Best Pressure Washers for Motorcycle
I show you what is important when washing motorbikes and scooters with a pressure washer and how to go about it.
After an exhausting tour on your motorbike, you probably have a smile on your face – and insects on the paintwork of your vehicle. So washing it with a powerful high-pressure cleaner sounds very tempting. But is it a good idea? Yes, if you do it carefully. To ensure that your motorbike shines in new splendour after cleaning and does not suffer any damage, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Keep your distance: The closer you stand with the pressure washer to the motorbike, the higher the pressure. Therefore, always keep the minimum distance recommended in the operating instructions. As a rule, this is 30 centimetres. When cleaning, start at a greater distance from the motorbike or scooter and reduce it if necessary. Also remember to keep a flat angle between the water jet and the motorbike to protect the paintwork.
- Hand wash delicate parts: Do not aim the jet of the pressure washer directly at sensitive wheel hubs, lever joints, oil and water coolers, swingarm, steering head bearings or O-ring chains. The pressure can damage these components and force water into fine cracks and bearings, damaging the motorbike or scooter. It is better to clean these sections by hand with a sponge or soft brush after soaking.
- Avoid the electrics and engine block: Make sure that electrical components and the engine get as little water as possible.
- Be careful with the tyres: This is a matter of your own safety. Be sure to work on the tyres with sufficient distance and little pressure. Do not keep the water jet directed at one spot for too long. Otherwise the tyres could be invisibly damaged and burst at high speeds or over long distances.
Similar regulations apply to motorbike washing as to car cleaning with a pressure washer: Find out about the regulations on car washing in your municipality. Cleaning on the street is usually prohibited, washing on private property is sometimes permitted. The background to this is environmental protection: to prevent water contaminated with oil or chemical cleaning agents from getting into the groundwater or sewage system, cleaning is often only permitted where there is an oil separator in the drain. Engine washing is usually prohibited.
5 Best Pressure Washers for Motorcycle
Best Pressure Washers for Motorcycle
Kärcher K7 Premium Full Control Plus Home Pressure Washer
The Karcher K7 Premium Full Control Plus Home Pressure Washer is a high-performance cleaning machine that delivers exceptional power and versatility. With its impressive maximum pressure of 180 Bars, it can handle the toughest cleaning tasks with ease. The included T 450 surface cleaner and stone and facade detergent provide efficient cleaning solutions for large areas and stubborn stains. While the weight and cord length may pose some limitations, the K7 Premium is a reliable and powerful pressure washer that is ideal for homeowners seeking professional-grade cleaning performance.
Kärcher Pressure Washer K 2 Compact
The Kärcher K2 Compact Car & Home Pressure Washer is a versatile and lightweight cleaning tool designed for various outdoor cleaning tasks. With a maximum water pressure of 110 bar and a flow rate of 360 liters per hour, this pressure washer delivers sufficient power for everyday cleaning needs.
Bosch High Pressure Washer EasyAquatak 120
The Bosch 06008A7972 High Pressure Washer EasyAquatak 120 is a powerful and versatile cleaning tool designed for use in a variety of outdoor cleaning applications. With a maximum pressure of 120 bar and a flow rate of 350 litres per hour, this pressure washer is capable of tackling even the toughest cleaning jobs with ease.
Nilfisk 128471255 Core 140 Bar High Pressure Washer
The Nilfisk Core 140 Bar High Pressure Washer is a powerful and versatile cleaning machine designed for tackling tough grime and dirty surfaces. With a maximum pressure of 140 bar, it delivers impressive cleaning performance, making it suitable for various applications around your home, garden, and car.
WORX WG620E.4 18V (20V Max) Cordless Pressure Cleaner
The WORX WG620E.4 Cordless Hydroshot Portable Pressure Cleaner Kit is the perfect cleaning solution for those looking for a versatile and portable pressure washer. With its 18V (20V Max) cordless operation, you can take it anywhere without worrying about being tethered to a power outlet. The kit comes with two 2.0Ah batteries, ensuring that you have enough power to tackle any cleaning job.
Cleaning the motorbike with a pressure washer: Instructions
Rinse off coarse dirt
Rinse coarse dirt off your motorbike or scooter with clear water from the pressure washer if the vehicle is heavily soiled. Do not aim the water jet directly at sensitive parts such as bearings, wheel hubs or radiators.
Soak dirt
Fill vehicle shampoo into the spray kit according to the instructions and attach it to the pressure washer. Then spray the cleaning agent onto the motorbike with the pressure washer to soak dirt such as oil residues or insects with the foam.
Remove dirt with the sponge
Now wash the motorbike or scooter by hand. Take a sponge and remove the soaked dirt. Also clean sensitive components such as water and oil coolers, lever joints, steering head bearings or O-ring chains with a sponge or soft brush. The rims are best cleaned with a washing brush attachment on your high-pressure cleaner.
Rinse off
Rinse detergent and dirt off your motorbike or scooter with clear water from the pressure washer. Again, be careful not to aim the jet at sensitive parts and seals.
Dry off
Dry your motorbike thoroughly. Use either a leather cloth or a soft microfibre cloth. The latter reduces the risk of damaging the paintwork during drying. If available, an air jet from the compressor will help remove water from hard-to-reach areas. By drying your motorbike or scooter thoroughly, you prevent damaging rust from forming.
Care
Preserve metal parts with spray oil. Chrome and aluminium parts can be maintained with polishing cotton wool, and paint can be maintained with hard wax, which is applied with a soft cloth or polishing cotton wool and seals the surface. Unpainted motorbike parts and sections made of plastic are best treated with special polishes.
Now your motorbike is thoroughly cleaned, cared for and ready for the next tour. We wish you a good ride!
Summary: Cleaning your motorbike with a pressure washer
- Find out about the legal regulations before cleaning your motorbike on private property. For environmental reasons, this is not allowed everywhere.
- Keep to the recommended minimum distance (please read the operating instructions for your pressure washer, it is usually 30 centimetres) to avoid damaging your motorbike or scooter.
- Do not treat sensitive bearings or seals directly with the high-pressure cleaner. The engine block and electrical components should also receive as little water as possible.
- Always wear your personal protective equipment when working according to the operating instructions.
- First rinse off heavy soiling with clear water. You can soak light dirt directly with cleaning agent from the high-pressure cleaner.
- Wash sensitive parts with a soft brush or sponge and then rinse off the cleaning agent with clear water from the high-pressure cleaner.
- Thoroughly leather your motorbike or scooter and preserve metal parts with oil. Care for aluminium parts, paint and other surfaces with appropriate care products.
FAQ
Can I wash my motorbike with a pressure washer?
Yes, you can wash your motorbike with a pressure washer. Be careful not to treat sensitive parts directly with the water jet and switch to hand washing. Keep a sufficient distance and dry the motorbike thoroughly at the end. Observe the legal regulations for washing motor vehicles.
How can motorbikes be cleaned with a pressure washer?
You can easily clean motorbikes with a high-pressure cleaner. Make sure you leave enough distance so as not to damage the paintwork and tyres. Wash sensitive parts by hand and dry the motorbike well at the end. Finally, care for metal parts with oil. Also observe the legal regulations for cleaning motor vehicles.
Where can I wash my motorbike?
You can usually wash your motorbike in places with an oil separator in the drain. It is therefore often prohibited on the street. Whether you are allowed to wash your motorbike on private property is determined by your municipality in the regulations on motor vehicle washing. Find out in advance before you wash your motorbike.
