A motorcycle, quad or ssv needs to be serviced on a regular basis.
quality maintenance means washing your vehicle thoroughly and meticulously!
Rain, pollution, dust, dirt, mud, humidity and hydrocarbons all damage your machine over time.
To preserve its original appearance, you need to clean it thoroughly every time you go out! But not just any old way!
We're going to give you our methodical advice on how to wash your motorcycle, quad or ssv in complete safety. These are our tips, as quad, motorcycle and ssv riders for over 20 years (some in the team)! These tips are not exhaustive, so if you'd like to add any steps or offer an opinion, feel free to send us your comments!
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:
You need the right products and the right equipment!
An exhaust silencer cap:
This is essential to keep water out of the muffler!
A high-pressure washer:
MUC OFF has just the thing!
Small, practical, inexpensive and high-performance: The MUC OFF high-pressure cleaner KIT
A good cleaning product:
The famous MUC OFF CLEANER needs no introduction.
Ideal for perfect cleaning of your vehicle! Prevents sticky mud and makes plastics and aluminum/stainless steel parts shine!
Available in several forms. The classic 1L bottle (above), but Tonnycat also offers an ORGANIC version:
And of course the 5L "GEL" version too:
This gel can be mixed with water to make 20 liters of cleaning product.
Of course, we also offer a wide range of highly effective products from leading brands!
IPONE MOTO WASH with its GEL formula cleans your machine effortlessly. The product does not attack delicate parts (plastics, paintwork).
Its light peach scent makes the dreaded moment of cleaning even more pleasant. And because you're making responsible choices, MOTO WASH is 100% biodegradable in 28 days (OECD 302B method).
Washing accessories:
A practical and efficient chain brush for proper maintenance. Strong nylon bristles to break up dirt on the dirtiest chains. Ergonomic shape for comfort and stability
Long brush end for cleaning gears, pedals and brakes. Suitable for most chain sizes
MUC OFF 5-brush kit :
- 1 Soft Washing brush
- 1 Detailing brush for hard-to-reach areas
- 1 Claw brush for chains, sprockets, etc.
- 1 wheel and brake brush
- 1 Two Prong double-pin brush
A brake cleaner spray:
MUC OFF's DISC BRAKE CLEARNER:
The unique formula breaks down unwanted particles, which can often compromise your braking performance.
The brake disc is rehydrated to dramatically reduce brake squeal and extend disc braking life.
Muc-Off Brake Disc Cleaner leaves brake discs and other brake parts clean and contaminant-free, while allowing them to rehydrate.
MOTOREX POWER BRAKE CLEAN:
Detergent spray for brakes
Cleans and degreases all brake parts
Prevents swirling of particles from lining wear
Removes oil, grease, brake fluid, tar and bitumen
Particularly high spray pressure
Does not affect rubber, plastics or paint
750 ml bottle
chain degreaser spray:
MOTOREX CHAIN CLEAN 611.
This powerful cleaning product effectively removes deposits from your chain.
Tested on X-rings and O-rings, it is the basic product for chain maintenance.
IPONE CHAIN CLEANER Pack
1 x CHAIN CLEANER is a solvent-based degreaser that dissolves even the most stubborn grease without damaging O-rings. It can be used on your road bike, off-road bike or even your quad.
Its multi-position nozzle combines the power of the jet with the precision of the spray.
Spray the product inside and outside the chain. If necessary, scrub with a brush to remove grease.
Leave to dry for 10 minutes to allow solvents to evaporate.
1 x X-TREM CHAIN OFF-ROAD is a lubricant that lubricates the chain while protecting it from corrosion. It has been developed for off-road motorcycles to limit splashing and ensure long-lasting performance in intensive conditions. Its multi-position nozzle combines powerful jetting with precise spraying. Spray the product onto the chain from the inside by turning the wheel. Allow to dry for thorough lubrication.
1 x Chain brush for easy chain cleaning
plastic shine spray:
IPONE PLASTIC SHINE:
PLASTIC SHINE is a waterless plastic renovation spray. Silicone-based, it restores a new, shiny look to the plastics on your two-wheeler. Spray PLASTIC SHINE onto a clean, cold vehicle. The product leaves a long-lasting shiny film on your vehicle's plastics.
SILICONE SHINE from MUC OFF
Silicon Shine spray not only makes your motorcycle look like new, it also lubricates suspension components and reduces the adhesion of dust and dirt.
Protects and shines metal, plastic and rubber parts
Lubricates fork plungers and rear shock absorber
Silicon formula prevents dirt build-up on treated surfaces
Reduces frequency of washings
The classic WD40 the must-have and the must-do.
WD-40 protects metal from rust and corrosion, frees blocked mechanisms, repels moisture and lubricates small mechanisms. WD-40 is also an excellent cleaner, especially for removing grease, tar and other stains from most surfaces.
- For some models: an air filter cover in some cases
BEFORE ALL ...
Washing must be carried out outdoors in the shade.
Let the motorcycle or quad cool down, and plug the exhaust pipe(s) to prevent water from penetrating. Washing tips suitable for 2-stroke or 4-stroke exhausts are available.
Removing the engine or wishbone protection shoes will make the washing process much more efficient.
Protect water-sensitive parts such as motorcycle air filters. We offer TWINAIR covers specially designed for this purpose, which you'll find in the air filter section for your motorcycle at Tonnycat. For quads or SSVs, this protection is not necessarily necessary. You simply don't need to spray the airbox with water.
You can find an article on the blog detailing the complete maintenance of the different types of air filters.
A complete maintenance of the air filter should in any case be considered each time the vehicle is washed !
You'll also need to protect the battery, with plastic film for example.
