Owning a motorcycle requires a certain level of upkeep and regular cleaning. After all, bikes take a beating from the elements each time they’re on the road. Plus, the joy of owning one of these unique vehicles is their sleek and gorgeous appearance.

But just how often should you clean your motorcycle? We want to help you answer that question and a couple more FAQs about motorcycle care and cleaning.

What Does Cleaning a Motorcycle Entail?

Before discussing how often you should clean your motorcycle, it’s wise to understand what the process entails. The specific cleaning regimen will likely look slightly different for every individual. To illustrate, some people might be incredibly stringent and perform a full detailing once a week. For context, doing a complete detail on your motorcycle involves:

• Pre-rinsing
• Washing
• Motor polish
• Tire washing
• Waxing

For many motorcycle riders, this list is a bit too extensive to do every week. So instead, some prefer to do regular, basic cleaning and do the full-detail job every few weeks. Ultimately, what your cleaning process entails relies on your preferences. In any case, washing your motorcycle always requires an investment of your time and effort. But it’s necessary, nonetheless.

How Often Should I Be Doing This?

You should make a point of scrubbing your bike down at least once a week. Motorcycles have far more exposure to the elements compared to cars. This is especially true for those who drive their motorcycles frequently.

A lot of dirt, grime, and bug guts can accumulate over a week. For this reason, it’s best to set aside time to wash it during the week.

You’ll also want to set aside time every two to three weeks for a complete detailing job if it’s not already a part of your maintenance routine. And if you don’t think you’ll have time to visit a professional, having your own motorcycle detailing kit at home is helpful.

What Are the Benefits?

Regularly detailing your bike comes with numerous benefits. It protects your bike from dirt, dust, and debris that can damage the paint. Washing your bike can also help to prevent harmful particles from traveling into the engine.

Regular detailing offsets the chances of severe damage from occurring. As a result, your bike retains healthy longevity. Not only do you enjoy it for years, but you also might be able to snag a great price for it if you decide to sell it.

So, if you want to keep your motorcycle in excellent condition, it’s best to do a basic wash weekly. And if you want to up the ante, you can opt for a full detail just as frequently. Hopefully, this quick guide provides some insight into why you should make time in your schedule for crucial motorcycle upkeep.