Motorcycle Engine Cleaning Tips

Your motorcycle’s engine is the heart of the machine. It generates the power and the sounds that brings your bike to life. Unlike a car’s engine, your bike’s motor isn’t hidden under a hood. It’s out there for the world to see, and keeping it clean has all kinds of benefits. 

First off, a clean motor just looks good, doesn’t it? It also helps you detect problem areas because it makes spotting leaks and cracks a lot easier. Plus, keeping your motorcycle’s engine clean helps prevent debris and corrosive materials from damaging the motor. A clean engine is also more fun to work on than a dirty one, which is a great reason to keep taking care of it. Here are some tips for cleaning a motorcycle's engine.

How to Clean a Motorcycle Engine

1. Use an air compressor to blow out loose debris around the engine.

2. Cover sensitive parts like the fuse block, ignition system and spark plugs with plastic bags and a little tape to reduce the risk of getting water in them.

3. Spray a biodegradable cleaner and degreaser over the surface of the engine. 

4. Rinse thoroughly to get all of the degreaser off the engine.

5. Use warm water and a scrub brush to get the last of the stubborn grime off the motor — being careful not to scratch the chrome or other surfaces — then rinse again.

6. Dry the engine with compressed air.

7. Use a rubber protectant on the bike’s rubber surfaces. 

8. Detail the engine with a high quality chrome polish to preserve or restore its shine.

9. Remove the plastic bags and tape and you’re done.

Your motorcycle will already look better with a clean engine. Keeping it clean also enhances the resale value of your motorcycle if you’re about to put your bike on the market. 

Keeping the cases clean is an important part of extending the life of a motorcycle's engine. If your motorcycle's engine cases are rusted or corroded, watch the video below for tips on how to restore engine cases.