How To Wash Your Harley-Davidson® Motorcycle

Riding your Harley-Davidson® motorcycle is one of the best ways to spend a warm summer afternoon. But after a month or so, you’ll notice a coating of dirt, dust and bug splatter on the finish that’s making your ride both sticky and unsightly.

So that means you’ll need to spend some time getting your bike back to its previous condition. That means giving it a thorough wash! Obviously, washing your bike isn’t the most exciting thing you can do with it, but it’s a necessary part of responsible bike ownership.

If you’re not sure where to start with this process, then read this guide by Barnes Harley-Davidson Langley, your local Harley dealer. We serve all of the province of British Columbia, so come to us with any questions about motorcycles or if you want to check out Harley bikes for sale!

Gather Up Your Supplies

First, you’ll want to find a good place to wash your motorcycle. Make sure you do it out of direct sunlight so that soap doesn’t dry on it. Also, don’t wash it on the grass, as any debris or soap residue that rinses off could damage your lawn. A paved or gravel driveway that’s reasonably flat should work. Your bike should be cool to the touch when you wash it, too—don’t try to spray water on a hot engine!

Next, get together everything you’ll need before you begin so you’re not wasting time hunting down the sponge or brush you need. Have a hose hooked up to fresh water, a bucket for suds, a motorcycle-friendly soap, wax or polish, brushes, sponges, chamois cloths, and a microfiber cloth for polishing.

Spray Down Your Bike

Now it’s time to get down to business. Plug the exhaust pipe with a rag and spray down your dry bike thoroughly with cleaner. Allow it to soak in for a few minutes so it can loosen up grime. Use a standard-pressure hose to rinse the bike.

Scrub Well

With a bucket full of water and soap mixed together in appropriate proportions, soak a sponge and get to work scrubbing your Harley motorcycle from top to bottom. You don’t want to work up from the wheels, as this will just mean that all the dirty water will run over parts you’ve already cleaned. Dip your sponge into the bucket regularly to refresh it and change out the water when it’s dirty. Try not to get water or soap on the chains or brakes, and if you do, just don’t scrub them.

Rinse & Dry

Once you’ve thoroughly scrubbed your bike, it’s time to rinse everything off. Don’t let the soap dry as it could leave unsightly streaks. Dry your bike well with chamois and flannel cloths or use a leaf blower to get it dry faster.

Apply Finishing Touches

Now that your bike is clean and dry, protect it with a good coating of polish or wax! These substances serve as a guard against grime and sun damage, and they make your bike positively gleam in the light. You’ll also need to apply lubricant over the chains and brakes since some of the lube probably washed away earlier. Rub tire shine over the wheels to add a little more glisten to your motorcycle, then stand back and admire the results of your hard work!

We hope this guide helps you get your bike squeaky-clean and ready for your next journey! Seeking a Harley dealer near Surrey? Visit our dealership in Langley today to check out our full selection of Harley-Davidson motorcycles for sale. Barnes Harley-Davidson Langley proudly serves the cities of Coquitlam and Richmond, British Columbia.