Motorcycle Detailing Perth is a deeply satisfying and almost meditative experience for those with patience and a precise eye. Detailing a motorcycle can significantly extend the life of plastic, leather, vinyl components, paint, and chrome surfaces.
Several factors affect how long it takes to detail a motorcycle. These include the bike type, its cleanliness level, and how much time is available.
Motorcycle enthusiasts are passionate about their bikes and often take pride in keeping them looking like they came out of the showroom. Detailing isn’t just a process that takes time and patience; it can also be deeply satisfying. Detailing a bike can also reveal any loose or broken components that need to be replaced, which can help keep the motorcycle running in top condition.
When detailing a bike, the first step is to find a clean and shaded area for working. This not only allows the operator to work in comfort but also prevents the detergents and cleaners from drying up or leaving behind a film or residue. The operator must also cover any vulnerable components, and they should remove the seat before starting motorcycle detailing.
Next, a hose is used to rinse down the entire surface of the motorcycle. Depending on the severity of dirt and grime present, this can be a powerful stream or a gentler spray. For extremely dirty bikes, an electric pressure washer with 1300 to 1900 psi can shorten cleaning times and eliminate the need to scrub with soaps and brushes.
While rinsing the bike, the professional motorcycle detailer will pay special attention to the wheels and suspension. This is because the high-pressure water can damage these parts. Once the wheels and suspension are rinsed, the motorcycle is ready for the washing phase of the detailing process.
A mild detailing spray is applied to the paint and chrome surfaces during the wash stage. The spray acts as a lubricant and helps the motorcycle’s clay bar glide over the surface without scratching it. The professional will use a safe clay bar for the specific type of bike and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
After the clay bar is removed and the bike is rinsed, a motorcycle detailer will use a wax suitable for the paint type and finish. This protects the paint and chrome from damage and keeps it shinier for longer. A good quality wax will last for up to two seasons before it needs to be reapplied.
If a motorcycle is dirty, it may need more than just a basic wash. A degreaser may be required to break down stubborn grease or oil. This cleaning product usually comes in a foam formulation and needs to be sprayed on and left for a few minutes before being removed with a clean cloth. It’s easy to find professional quality products designed specifically for motorcycles. Many people also have homemade green degreaser recipes they like to use.
After washing the bike, it’s important to dry all areas thoroughly. If not done properly, it’s very easy for water to get into places where it shouldn’t and cause damage. This includes the engine and pipes, where a sudden temperature change could cause permanent damage. The Perspex windshield often collects water droplets, and it’s important to remember when drying. This can be avoided using a product such as Crystal Glass Cleaner, which contains mild distilled solvents that quickly cut through grit and grime and flash it away to leave a sparkling finish.
Most professional detailers will use a large stack of clean microfiber towels to wipe the bike down. This material is perfect for drying motorcycles because loads of tiny fibers crammed together give each towel a massive surface area to wick away the water. Once everything is dried, it’s time to get down to the serious business of motorcycle detailing.
When cleaning and polishing, the professionals know it’s not just about making the bike look beautiful. The engine is the heart of the motorcycle, requiring special attention to prevent problems. Dirty and gummed-up engine parts can cause poor performance and even stop the engine from running. This is why professional detailers often use an engine brightener, which breaks down deposits and makes the engine look new again.
Motorcycle detailers might also use professional products, including bug/insect remover, which helps break down pest remains before they can cause damage. They might also use a clay bar to help deliver a smooth glass paint finish.
Motorcycles are built from a lot of metal and chrome. They are always exposed to nature’s elements and need special care to keep them looking shiny and clean. Motorcycle polishes are designed to do just that. They are usually light abrasives that gently strip away the oxidation, leaving the fresh metal underneath – essentially cleaning and polishing in one step. A quality polish will also leave a very slight film that helps protect the metal, making it more resistant to oxidation in the future.
The dirt on a motorcycle will affect how much work it takes to get it clean. A very dirty bike may require a heavy-duty degreaser to break down the contaminants and allow you to scrub them off without damaging the paintwork. You can make your homemade degreaser or buy a commercial product that does the job in just a few minutes.
After washing, many detailing professionals will use a motorcycle dryer to remove all the excess water and speed up the drying process. This is especially helpful on the paintwork and chrome. A good air blaster blows warm, dry, filtered air to dry a motorbike quickly. It gets into the smallest crevices and can help you reach areas that are hard to get at with a towel.
A good spray wax can help to protect a bike from the elements and maintain that glossy, mirror-like finish. It’s important to use a good quality spray wax that contains no silicones, which can damage the paintwork. You can also use a ceramic spray that gives a high-gloss finish to painted surfaces and makes them easier to wipe down, just like a coat of clear wax.
If your pride and joy is a chrome motorcycle, you’ll want to use a dedicated chrome polish. This will remove fingerprints, smudges, and bugs from the chrome parts on your bike. You can even use this on the exhaust, making it look new again. It’s also easy to use; pour some onto a microfiber towel and buff it on the chrome parts of your motorcycle.
The last step in a thorough motorcycle detailing process is to apply a sealant or wax on your bike’s paint and chrome surfaces. This protects your hard work from the elements and gives your motorcycle a deep shine. It also protects your bike from future stains and makes it easier to wipe off any dust or dirt that may have settled on the surface. This is necessary for riders who want to keep their bike in top condition between rides.
When choosing a place that offers motorcycle detailing, it is important to determine how much their services cost. This will help you determine if the place is within your budget and can provide you with the care you need. You will also want to ensure that the motorcycle detailer is reputable and has a good track record of delivering quality work. It is always a good idea to check out any reviews or testimonials from previous customers on the internet.
After washing your bike, be sure to rinse it thoroughly. If you wait too long to rinse, the soap will dry onto your bike and cause streaks. Also, scrub the wheels and other hard-to-reach parts of your bike with a soft brush to eliminate the dirt accumulating in these areas. Lastly, clean and rinse your sponges regularly so you don’t transfer dirt from your dirty sponge to your bike.
Liquid cleaners can speed up the cleaning process and save time, but they should be used carefully. Spraying a liquid cleaner on your motorcycle’s surface can quickly remove oil marks, tar, and dirt. If you do this, use a rag free of scratches.
Once your motorcycle is completely cleaned and dry, applying some lubricant on the chain is a good idea since the soap and water will likely have washed away some of it. This will keep the chain rust-free and reduce wear on the tires. You can add some lubricant to your other rubber components, like the grips and saddlebags.