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How to Wash a Motorcycle

By , About.com Guide

4 of 8

Getting the Hard Parts Clean

Be sure not to let degreasers touch sensitive parts like paint or chrome.

Photo © Basem Wasef

A motorcycle's hard parts (like the swingarm and matte exhaust pipes seen here) require different treatment than more sensitive parts (like paint or chrome.)

Using a degreaser, scrub hard parts carefully and individually, making sure not to let the powerful solvents touch paint or chrome. No need to use microfiber materials here; a rough rag will do.

Some people use oven cleaner to remove boot marks from chrome exhaust pipes, but extra care must be taken to keep strong cleaners away from the sensitive bits.

For chain cleaning tips, check out our Chain Maintenance Step-By-Step article.

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