How To Wash A Motorcycle (And Keep It Looking New)

In this video I will show you how I keep my Triumph Speed Triple 1200RS looking like new. I'll show you all the products I use and each of the cleaning stages I go through in my motorcycle detailing process.

Do you have any tips that could improve my cleaning process? Please leave a comment below.

Muc-Off Degreaser

Autoglym Polar Blast

Muc-Off Bike Cleaner

Wheel Woolies

Carpro Elixr

Carpro PERL

Big Boi Blowr Mini+

[andy_rides]

Quite a few people commenting on power washing. My opinion is that it's fine, I don't use it for every wash but when I want to deep clean. I use a gun with a fairly wide pattern, not a lance and I keep some distance. You have to use a bit of common sense and keep the thing moving. Don't spray it at the seat or under the tank where the electrics are and avoid spraying it at bearings.👍

[paulkinsella]

Even if you use the two bucket method, I would always wash the tank, panels, mudguards and fairings first before moving on to the areas where there is more likely to be gritty deposits. Eliminates the risk of scratching paintwork. On that subject, when washing your microfiber cloths, never add fabric softener as it leaves micro plastic residue on the cloth, which again can leave swirls and scratches. After rinsing I always, carefully, lean the bike as far as possible both ways before drying. You'd be amazed how much water remains trapped in nooks and cranies. There is nothing more disheartening than finishing all your hard work, then putting the bike on its side stand and seeing water dribble out over your freshly cleaned and polished bike! Great video and love your attention to detail.

[sthildas]

I am a detailer cars and bikes, good as you did degrease first.

I woukd still use as a Snow Foam pw that off. A detail brush with your Muc Off.

Perl is good, FK1000P was seal for paint plus rims you may get 6 months out of that.

Turtle Was do spray all surface ceramic.


It does look clean, nice job.

[IGjo_on_wheels]

When you use the high pressure washer do it further specialy on the radiator, try to lube the chain on the inside so the o-rings get lubricated when you ride, I put grease on my chain (Ipone white) I put the extra grease that didn't went on the chain all over the pads with a toothbrush to prevent rust. My bike ran 23500 km and the chain looks brand new, I bought a 125 as first bike it had 9000 km and the chain was rusty and ready to be replaced 😅. Nice cleaning tho

[pinnacle_moto]

Looks mint mate, well done I will use some of these myself.

[richardgiles]

Really good video and I picked up a few good tips 👍 I also use ACF50 once a year normally before laying it up for the winter. As soon as I see the council gritters out getting ready to do the roads my bike goes away for the winter as the salt is a bloody nightmare 😂😂

[raymorris]

Nice job fella, I clean bikes for a living, almost identical process, different products but the end results are the same.

[TrulyUniqueOne]

Lube your chain on the inside so the lube is forced out through your chain when ride. The lube you put on there will just fly off

[johngoodlass]

Great Video, Andy you have given me some more tips (like the Muc-Off degreaser), ive been using SDoc-100 as my go to Gel cleaner and ive switched to using Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Wash & Wax Shampoo with the addition of the Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic 3-in-1 Detailer . GT85 is a great product

[Dan-pjsj]

Great video, mate. I like the GT85 tip and running afterwards isn’t something I considered. I’ll be doing that next time. I don’t see anything wrong using a pressure washer if sensible, like you were. 1000 psi, 2 inches from the bike is another story! 😅 I would use a bit of brake cleaner on a towel to finish up the wash on the disc faces to remove any overspray from the products used, but if stored afterwards could actually help ward off corrosion.

[markanstey]

I was told never to use a power washer as it blasts all the grease out of the bearings. Thats a very thorough clean though and you have all the gear!

[RideSafeNSmart]

Beast of a bike and a beast of a clean! My only comment would be to lube chain from the inside but somebody beat me to it. Ive found similar with some matt paints it doesnt seem to make any difference, on others fi ishing with a matt detailler seems to help things pop that little bit more! Ride safe and well done for keeping that bike nice! 🙌👊👍🏻

[detailtherapy]

Great process. I'd just suggest some nicer microfibre cloths (like Kirkland). Those thin ones will start to take their toll on gloss parts. And if you fancy trying some other products, I highly recommend the Bilt Hamber range. Surfex, Auto Foam, Auto Wash and Touch On 👍

[kavi-xnuu]

It will be very helpful for you to rotate the front wheel by using paddock stand on the front too.

[DaBentoBox]

What stand do you use? The one i got for my speed triple dont fit too nice.

[rajivvishwa]

Can you explain what GT85 does? Also, I tend to be super cautious while lubing by using a bunch of cardboards to block off wheels and other areas to protect from accidental spraying of lube. I don't see you doing it? Is it not required? Great video btw. I'm going to use this as a reference for my next wash

[hearthealthyhustlebyjonath]

won't the gt85 make dirt stick easier/ make the cleanup down the line a bit tougher/ gunkier?

[bhok]

Lube the chain from the inside and only for 3 seconds (1 spin). You use half the can😂. Also a 1/5 bottle of MucOff will do mate.
And try to not wash in direct sunlight.
Nice job though! You really adore your bike and I applaud that

[vwtransportersandmotorcycl]

I would advise against starting the bike unless going for a ride. Unless you get the engine up to temp, condensation can build up inside. Nice looking machine

[alexhogan]

If the option is there, I'd always go with the weakest nozzle on the powerwasher. I find it takes off what needs to come off. The mild chemicals and sponge does the rest..
The temptation is always there to blast away at the bike which can remove decals and cause possible damage to coatings.

Thats not a judgement on your cleaning, I've learned a lot here 👍