How to Wash Harley Davidson Motorcycle

1. Introduction:

A common daily life scenario faced by many motorcycle riders is how to properly wash their Harley Davidson Motorcycles. Washing a Harley Davidson is pretty simple, but if you do not follow the proper steps or take proper care when cleaning, your motorcycle might suffer worse problems in the future, like damage to the paint, SEATS, SADDLEBAGS, etc. To prevent your motorcycle from suffering any kind of damage, it is better to have the proper cleaning equipment and follow the proper steps.

Also Read: HOW TO CLEAN A MOTORCYCLE GAS TANK?

2. Supplies:

Supplies

Photo Credit: @harleyalaska

Before you start to wash a Harley Davidson motorcycle, it is best to gather all the necessary cleaning equipment. Harley Davidson has made its own brand of cleaning products meant for specific parts. You can also make use of general cleaning items.

2.1 Cleaners:

Cleaners

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Bike Wash:

A bike wash is a soap used to wash the motorcycle’s exterior, including the fenders, FAIRING, fuel tank, side panels, exhaust, saddlebags, TRUNK, etc. This cleaning product helps remove the layers of dirt on the motorcycle.

Wheel & Tire Cleaner:

Wheel and tire cleaners help remove residues of dirt caked on or against the damaged motorcycle parts.

Engine Cleaner:

Engine cleaner is a degreaser used to clean the engine. It removes dirt and oil residue due to the organic co-solvent mixed in.

Seat, Saddlebag, & Trim Cleaner:

Seat, saddlebag, and trim cleaner are used to clean LEATHER SADDLEBAGS and seats.

2.2 Wash Mitt/Soft Cloth:

A wash mitt or soft cloth is used to wash and rinse the motorcycle with a soapy solution. The smoother the cloth is, the less likely the paint will be damaged.

2.3 Soft Drying Towel:

A microfiber towel is used to dry the motorcycle of any remaining moisture without damaging the paint.

2.4 Blaster Motorcycle Dryer:

The blaster dryer is an optional way to dry the motorcycle. However, it is better than using a dry towel because rough dry towels can scratch the fuel tank or side panels.

2.5 Plastic Wrap or Duct Tape:

Plastic wrap or duct tape is used to cover the air filter so water does not get inside.

2.6 Water Pressure Gun:

A water pressure gun is optional but a useful way to thoroughly clean every spot on the motorcycle. It also helps wash away the soft layer of dirt and softens any hard residues caked against the surface.

2.7 Cleaning Brush:

Cleaning brushes are used to sweep off hard layers of dirt from the rims and wheel. It can also be used to remove dirt and oil residue from the engine as well.

Don’t use any sharp objects while cleaning the motorcycle. Sharp objects can damage the paint and make it difficult to use a rough cloth or towel while drying since it can leave scratches on the exterior.

3. Steps:

3.1 Make Sure the Engine is Cold:

Firstly, cool down the motorcycle before washing it. If the engine cleaner is sprayed on the engine and the engine is still hot, the chemicals in the engine cleaner can react negatively to the heat and damage the engine’s paint.

3.2 Rinse the Motorcycle with Water:

Rinse the Motorcycle with Water

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Rinse the whole motorcycle with water as it helps rinse off any thin layers of dirt and softens the hardened layers of debris and oil, making it easier to wash them off in the next steps.

3.3 Cleaning the Wheels:

Cleaning the Wheels

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The tire and rims often have a thick layer of dirt caked to them due to traveling on all types of roads. After rinsing the motorcycle with water, the tough layer of dirt becomes soft and can easily be removed with the help of a wheel & tire cleaner and a brush.

3.4 Cleaning the Seat & Saddlebag:

Though it is possible to wash the leather seat and saddlebags by using a bike washer, it is not recommended since washing the leather seat and saddlebags with soap might cause the soft leather seats and saddlebags to harden under direct sunlight and start to crack. Therefore, it is recommended you use leather seat & saddlebag cleaners.