We also recommend placing a large piece of cardboard underneath the vehicle to filter out residues of grease, oil, etc...
DEGREASING THE CHAIN :
Regular maintenance of your motocross chain is important to prolong its life and maintain your bike's performance.
Here's how to maintain your motocross chain:
- Start by cleaning the chain with a special cleaner such as IPONE CHAIN CLEANER or MOTOREX POWER BRAKE designed for motorcycle chains. Apply the cleaner to the chain and use a soft brush to scrub away dirt and residue.
- Rinse the chain with clean water to remove any cleaner residue.
- Dry the chain with a clean, dry cloth.
- Check chain tension using a chain tension gauge. Tension should be within the manufacturer's specifications. Adjust chain tension if necessary.
- Lubricate the chain with an oil specially formulated for motorcycle chains. Use MOTOREX CHAINLUB spray or IPONE X-TREM CHAIN OFFROAD . Apply to the chain, working your way along its entire length. Avoid applying to brake discs or tires.
- Use a cloth to remove any excess oil.
It's important to clean and lubricate your motocross chain regularly to prolong its life and maintain your bike's performance. You can also use a chain brush to clean the hardest-to-reach parts of the chain.
During this operation, use the spray pressure to remove as much grease as possible. Grab the chain brush and continue degreasing, spraying again with your favorite chain cleaner. At this point, the chain should be fairly clean.
DEGREASING BRAKE DISCS :
Washing a brake disc is an important step in the maintenance of your vehicle. Here's how to do it:
- Start by removing the wheel from the vehicle. If you're not sure how to do this, refer to your car's owner's manual.
- Clean the surface of the brake disc with a brake cleaner spray. Spray the entire surface of the brake disc. Leave for a few minutes.
- Scrub the brake disc surface with a wire brush to remove dirt, brake residue and other impurities.
- Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe the brake disc. Make sure the surface is completely dry.
- Repeat this operation for each brake disc.
It is important to note that brake discs must not be cleaned with water. Water can rust brake discs and reduce their efficiency. Always use a brake cleaner specially formulated for this purpose. At this stage, spray BRAKE CLEANER onto the brake discs and calipers. You can also use a brush.
BODYWORK CLEANING :
Spray the vehicle with cold water using a water jet.
You can use a high-pressure washer, but be careful not to get too close! Watch out for bearings, radiator fins, wires and electrical connections!
Apply MUC OFF CLEANER or IPONE MOTO WASH generously with a spray! Always go from the top to the bottom of the vehicle.
Leave for a few minutes.
In a bucket of hot water, add MUC OFF CLEANER or IPONE MOTO WASH.
With a sponge soaked in the bucket solution, scrub all fairings, painted parts, engine parts, aluminum parts... the whole lot!
Then, using a brush with a handle, scrub the engine, selector, wheel spokes... Don't forget the chain and brake discs/calipers too! All the parts you need to focus on.
For rims, you can use a special product like IPONE WHEEL CLEANER
(Don't forget to move the motorcycle/quad forward during cleaning so as not to leave a dirty part of the rim)
It's important to leave the product to work for 5 minutes.
Rinse the vehicle thoroughly and generously! Always working from top to bottom.
DRYING :
Use a compressor to remove the water. Use a microfiber cloth or a drying cloth.
REMOVAL:
Tar stains can be removed with WD40.
Spray this product onto a microfiber cloth and wipe over the stains.
SILICONE:
Arm yourself with your WD40 spray and spray on lugs, selector, joints, footbraces...
For plastic or metal bodywork (fairings), use a glossy plastic spray like IPONE's PLASTIC SHINE or MUC OFF's SILICON SHINE. Apply with a microfiber.
CLEANING MOTORCYCLE FORKS :
Regular cleaning of your motocross fork is essential to keep it running smoothly and prolong its life. Here's how to clean your motocross fork:
Start by rinsing the fork with a jet of water to remove dirt and dust. Be sure not to direct the water jet directly at the seals, as this could cause damage.
Apply a motorcycle or fork cleaner to the fork surface, avoiding the seals. Leave for a few minutes.
Use a soft brush to scrub the fork surface and remove any dirt. Be careful not to damage the seals.
Rinse the fork with clean water to remove any residual cleaner.
Dry the fork with a clean, dry cloth.
Check the condition of the fork seals. If damaged, they should be replaced before riding again.
It's important to clean your motocross fork regularly, especially after use in muddy or dusty conditions. Regular cleaning will extend the life of your fork and improve your riding experience.
GREASING:
For the forks of your motorcycles, you can also apply a little MOTOREX or IPONE grease at the fork outlet.
For the front axles of quads fitted with grease nipples, use a grease gun and MOTOREX grease.
CHROME:
Motorcycle chrome is often used to improve aesthetics. However, chrome can tarnish and corrode over time. Here are the steps to follow to clean the chrome parts of your motorcycle:
Start by rinsing chrome parts with water to remove dirt and dust.
Apply a cleaner specially designed for chrome surfaces to the chrome parts of your motorcycle.
Use a soft brush to scrub the chrome parts to remove dirt and dust.
Rinse chrome parts with clean water to remove any cleaner residue.
Dry chrome parts with a soft, clean cloth to avoid water spots.
To protect your motorcycle's chrome parts, you can apply a chrome wax with a soft, clean cloth. This will help prevent corrosion and maintain the shine of the chrome.
It's important to clean your motorcycle's chrome parts regularly to keep them in good condition and looking like new. You can also apply a chrome protection product to extend the life of the chrome and protect it from the elements.
Use a product specially designed for chrome, such as IPONE CHROM'ALU or BELGOM CHROMES. Apply with a microfiber.
The result should now be impeccable! (Don't forget to maintain the airbox and air filter!)
