How to wash a motorbike with the two bucket method

A motorbike is harder to wash than a car. There is more exposed metal, more places water should not go and a tank that shows every swirl mark. The two bucket method still applies. It just needs a few changes.

How to wash a motorbike in 6 steps

1. Let the engine, exhaust and brakes cool completely.
2. Clean the chain first, with its own brush and cloths.
3. Rinse off loose dirt with a gentle spray, not a close jet.
4. Wash from the top down with two buckets, one panel at a time.
5. Rinse gently and dry the bike straight away.
6. Protect the painted panels, clean the screen and visor, then lube the chain.

Why two buckets matter on a bike

A bike packs chain lube, brake dust and road grit into a small space, much of it right beside the paintwork. With one bucket, grit from the swingarm ends up on the tank. A second bucket of clean water keeps it out of the shampoo. Tanks and fairings are also seen from close up, so swirl marks show.

Before you start

• Wait for a cool bike. Cleaners dry almost at once on a hot engine or exhaust and can leave marks.
• Get it stable. Use a paddock stand or centre stand on level ground.
• Keep the pressure washer well back. Hold the lance away from wheel bearings, the chain, switchgear and electrics. A hose on a gentle setting is plenty for most washes.
• Nothing slippery where it matters. Keep sealant, polish and degreaser off the tyres, brake discs and pads, the seat, the grips and the footpegs.

Which products suit a motorbike

The full list, with the reason for each, is on our which product for which vehicle page.

Step 1: the chain

The chain is to a bike what the wheels are to a car. It is the dirtiest part, so it goes first and has its own tools. Spray on the degreaser, work it with a soft brush, rinse gently and move on. Our chain cleaning routine has the full method. Nothing that touches the chain goes near the paint afterwards.

Step 2: rinse

Rinse the whole bike from the top down to carry off loose dirt and flies. If it is filthy, a pre rinse or a light coat of snow foam on the bodywork softens what is left. Do not let either dry.

Step 3: the two bucket wash

1. Fill WASH with shampoo at 1:200 and RINSE with clean water. Put a grit guard in each.
2. Start high: screen, mirrors, tank and seat unit.
3. Move on to the fairings and side panels, in straight lines with light pressure.
4. Rinse the mitt against the grit guard in RINSE after every panel, then reload it in WASH.
5. Switch to a second mitt or a wash pad for the forks, swingarm, engine cases and wheels. That one never goes back on the paint.

The method is the same loop as on a car. Our two bucket method guide covers it step by step.

Step 4: rinse and dry

Rinse gently from the top down, and rinse the brakes well. Dry the bike straight away with a clean drying towel, patting around switches and fasteners. Water sits in the gaps on a bike, so check under the seat edges and around the headstock.

Step 5: finish

• Protect the painted panels with sealant, sprayed onto the cloth so none drifts onto the tyres or brakes.
• Clean the screen and your visor.
• Lube the chain once it is dry.
• Test the brakes at walking pace before you ride off.

Quick answers

Kit for this job

• No.05 Contact Shampoo
• No.04 Drivetrain and Chain Degreaser
• 20L Wash Bucket with Grit Guard, Two Bucket Kit
• Ultra Plush Microfibre Wash Mitt
• Soft Detailing Brush Set of 3
• No.09 Glass and Visor Cleaner
• Motorcycle care range

More from the Journal

• Motorbike and bicycle chain cleaning: a simple routine
• The two bucket method: how to wash your car without swirl marks
• Wash mitt or sponge: which is safer for car paint?
• How to dry your car without swirls or water spots