The right cleaning strategies help your dirt bike shine and avoid unnecessary damage to the various dirt bike parts. We've created the following dirt bike cleaning guide that covers the essential steps. For more maintenance tips or to shop dirt bikes for sale, contact the friendly staff at Big St. Charles Motorsports. Our dealership is in St. Charles, Missouri, and we also serve St. Louis and St. Peters.

Prevent Damage During the Cleaning Process

Without the proper precautions, the cleaning process can end up damaging various dirt bike parts. This can result in expensive parts replacement or repair fees. Take the following preventative steps to avoid this.

Remove Certain Dirt Bike Parts

The exact parts to remove will depend on your given dirt bike model, but will likely include:

  • The pipe guard.
  • The skid plate.
  • The seat.
  • The air filter.
  • The bark busters.

The goal is to remove parts that can be harmed by high-pressure spray, water, or cleaning detergent.

Cover Certain Dirt Bike Parts

Some parts should be covered to prevent damage.

This includes:

  • The airbox.
  • The exhaust.
  • The muffler.

These parts can also be harmed during the cleaning process, but are difficult to remove. Securely covering them should do the trick.

Tackle the Top Layer

Once you have protected the dirt bike parts from damage, the next step is to remove the top layer of grime. Use a hose or pressure washer to wash down the frame. This helps remove loose debris and dirt, which makes it easier to access the caked-on gunk behind it. When you are ready to hose down the underside, lay the dirt bike on its side for easier access.

Scrub Away

Now it's time to get at the stubborn messes and difficult to reach spots. Use a gentle detergent or dedicated bike wash for this step. Get soft rags for scrubbing the soap in without scratching the frame. For those smaller grooves, a toothbrush can work well.

If scrubbing isn't working to remove a caked-on piece of grime, resist the urge to simply scrub harder. Doing so can scratch the dirt bike's surface. Instead, add more water and let it soak the dirt. With enough water and time, it should become easier to remove.

Rinse Again

Once you have removed the mud and gunk, give the dirt bike another rinse. This help clears away soap and dirty water. If you notice any missed spots, address those before moving onto the next step.

Dry the Dirt Bike

Avoid streaky spots by using a soft towel to dry off the dirt bike. A hair dryer or compressed air can be used for spots that a towel can't reach.

Add Lubrication

Finally, take a minute to lubricate the relevant moving parts. For example, be sure to lubricate the chain before calling it a day.

Want to shop dirt bikes for sale? Big St. Charles Motorsports carries a range of options. Our experts can help you find the perfect model for your budget and lifestyle, so reach out today. We are based in St. Charles, Missouri. We also serve St. Peters and St. Louis, Missouri.