For some, cleaning their bike is a necessary evil, on par with paying taxes or the last five minutes of Mrs Brown’s Boys while waiting for something good to come on.
But for others, it is a source of excitement, with the prospect of removing all traces of dirt and leaving the bike sparkling making them wake early.
For most, it’s somewhere between and keeping your bike clean is essential to make sure it stays bright and fresh for as long as possible.
There are both practical and aesthetic reasons for this; a bike that looks good means you want to ride it and helps keep its value.
It protects it from attack by dirt and salt from winter riding, for example, which can affect its ability to do its job properly. And you always feel a little nicer riding out on a clean, shiny bike than a filthy one...
Related: Worx Hydroshot Brushless review
Also depending on your preference is how you clean your bike. You should obviously give it a really good, deep clean from time to time, particularly if you are preparing it to tuck it away for winter, for example, or as you ride through winter.
However, there are also times when a quick once-over will be enough, particularly if you’re about to head out.
Here is a selection of cleaning products that will make your life that little bit easier.
It’s like the last part of a drive-through car wash, blowing water off the bike and out of hard-to-reach areas. I’ve tested it and it’s very effective, though it’s also a lot of money.
Best motorcycle cleaners
Half price on 1- and 5-litre twin packs, £21.98 down to £9.99 and £59.99 down to £29.99.
Tested by Simon Relph, 4 months - Quality 5/5, Value 4/5
"I still don’t know how I use to get by without disc brake cleaners, especially this one from Muc-Off. Very easy to use, simply give the can a good shake, then give the disc a good blast all over, concentrating on the dirtier areas and places where the dust collects in the hard to get at corners.
"Make sure this is down outside, or a well-ventilated space, as however nice it smells, it is still inflammable. Once the disc and calliper/pads look clean, leave enough time to dry off before wiping down with a dry clean cloth. Quick and easy to use, leaves everything sparkling."
Alternatively, if you don't have access to an outside power socket or tap but still want to blast
Thing is, even if you do have a hose, this unit is still very convenient and simpler to set up than having to drag a corded cleaner out for a relatively small job. We've reviewed the Hydroshot Brushless and really rate it.
Pros:
• Convenient
• Easy to set up
Cons:
• Not as powerful as a corded pressure washer
A brush or sponge is the usual method for applying water and shampoo but this wash mitt from Gear
Pros:
• Great value
• Easier to use than a brush or sponge
Cons:
• Reviews say quite small
For a good-old bucket-and-sponge wash, you'll need a shampoo and this one from Autoglym is
Pros:
• Easy to use
• Good value
Cons:
• No wax element
Sometimes, you just want to give the bike a quick once over and can't be bothered to get the
It gets good reviews online and cleaning involves spraying it on, wiping it off and buffing up. Water beads nicely and it brings paintwork up well, apparently.
Pros:
• Gives the bike a quick spruce up
• Good reviews online
Cons:
• Need to be careful of grit on paint
A best-seller at Sportsbikeshop, this cleaner from Wurth will keep your chain as well as your
Pros:
• Cleans chain and brakes
• Handy aerosol can
Cons:
• Doesn't appear to be biodegradable
A winner when sister title RiDE tested combined wax and polishes, this one from WD-40 sprays on as
Pros:
• Polish and protection in one
• Great finish
Cons:
• Small can doesn't go far
If you are going for a bucket and hose wash and don't fancy a wash mitt, then a set of cleaning
Pros:
• A brush for every occasion
• Great value
Cons:
• None
Muc-Off's motorcycle cleaner can be applied using this spray pump or, as I do, using the company's
Pros:
• Biodegradable
• Smells nice
Cons:
• None
11. Fuchs Wash Off
Billed as a simple spray-on, hose-off cleaner, this product from Silkolene is designed for road
Pros:
• Developed for bikes
• Good price
Cons:
• Mixed customer reviews
This cleaner from SDoc is a gel that goes on thick and needs spreading out but once done, it cuts
Pros:
• Works well on all dirt and grease
• High viscosity so stays where you spray it
Cons:
• Can't be used on bare aluminium
13. M16 Extreme
Winning a RiDE Best Buy triangle in the magazine's cleaner test, the M16 Extreme is another spray
Pros:
• Safe on all surfaces
• Dries streak free
Cons:
• None
14. Proper Cleaner
Billed a Proper Cleaner 'by Guy Martin', this starter pack comprises an empty spray bottle and two
Pros:
• Biodegradable
• Ships without water to reduce carbon footprint
Cons:
• None
This spray from Rock Oil will get rid of dirt, oil and grease, is biodegradable and contains no
Pros:
• Biodegradable
• Can be used in a pressure washer
Cons:
• Can't dry on polished surfaces
If merely removing the dirt and grime from your bike isn't enough for you, then look no further
Pros:
• Good value
• Ideal for plastics
Cons:
• Small can
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