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Motorcycle Cleaning Tips

Jan. 20 2023 Ownership Tips By Harley-Davidson of Fargo

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There are many reasons why it’s important to keep your motorcycle clean. It improves your safety on the road, makes your riding experience better, and it allows you to catch problems earlier on. Our team at Harley-Davidson® of Fargo is here to be a resource for all your motorcycle needs, so we’ve put together a few quick cleaning tips.

1. Know Your Motorcycle

The first tip in keeping a clean motorcycle is knowing your model well. This isn’t about knowing how it rides or knowing its specifications, but about knowing what materials the exterior and seating are made of. Having this information will help you purchase the right cleaning products and avoid damaging your paint, chrome, or upholstery when it’s time to clean. 

2. Have a Routine

It’s not always necessary to clean your motorcycle after every ride, unless you’re an off-road rider, but it is helpful to create a cleaning routine. For example, after every ride you can complete a quick inspection and gather your personal belongings. Check your storage areas and grab your gear! This will help you create a habit of looking at your motorcycle after each ride and reduce the amount of time it will take when it is time to give it a deep clean. 

You can also create a mental cleaning schedule in conjunction with your cleaning routine. You might tell yourself to wash your bike every time it needs an oil change. 

3. Know How to Clean

With materials, products, and routines in mind, you can focus on the physical act of cleaning. Understand the anatomy of your motorcycle in order to clean the appropriate parts and avoid causing damage to areas that can’t be cleaned with water. Work your way from back to front, top to bottom, and focus on the high-traffic areas like your handlebars, wheels, and exhaust. 

Every so often, at least twice a year depending on how often you ride, you’ll also want to add a coat of wax to protect the exterior of your bike. 

Understanding what products you need, how to build a routine, and how to approach the cleaning process will help you keep a clean motorcycle! Visit us in West Fargo, ND, to stock up on the parts you need or schedule your next service appointment. We proudly serve the Grand Forks and Jamestown areas.