| Motorcycles and Twowheelers: Bike components - "Keeping Used Motorcycle Parts As Good As New" Wednesday, 20 August, 2008 | Home | Suggest a Link |
Formula 1 Fantasy LeagueEven with regular maintenance and upkeep, our motorcycles tend to get used and subjected to different elements in the environment. To keep used motorcycle parts as good as the day when we first bought them, regular washing and rinsing will do the trick.
But you should take note how you do your washing. You might scratch parts of your motorcycle.
Scratches are the biggest enemy of any bike's finish. The secret of keeping your used motorcycle parts as good as new is to avoid scratches on your motorcycle. Dirt and grime when rubbed in while washing or drying act as sandpaper and will definitely dull the brilliance of your bike's paint.
To avoid scratching your bike, first you need to remember that anything that comes in contact with your motorcycle's finish should be made of soft material. Take care that no harsh or rough surfaces will be able to connect with any part of your motorcycle. Zippers are the worst offenders!
Use only clean, freshly washed cotton cloths or towels to dry your bike after washing. When you need to put on any application to make your bike shine, again use the clean cotton cloths and towels. Rinse thoroughly the sponges or wash mitts, as well as the bucket, before and after washing your bike to remove any dirt or grime.
One of the best advice I got from a used motorcycle parts site was to separate my bike's areas into normal and rough areas when washing. I usually consider the painted surfaces as normal areas, while the tires, engine, and inner fenders are the rough areas. I use different wash mitts and sponges for each area to keep dirt and grime away from the sensitive areas. This way, scratching can be avoided.
Use also a gentle stream of water when rinsing, rather than high water pressure that comes from the hose. High pressured water will cause dirt to grind further into the paint, causing scratches, along with other worse problems. And remember to use generous amounts of water when rinsing. Dirt that causes scratches will easily float away with enough water used.
When washing your bike…
Lastly, wash your motorcycle away from bright sunlight. Soap suds can easily dry from the heat. Ideal time of the day would be in the late afternoon or early morning when the sun is not so strong.
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