Also Read: MAINTENANCE GUIDE: HOW TO CLEAN YOUR LEATHER SADDLEBAGS?

3.5 Cleaning the Engine:

Cleaning the Engine

Photo Credit: @MattLaidlaw

Cleaning the engine helps remove dirt, oil, or grease. Engine cleaners contain different cleaning chemicals and need to be applied carefully. First of all, the engine should not be hot, otherwise, the engine cleaner may react and damage the engine’s paint. Secondly, the engine cleaner should be rinsed off as soon as possible as leaving it on the engine for too long can damage the paint since the strong chemicals may weaken the metal. Depending on the type of residue layer on the motorcycle, a brush can be used to remove debris from the engine.

3.6 Make a Solution of Water & Bike Wash:

Mix a solution of water and bike wash that can be used to clean the motorcycle. Use a wash mitt or soft cloth to wash the motorcycle with a soap solution. The wash mitt can be used to scrub all over the motorcycle, including the fuel tank, exhaust, seat, suspension, fenders, fairings, etc. Make sure the cloth is not rough or it might damage the motorcycle exterior.

3.7 Dry the Motorcycle:

After removing the dirt and cleaning the motorcycle, dry the motorcycle properly. To dry the motorcycle, it is recommended you use a blaster dryer or air compressor to quickly evaporate the water.

You can also use a dry towel or microfiber cloth, but sometimes if the cloth is a bit rough, it can leave scratches on the motorcycle. If neither the air dryer nor towel is used, the water will evaporate on its own but may leave marks on the motorcycle.

4. Additional Touch:

Many people leave the motorcycle as it is after drying it, but additional things can be done to make the motorcycle look like new and provide extra protection:

4.1 Body Polish/Glass Shiner:

Body polish gives your motorcycle a new shine and improves its looks. Glass shiners can also be used for this purpose. The chrome polish used on the chrome-painted parts also makes the surface reflective and removes minor scratches.

4.2 Wax/Coating:

Wax is a lot like body polish, except it creates a protective layer for the motorcycle’s chassis. On the other hand, the coating creates a chemical bond with the paint that lasts much longer than polish and wax.

4.3 Paint Protection:

Fading paint is a common issue for motorcycle owners. Paint protection functions as a form of coating, preventing the color from fading away in the sunlight.

4.4 Leather & Vinyl Protection:

Many Harley models have leather saddlebags and seats mounted. Sadly, when the leather is washed with soap, it soon becomes dry and hard with cracks starting to appear on its surface. Leather and vinyl protection provide a protective layer on the leather surface, giving it shine and protecting the leather from direct sunlight.

Also Read: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT MOTORCYCLE MAINTENANCE?

4.5 Lubricate the Chain Drive Train:

Lubricate the Chain Drive Train

Most Harley Davidson motorcycles do not have chain-drive trains. But if your Harley Davidson motorcycle has a chain drive train and was recently washed, it is better to lubricate the chain immediately after washing and drying. Otherwise, the chain drive train can become rusty.

5. Important Tips:

Take a short ride on the motorcycles right after washing to help remove any remaining water or soap in the brake rotors. Motorcycle brakes may not work properly at first due to the rotors and brake pads being wet and the brakes lacking friction. Riding around for a little bit and testing the brakes will help them return to normal.

6. Conclusion:

All Harley Davidson motorcycles must be cleaned at some point. A lot of motorcycle owners wash their motorcycles using shampoo or soap but this may not properly clean all the motorcycle parts. Some riders do not use any kind of wax or extra protection after washing their motorcycles. This mistake can slowly shorten the lifespan of your Harley model. A Harley motorcycle should be washed at least once a month or more depending on the frequency of use or how dirty the motorcycle is. Another mistake made by owners is to not wash the motorcycle for a long time because the dirt will start to encase the motorcycle which may cause the shine to fade or the parts to become rusty.