Detailing your Bike like a Pro

We're all different. Some of us wait for the next rainstorm to clean our bikes, that's what they're for right!? Some of us grab a bucket of water, some soap and give our bike a quick once over and then jump on and ride it to get all the water off. And then there's those who are meticulous, who want their bike to look the best it possibly can because every time you ride it is a chance to show off it's beauty!

If you're one of those this article is for you! Some tips on how to detail your bike at home like a professional in 5 steps.

Step 1. The Initial Clean
Before you start you're going to want to ensure your engine and exhaust are both cool to the touch. Give your bike a quick rinse off to get off any road grime and bugs. We suggest using a spray on and rinse off wash - using a sponge can drag potentially hardened particles along your gorgeous paint job! And we wouldn't want that now would we? If you clean your bike regularly this will work like a dream as there hasn't been enough time for large amounts of gunk to build up.

Step 2. Tires
Next up are your wheels. You'll probably want to invest in a cleaner specifically wheels specific spray cleaner. Make sure to check that it's compatible with your wheel type, some have warnings about use on powder coating, bare aluminium or magnesium wheels. After this, rinse again!

Step 3. Protect that Paint
If you really want to go the distance than get yourself a clay bar. It'll help you get rid of anything that could harm your paint. You need to be a bit careful with a clay bar. Use a detailing spray as a lubricant, move the clay bar over the paint - you need to be careful to do this without pressure or circular motions. Get a microfiber towel and finish by buffing.

Step 4. Wax on, Wax off
Use a small amount of wax and apply to the bike with a microfiber towel. Apply wax to the bike out of direct sunlight! And try to avoid any wax getting on black plastic, matte finished material, rubber, wires - basically anything that isn't painted! Once the wax has dried and looks a little hazy buff it out!

Step 5. The final details
Clean the chain with a solvent soaked rag and give another once over on your tires with a light duty degreaser!  Using a chrome cleaner give a once over on all the shiny bits! Chrome cleaners are designed to work protect not scratch so you can use a bit of elbow grease while applying. If your bike is blacked out we have product for that as well!

Your bike should look it's best now..... so hit the road! Or if you can't bare to ruin your detailing job, let it sit in the driveway for awhile and let your neighbors admire your work!

The Importance of an Oil Change for your Motorcycle

We all hear about the importance of a regular oil change but how important is it? To get to the point… oil is the lifeblood of your motorcycle. It’s just that simple.

 

Oil is a multi-tasking superstar. It keeps the components of your engine working efficiently, and it helps in reducing the build-up of varnish and carbon from forming on the engine by moving minor debris into your oil filter. It acts as a lubricant, keeping metal parts from coming into contact with each other. When you’re riding your engine gets hot, thousands of small explosions are taking place every minute; oil assists in pulling that heat away from the combustion chamber… basically it helps keep your engine from blowing up. So yeah, an oil change is pretty important! 

Knowing when to get an oil change for your motorcycle is debated across the board. Basically it comes down to your riding style. If you ride hard, carry a heavy load, or ride through harsh conditions you’re going to want to get an oil change more frequently. If you look online suggestions range from 3,000 kilometers and 3 month to 5,000 kilometers and 5 months for getting your oil changed, we suggest that you ask your trusted Motorcycle Technician what is best for your riding style. Just remember it’s more important to focus on the distance you ride then the amount of time you’ve been riding. If you head out on a tour and rack up your odometer you may want to head into the shop when you get home! 

If you have any questions don’t hesitate to call our Harley-Davidson Service Team toll free at 1-866-564-6667