Motorcycle Cleaners

How do you wash a motorcycle after riding in mud?

The single most important rule: do not let the mud dry. Once dry it takes paintwork with it when you try to scrape it off. If you cannot wash the machine straight away, at least rinse it with water.

Start the wash properly by applying OC1 Offroad Cleaner over the whole machine. The product breaks mud down in two minutes — no scrubbing, no risk of scratches. For road motorcycles and routine washing there is Motorcycle Cleaner, and for several machines the 5 l canister.

⚠ Do not aim a pressure washer at bearings, fork seals or the area around the chain. Water punches through the seals and flushes out the grease.

We covered this in more depth in the guide to cleaning a motorcycle after riding in mud.

What cleans wheels and exhausts?

These are the two hardest places, because the deposits there are not ordinary dirt.

Wheels are covered in brake dust baked on at high temperature — ordinary shampoo will not shift it. Wheel cleaner foam dissolves it in two minutes, and the 360° valve lets you apply it from underneath as well.

Exhausts — burnt exhaust residue and surface rust settle on chrome and steel. Exhaust polish removes them without abrasive, so it does not dull the surface.

What degreases brakes and the drivetrain?

Here a separation applies that must never be confused.

Rotors and pads — Brake Cleaner for routine degreasing or Power Brake Cleaner for heavier deposits, and nothing else. Both evaporate without residue. Any oily product on a rotor means squealing and lost braking power.

Chain — Chain Cleaner. It dissolves old lubricant mixed with sand and is safe for O-rings and X-rings. After degreasing, the chain must dry before fresh lubricant goes on.

And what about gear and clothing?

The motorcycle is not the only thing that comes back from the track dirty.

Leather Cleaner cleans jackets, gloves and leather boots without drying the leather out — it is based on olive soap. More in the guide to caring for motorcycle leather.

Lens Cleaner cleans visors and goggles without streaks and without alcohol, which dulls coatings over time. Glue remover takes sticker and tape residue off fairings.

Ready-made kits: Must Have Off-Road bundle and clothing and accessories bundle.