How to Maintain Your Motorcycle's Tires, Wheels and Windshield

Even in mild riding conditions, your motorcycle's tires, wheels and windshield are constantly bombarded with road grease, brake dust and bugs. Following these simple steps will help keep these parts in peak performance condition.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Corrosion Protectant
• Gardening Gloves
• Soft Cloth
• Soft Cloth
• Mild Abrasive Soaps
• Motorcycle Wash And Wax
• Tire Cleaner
• Tire Gauges

1. Use a mild detergent on your tires and rinse well.

2. Employ a premium whitewall cleanser on whitewall tires.

3. Note that harsh chemical washes, brake dust and road salts can cause pitting and corrosion on your wheels. Wash and wax your wheels weekly and use a corrosion protectant to preserve the appearance of an aluminum wheel.

4. Cover the windshield with a clean, wet cloth for about 15 minutes before washing to make bug removal easier, then scrub your windshield with mild soap and warm water. Wipe it dry with a soft clean cloth and use a scratch-removing product to erase scratches.

5. Check your tires before every ride. Check the air pressure and visually inspect for cracks, worn tread, and debris. Check for loose nuts and bolts.

6. Check the spokes and wheel rims.

7. Check the wheel bearings (and lubricate, if applicable) every year.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid getting your brakes, muffler, engine or air cleaner too wet while cleaning your motorcycle. Remember that wet brakes can affect your braking and wet engines can run poorly.
• Start your bike immediately after each cleaning and check your brakes and engine.
• Watch for warnings and cautions on cleaning compound cans and bottles. Protect yourself and your bike.
• Refrain from washing your brake discs with cleaners containing chlorine or silicon. Chlorine use will cause rust, while silicon makes brake discs slick, impairing their usefulness and safety.
• Motorcycling is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.

Who Can Help Sponsored

on 6/30/2006 Wet the bike thoroughly with a hose, then wait 5 minutes before washing the bike This makes the dirt come off a lot easier.

on 11/22/2005 Stop by the local pharmacy and pick up a box of disposable plastic gloves to keep in the garage. The gloves will keep your hands clean when you're working on your bike. Get the gloves with powder on the inside, if possible. They're easier to put on and take off. Keep a couple of them in a zip lock baggie, under the seat along with your tool kit. Put a few wet naps in with them too. Replace the gloves and the wet naps every couple of months, they tend to dry out.