Whether you’re somewhere on a desert highway riding a Harley-Davidson or zipping down the back roads on a Honda CBR model, a little zen and a little motorcycle maintenance can often mean the difference between getting to the sidewalk or not. You only have to land on your back in the middle of a grassy field once to appreciate just how important this difference can really be.

Obviously, your cleaning requirements will vary depending on how many miles you log and the road conditions when you’re racking them up. It’s not a good idea to wash and clean your motorcycle at a commercial car wash anyway. So unless you’re independently wealthy and can afford to have a bunch of bikini-clad supermodels wash your bike by hand, you’ll end up doing it yourself (probably for the best… supermodels aren’t really known for their attention to detail). Here are some recommendations to keep your bike in top condition.

Before you begin, always consult your owner’s manual. If you don’t have it or you bought the bike used, try looking for one on the internet (most manufacturers will offer them as a free PDF download via their respective websites). A motorcycle owner’s manual will contain specific instructions for washing, including cleaning tips and products recommended by the manufacturer.

Always make sure the engine has cooled down before washing it. Wash your bike in a shady area as the sun can dry out the soap solution before you can rinse it off, leaving soap streaks on the surface (which pretty much defeats the point of washing it in the first place). When you’re cleaning up road grime, check all the parts thoroughly. Keep an eye out for leaks and loose hardware, making sure everything is tight and secure.

After rinsing well, dry your bike with a soft white cotton cloth or towel that is free of loose fibers. Cheap towels leave loose fibers that look like cat hair on a business suit. Also, avoid using a paper towel, as it could scratch painted surfaces. Taking a cue from commercial car washes, compressed air is a great option for drying and works especially well in hard-to-reach places, like around the license plate frame of a motorcycle. If you don’t have an air compressor, you can use a vacuum in a similar way by connecting the hose to the exhaust port, although a modest investment in a motorcycle dryer will pay off with just a few uses. Follow the cleaning process with a good coat of car wax to protect the finish and prevent dirt from picking up as easily.

For those who have a collectible model or just don’t have the time to hit the road as often as they’d like, there are a number of useful accessories, such as a motorcycle cover or motorcycle loading ramp, that protect your bike and prevent that you have to wash it so often.

Motorcycle covers provide a high quality way to protect your motorcycle from the elements and other corrosive airborne elements such as dust. Don’t use a plastic tarp. They trap moisture and don’t breathe, allowing mold and corrosion to take hold. Motorcycle covers also protect against UV rays, rain, dirt and pollutants, while integrated air vents allow moisture to evaporate.

Another useful accessory, motorcycle ramps feature high weight capacity, wheel guide sides, and sure-grip ramp surfaces that provide traction, stability, and safety when transporting your bike from location to location or to a raised platform. or down.

Storing your bike requires a little extra care. First, increase the front and rear tire pressure to the recommended PSI. Next, find a secluded place to store it and place the bike on its center stand. Then lock it enough to lift the front wheel off the ground and either remove the battery or connect it to a trickle charger, maintaining charge and battery health while not in active use.