The rims of a motorcycle get dirty very quickly. Various elements can in fact be deposited on the rims, such as grease, tar or even mud residues. Brake dust is also a common cause of soiling. Many drivers are now adopting aluminum rims, which are all the more difficult to clean. If they are very aesthetic, aluminum rims still require a specific technique to be properly cleaned. In any case, for a motorcycle that shines, it is necessary to take great care of it on a daily basis.
If you are a biker, today we give you some great tips for cleaning your motorcycle rims!
What material is needed to clean the rims of your motorcycle?
To clean the rims on your motorcycle, you won't need a lot of materials. Overall, you most likely already have all of these items available at home:
- A special brush : choose a brush that will not scratch your rims. The hair must be flexible.
- Rags : Microfiber cloths are recommended. Extremely soft, they will not scratch your vehicle.
- A cleaning product : you can use a specific product that you will find in specialized stores or in your garage. For more natural products, we recommend using white vinegar as well as liquid soap. They are often already sufficient for optimal cleaning.
- A pair of gloves : if necessary, a pair of gloves may be necessary depending on the product used.
- A basin filled with water or a garden hose : you can opt for one or the other of the two solutions depending on the place in which you have chosen to clean your motorcycle.
What are the steps to follow to properly clean the rims of your motorcycle?
Install the motorcycle in a suitable location
To clean the rims of your motorcycle in the best possible condition, place it in a suitable place first. The ideal is to place the vehicle outside, near a water drain to avoid flooding the sidewalk! If you are lucky enough to have your own garage, you can also move inside of it. In this case, favor the basin of water rather than the garden hose which could transform your garage into a swimming pool!
Wet the rims with clean water
To do this, use a garden hose or a basin filled with water, at your convenience. Once the rims are wet, you can apply a cleaner that is compatible and suitable for the material that your rims are made of. If you don't have a specific product, you can use white vinegar and liquid soap.
Use the cleaner on the rims
Be careful to spray the cleaner all over the surface of your rims. If some places are particularly dirty, insist on it. Do not hesitate to let the product act for a while for more effectiveness. Depending on the degree of dirt, you can leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes. The product will thus be able to act in depth and target the dirt present in all corners. If you want to use more natural products, first spray the rims with white vinegar, rinse them, then do the same with the soap.
Scrub the rims with a brush
In order to scrub the dirt, use a special brush for the rims. A suitable brush will thus avoid damaging the rims of your motorcycle. Under the effect of the product (s) you have used previously, the dirt should quickly disappear. With a brush compatible for aluminum, you are sure not to scratch your rims and to find the cleanliness of the first days! If you don't have a special brush, don't panic. You can perfectly use a cloth or a sponge, which will allow you to clean your car gently.
Wipe the rims with a clean cloth
To finish cleaning your rims, rinse them with the garden hose or the basin of water. You can then dry the rims with a clean microfiber cloth. To avoid leaving white marks on your rims, be sure to dry all of them.
By following our advice, you should get clean and sparkling rims, as if you have never ridden your motorcycle! Taking care of your vehicle is ultimately quite simple and helps extend its lifespan. Depending on your use, we recommend cleaning the vehicle rims between once a week and once a month. In any case, do not wait until the rims are black with dirt before cleaning them.
Clean your motorcycle well every day and it will ensure many years on the road!
