Elementary Bike Maintenance: A Good Wash Job

A clean bike is important. How important? Are you a rider who thinks that checking your oil level is the holy grail of bike maintenance? Well, that's important, but the detailing of your ride is critical. By examining the bike at this level, you'll spot problems before they arise. Race day is the last time you want a failure – especially one that you should have seen coming.

As you know, that mud can and will get everywhere. Begin the cleaning disassembly by removing your seat and cleaning it separately. Since you are going to want to give the bike a good spraying down without giving yourself any headaches, it's a good recommendation to insert an exhaust plug.

Another thing you'll want to do is remove the air filter and put a cover over the air box. Acerbis probably has a good quality one for your model. This presents a good opportunity to inspect the filter itself. Is it time for a replacement or cleaning?

Now you'll want to give your bike a good soaking with a quality detergent before any real scrubbing takes place. This will loosen the mud and grit and minimize scratching due to scrubbing. Teepol Gold is a great detergent for motocross mud. The water pressure from the jet setting on your hose attachment should do a good job.

There are certain areas of your bike which should NOT be subjected to a high pressure spray. Bearings and any electrical connections should be avoided. They are engineered for water contact but not for high pressure.

The underside of your bike is an area which is subject to the most mud and debris build up. A good spraying will dislodge this and make soap-sponging a breeze. Be sure to turn off the fuel cock before laying the bike over on its side before you do this, however.

From the bottom of the bike, work your way forward and pay attention to the front forks and seals. “Spray and inspect” is the name of the game here. You don't want to compromise the seals from too much water pressure.

Once the bike is clean to your expectations, go ahead and use a light oil anywhere it might be of benefit, such as around dust seals and fork seals. Open the drain on the base of your carburetor and drain any moisture that might have accumulated during the washing. Replace the air filter. Secure your seat and wipe down the entire bike with a chamois cloth to eliminate spots and streaks.

Now is a good time to crank up your bike and let it idle to dry off all engine and electrical connections. This is also a good time to do your lubing chores. Oil your chain. Try a product made for bicycle chains called “White Lightning”. This lube encapsulates debris and flakes it off before it can cause friction damage to the links or gears. Use Armor All or a similar product to protect tires and plastic components from UV damage.

With proper care, your bike will serve you well and hold up in the most stressful of situations.

Article by www.MxTrainingJournal.com