Consumer Editor of Bennetts BikeSocial, John's owned over 20 bikes, has been testing motorcycle kit for more than 25 years and is a member of the International Association of Auto Theft Investigators, and part of the Motorcycle Crime Reduction Group.
Whether you live in an area suffering from drought and with a hosepipe ban in place, or you simply don’t have access to a hose, here’s how to keep your motorcycle clean while using the minimum amount of water…
Some riders like cleaning their bikes more than others (it’s a great way to get to know your machine and to spot any problems), but your number plate must be clearly legible, or you could face an on-the-spot fine. The lights on your bike have to be kept clean too, so keep an eye on them all and use a damp cloth if necessary.
If you’re struggling to wash your bike due to a hosepipe ban, then the chances are it’s not that dirty anyway, probably just suffering from bugs, bird-poo and dust. Here’s what we’d recommend…
Two buckets and a noodle wash mitt are the key to a clean, scratch-free bike
You’ll usually have plenty of warning of an imminent hosepipe ban, so if your bike’s still filthy after winter, give it a good clean before then. But if you simply don’t have access to a hose – maybe you live in a flat – you don’t have to spend money on garage jet-washes…
Check out the full test of bike cleaners
In a recent review of 69 motorcycle cleaners, I tested seven waterless washes and wipes. Some were surprisingly effective but keep in mind that they can be pricey, and they’re only intended for light dust.
The idea of a waterless wash is that it holds the dirt in suspension before being wiped away, but if you’re not careful, scratches could still be caused. They have their place though, as do cleaning wipes, which can be useful on wheel rims in particular.
The Pro-Green MX Pro Wipes performed well in testing and were safe on all surfaces. I’m also a big fan of Uniwipe Ultragrime wipes as they’re big, tough and last a long time. They’re not totally safe on polycarbonate, but they are great on wheels and hands!
Shop around as you’ll often find some good deals, but always make BikeSocial membership your first port of call, as you’ll find some great savings on cleaning kit and a lot more, including 10% off at Halfords.
Bennetts is a trading name of Bennetts Motorcycling Services Limited, registered in England and Wales (company number 11453343) with its registered office at 27 Old Gloucester Street, London, WC1N 3AX. Bennetts Motorcycling Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (reg no. 913949). BikeSocial digital products are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
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