Keeping Your Bike Mint: The Proper Way to Detail a Motorcycle (Mar 2026)

Never, ever wash a hot bike. If you've just come back from a ride, give it an hour. Cold water on a hot engine block or brake discs can cause warping or cracking. Plus, chemicals will dry instantly and leave nasty streaks.

Chuck a clean rag or an exhaust bung in the muffler. If you've got an exposed air filter (like on some Harleys), cover it with a plastic bag and a rubber band.

Take off your tank bag, GPS, or any soft luggage. It just gets in the way and you don't want them getting soggy.

Walk around with a torch. Look for oil leaks or loose bolts. It's much easier to see these before the bike is wet and shiny.

If you've got aftermarket wiring or an older bike, a bit of cling wrap around the switchgear on the handlebars can save you a massive headache later.

Clean the chain before you touch the rest of the bike. Use a degreaser and a chain brush. All that black gunk is going to fly everywhere, so no point cleaning the wheels first. Wipe it down with a rag when done.

Spray your degreaser on the engine, swingarm, and wheels. Let it dwell for 3-5 minutes, but don't let it dry. If it's a hot day, work in sections.

Use a gentle spray to rinse the degreaser. Avoid pointing the hose directly at wheel bearings, the chain (if it's O-ring), or the dashboard.

Cover the whole bike in foam. This helps lift the Aussie dust and those stubborn bugs off the fairings without you needing to scrub and scratch the paint.

Start from the top. Tank first, then fairings, then seat. Leave the dirty bits (wheels and swingarm) for last. Use a light touch, let the mitt do the work.

Use a soft brush to get into the cylinder fins, around the bolt heads, and into the callipers. A lot of brake dust builds up here; it's worth the extra few minutes.

A thorough rinse with free-flowing water (no nozzle) helps the water sheet off, making drying easier.

Use your blower first! Get the water out of the spark plug wells, switchgear, and those annoying spots under the tank where water pools. Then follow up with a plush microfibre towel.

Run your hand over the tank. If it feels like sandpaper, it's got embedded contaminants. Use a clay bar and lube until it's smooth as glass.

If you've got swirl marks on your tank from your knees or tank bag, use a light hand polish. On chrome, use a dedicated metal polish to bring back that mirror finish.

Apply your sealant or wax. I reckon a spray ceramic like Bowden's Bead Machine is brilliant for bikes because it's fast and handles heat well.

Be careful with plastic windscreens, they scratch if you look at them funny. Use a dedicated plastic cleaner or just a very clean, damp microfibre.

If it's leather, use a conditioner. If it's vinyl, use a UV protectant. BUT, make sure it's a non-greasy one. You don't want to be sliding off the back when you hit the throttle.

Now that the chain is clean and dry, apply your lube to the inside of the chain while spinning the wheel. Wipe off any excess so it doesn't fling onto your fresh paint.

Check your pressures while you're there. Never put tyre shine on motorcycle tyres. I've seen a bloke go down at the first roundabout because he wanted 'shiny' treads. Absolute madness.