the filter’s fibers and compromise its effectiveness. Instead, use a specialized air filter cleaner and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Do I need to lube my dirt bike after cleaning it?
Yes, after cleaning your dirt bike, you should apply lubrication to the chain, sprockets, and other moving parts to prevent rust and promote smooth operation. Make sure to use the appropriate lubricant for each component.
