9 STEPS to the perfect DIY : MOTORCYCLE WASH | Detail it like a PRO | motorcycle

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Howdy, welcome back to the channel.

Unbelievably this week I haven’t been able to get out for a ride but next week I’m planning a ride to the giant rocking horse!

Here’s my 9 STEPS to getting your motorbike detailed just like the pros do it.

Step 1: Paddock Stand (it’s a real pain to have to roll the bike back and forwards to get the chain cleaned and lubed so invest in some bobbins and a paddock stand

Step 2: Clean the chain. Do it first up because there’s bound to be some grime coming off the chain at the start which means everything you do to clean your machine doesn’t have to be done again if you were to do the chain mid wash

Step 3: Wash the bike. Yep it might sound obvious but it needs a thorough wash. You can start with a soak with the hose or you can go straight for the sponge and bucket but be certain to get lots of shampoo on it and a lot of water

Step 4: Rinse the bike. Use your garden hose, or just throw a few buckets over it. Whichever way you choose, lots of clean water over the bike is needed to remove the soap

Step 5: Dry the bike. Gone are the days when we used to run a chamois over the paintwork (or maybe you still do that! I find blowing off the worst of the water is the quickest way to dry the bike without getting a mass of streaks all over it. Use a leaf blower or even a hairdryer, or an air compressor just be cautious around seals, areas which have grease and bearings and of course electrics

Step 6: Check the levels. As you’re all over the bike drying bits of it you might as well take a peak at the brake fluid reservoirs, and the oil levels. You’ll need to get the bike on the flat (as per your manual) to get a correct reading, but this is the ideal time

Step 7: Lube the chain. You’ve spent all of that time cleaning the chain, and cleaning off the grime and fling from the previous application of lube, so now it’s time to redcoat it. Just make sure you don’t ride the bike before your lube has dried, if it’s a wax style of lube. Also take care not to get any on your brake disks, and you may have to clean the edge of the tyre if some lube strays too close to it

Step 8: Apply silicone and wax. WD40 silicone spray is awesome for lubing garage door runners but also for keeping your black plastic BLACK. Just don’t spray your seat or you may be hanging off the bike more than you wanted to

Step 9: Check and adjust the chain. Along with the brakes, having a chain in top condition is a must. Check for tight spots and for slackness. You might want to put a dab of coloured paint on one of the links so you’re not spraying on too much cleaner, or too much lube. Your bike should have a sticker on the chain guard, or certainly the detail will be in the owners manual for how much play your chain can have. Get used to checking it, the more distance covered the more the chain is going to stretch

That’s it - your 9 STEPS to the perfect washing routine.

We all love our pride and joy to be shiny and like new, so make this a habit. Washing your bike is therapeutic - honest.

Take care and safe riding. Have a great week - and see you in the next vlog.

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