No matter how scrupulously clean you keep your bike, there will come a time when you need to clean something that is particularly filthy or has a build-up of old oil or grease.
When that time comes, bike wash won’t do it and don’t even think about dipping a rag into the petrol tank – this isn’t 1975…
What you need is a decent degreaser and if it’s in a spray can, then even better – you can stay away from the grime while you apply the product and then if necessary, get involved with a brush before using the spray to remove the remaining traces.
Related: Best motorbike chain lubes
Some degreasers are water-soluble, so you can simply rinse your components off with water once you have degreased them but they may need more than one application, as the water solubility can decrease their effectiveness at removing grease and oil.
Here is a selection of top motorbike degreasers.
1.
Best for ease of use
Description
Itu2019s no surprise potion specialists WD-40 make an effective degreaser and this fast-acting
Pros:
Instant action
Handy aerosol can
Attached spray straw
Cons:
May be small for large jobs
2. Gunk Brush-on
Best for brushing on
Description
Riders of a certain age will inevitably have used Gunk at some point in their lives. Younger
Pros:
Good value
Great at breaking up stubborn grease
Formulation good for vertical surfaces
Cons:
Needs decanting for use with brush or spray gun
3. Muc-Off Biodegradable
Best biodegradable
Description
Oil and grease can be fairly unpleasant substances so something that removes them can often be
Pros:
Rinsable with water
Biodegradable
Handy spray application
Cons:
As environmentally friendly, may need multiple applications
4. Oxford Mint
Best smelling degreaser
Description
This degreaser from kit and accessory giant Oxford is designed to dissolve and remove oil and
Pros:
Easy to apply
Rise off with water
Smells good
Cons:
May need repeated applications
5. Morris Workshop Pro
Best all-rounder
Description
This degreaser from British lubricant giant Morris is pink so you can see where you have applied
Pros:
Water soluble for rinsing
Solvent based to break down oil and grease
Non-caustic
Cons:
Can’t think of any
6. Swarfega Jizer
Description
Anyone who has ever worked on a car or bike knows all about Swarfega hand cleaner; it is legendary
Pros:
Use on almost all bike surfaces
Water soluble
Also available in brushable version
Cons:
Fairly hefty safety warnings
7. XCP Pro Parts Cleaner
Description
XCP Professional has a fierce reputation when it comes to motorcycle potions u2013 their corrosion
Pros:
Effective
Great pedigree
Works on all oils and grease
Cons:
Need to wipe off – can’t rinse with water
8. Putoline Degreaser
Best all-in-one
Description
This degreaser from Putoline has been specifically designed for use on any motorcycle parts,
Pros:
Water soluble
Combats all oil and grease
Safe for all bike surfaces
Cons:
Light so runs off easily