Keeping used motorcycle parts as good as new
Even 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.
Top Rule: Avoid scratches.
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 in 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 would be avoided.
Use also a gentle stream of water when rinsing, rather than high
water pressure that comes from the hose. The high pressure of
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 scratch
will easily float away with enough water used.
When washing your bike