8 Essential Cleaning Products for Your Motorcycle
A clean motorcycle makes your ride better. Your bike runs better and longer when it’s not gunked up, while you’ll also deservedly turn heads with all that spotless, gleaming chrome.
However, you’d be surprised how many riders neglect to clean their bikes properly. Part of the reason could be that they don’t have the proper cleaning kit available.
Although just a simple water rinse can help, good cleaning tools and products keep your bike looking good and running well. Remember, a dirty bike isn’t a badge of honor—unless you’re a hardcore off-roader.
Here are eight essential motorcycle cleaning products that you should have in your garage.
Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
If you’re not already cleaning your motorcycle (or your home, for that matter) with microfiber cloths, it’s time to make the switch. Their tiny fibers grab dirt effectively even when cleaning your bike with just water, reducing the need to use chemicals. They’re also very soft, which helps you avoid scratching your bike.
However, the fibers get clogged up over time and make the cloth less effective—sometimes after one use when cleaning a particularly filthy bike. That’s why we recommend buying them in bundles so you have plenty to go around.
Of course, any rag or even an old T-shirt will do in a pinch. It’s always good to have some clean microfiber cloths ready in your garage, though.
Motorcycle Cleaning Brush Kit
You need the right brush for the right part to clean them properly and avoid damaging surfaces. This motorcycle cleaning brush kit comes with every kind of brush to help you make your bike shine.
The bendy, long-handled brush helps you get into all nooks and crevices, while the stiff heavy-duty brush is ideal for scraping tough parts, like the frame and tires. With the small, soft detail brush, you can easily reach tight gaps and delicate parts. You also get a wash mitten and, of course, an extra microfiber cloth.
A word of caution, though—always make sure you are using the appropriate brush for each part to avoid scratching your bike’s finish. Additionally, do not place your brushes on the ground or get them too dirty, or the entrapped crud might again scrape your bike. Always spray chunks away first, if possible, and rinse your brushes often.
Yeryork Electric Pressure Washer
Before you start wiping and brushing your bike, you should blast away as much dust, mud, and solids as you can. An electric pressure washer is just what the mechanic ordered for this task.
While any washer will no doubt work fine, this Yeryork model has earned its place in the garages of several RoadRUNNER crew members for a few handy features. Reaching up to 3,500 PSI in pressure, it certainly has the to power to get anything off your bike.
Its light weight is a big plus, as are the four wheel-tipped legs. The unit is easy to move around and is less likely to tip over on unstable surfaces, like a rough driveway, than two-wheeled units.
The Yeryork also comes with four nozzles of different sizes, and a handy foam cannon attachment for spraying cleaner on your bike. The latter is a little flimsy, especially compared to standalone units, but it gets the job done.
When using a pressure washer on your motorcycle, always remember to start at a low pressure and increase power gradually. If some really caked-on mud doesn’t come off willingly, it’s best to switch to arm power rather than accidentally strip off your paint. Also, make sure not to go over your seals and gaskets with too much pressure, as you can damage these fragile parts.
Wizards Motorcycle Cleaning Kit
Although a water rinse goes a long way to clean your bike, you must also use proper motorcycle cleaning products to really make it shine. Wizards motorcycle cleaners are tried and trusted by both RoadRUNNER and motorcyclists in general, and this kit comes with everything you need.
In the Wizards-branded tote bag (which comes in useful for storing the products), you’ll find a foaming bike wash, a bug release solution, and a high-gloss shiner. The first two sprays will blast through dirt, grime, and bugs without petroleum-based solvents or silicone, making them safe for all surfaces. The Mist-n-Shine spray brings the showroom gleam back to your bike, while also repelling dust and fingerprints.
As a small note, the product label states this stuff is unscented, but it definitely is not. Fortunately, the scent is very pleasing, so your motorcycle will both look and smell nice.
Muc-Off Nano-Tech Motorcycle Cleaner
When bug splatters refuse to come off your bike, it’s time to break out the big gun. The bright pink, sweet-smelling gun that’s called Muc-Off.
If you ride motorcycles, you may already be familiar with Muc-Off. If you’re not, it’s time to buy a bottle, because this stuff cuts through packed grime and insect remnants like a Multistrada through a twisty road.
Muc-Off quickly lifts off stubborn dirt, mud, and oil without harming any bike surfaces. A little bit off the product goes a long way, so one bottle lasts for a good while.
Just like Wizards, Muc-Off promises to be scent-free, but isn’t. Its sweet smell matches the bubblegum pink color, though. You can decide for yourself if that’s a good thing.
Original Bike Spirits Spray Cleaner and Polish
Sometimes, you’ll have to give your bike a quick clean on the roadside. The Original Bike Spirits Spray Cleaner and Polish is a one-can solution for washing your bike on the go.
You don’t need any water to use the product—all you have to do is spray, wait a bit, and wipe. If your panniers can fit the can and a rag, you have no excuse not to have this cleaner with you, especially considering the stuff is available at basically every dealership and bike shop.
The aerosol spray cleans dirt, bugs, and grease alike. It leaves behind a glossy surface with an anti-static layer that resists dirt and moisture, helping to keep your bike looking clean longer.
Note, though, that this is a detailer instead of a deep cleaner. For a full wash, you should use Wizards or Muc-Off, but the Original cleaner works excellently on the road.
Also, be aware that the spray is flammable. Do not spray it directly on hot parts.
Motul Motorcycle Chain Care Kit
A clean chain is a happy chain. Unfortunately, too many riders neglect theirs. This Motul motorcycle chain care kit helps you keep your chain satisfied.
The kit includes a chlorine-free chain cleaner that gets rid of heavy grease, sand, oil, dust, mud, and anything else that might be stuck to the chain. If anything refuses to comply, the included brush makes quick work of it. After your chain is spotless, use the chain lube to give it a new protective coating.
These Motul products make the chain cleaning process quick and effective. The kit is also reasonably priced, especially compared to purchasing a degreaser, lube, and brush separately.
The products are safe for O-, X-, and Z-ring chains, and work with any road motorcycle. Dirt bikers should note that the C2 lube included in this package isn’t intended for off-road chains.
Rain-X Plastic Water-repellent Spray
Rain can easily block your vision as it splatters on your helmet visor—unless you coat it with this Rain-X water-repellent spray. Rain-X is a reliable brand that’s been out there for ages, and it works as well as ever.
The spray-on repellent is simple and quick to apply, and it dries quickly without leaving streaks. When finished, it forms a hydrophobic layer on top of any plastic surface, from helmets to goggles and windscreens, that forces water to bead and slide off, improving visibility in rain.
If there’s a downside to Rain-X, it’s not the most long-lasting product out there and the initially strong beading effect wears off relatively quickly. But at that point, you’ll just need to give your visor another quick spray, and you’re ready to get back in the saddle.
Well, that, or you could seek cover. But if you must ride, Rain-X keeps your vision clear in the wet.