Within about four seconds of sitting down to write this post, my eyes were looking out of my window – assessing if the temperature had warmed up enough to enjoy a ride out.
And that’s my lifelong relationship with cleaning just about anything – except myself, about which I’m meticulous.
If you’re a person who finds satisfaction in cleaning your bike, then I doff my metaphorical cap to you!
On the contrary, I’m on the other end of the spectrum. Cleaning is an inconvenience. And I hate that I rip my hands and fingers to bits on panels, nooks, and crannies every time I do it.
I find the entire process boring, laborious, and painstakingly tedious.
As such, this post isn’t for folk who enjoy spending four hours on a Sunday washing their bike, enjoying a beer, and listening to music.
It’s for those like me who can’t find the motivation to make a ‘proper’ job of it. And it’s for those who would rather spend those four hours riding – and then half an hour giving the bike a once over when you get back.
With that said, all of the motorcycle cleaning products on this list are easy to obtain, relatively cheap (especially if you buy in bulk), and quick and easy to use.
All YOU have to do is choose the one that suits you best, buy it, and then move on with your life!
Motorcycle Cleaning Products: Bike vs Components
I went through a period of only ever using one product on my bike. And that one product would be used on the bike, the wheels, the screen, and everything else.
The thought of buying and researching different products for different components made me nauseous. And whilst you can get away with just one of the products below for your entire bike, I must admit that results are enhanced with a few specialist products thrown in the mix.
You’ll find those after the general cleaners below.
General Motorcycle Cleaning Products
In this section, we look at general motorcycle cleaning products before moving onto component-specific products below.
S100 Total Cleaner
Overview
S100 Total Cleaner has been tested and approved for years. And it’s great for people like us who want quick results. The gel is quite viscous and works best if you spread it around – using a soft brush where necessary to remove stubborn dirt and mud. Hose it off, and you’re finished. If that’s the extent of your cleaning capacity, the manufacturers state it will dry streak-free – even without a chamois. Perfect!
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Silkolene Fuchs Wash Off
Overview
This option works in the same way as the S100 Total Cleaner above – although arguably more cost-effective. Designed for people who want a hands-off approach to cleaning, you can simply spray it on, leave it for a few minutes, and then wash it off. Job done. As with the S100, I like to leave the solution to soak in for a few minutes before agitating with a soft brush for a better finish.
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Muc-Off Nano Tech
Overview
I never wanted to like Muc-Off. I remember when they endorsed every would-be YouTuber on the planet, and the whole thing seemed a bit ‘try hard.’ But since then, I’ve come to really like their motorcycle cleaning stuff – it works, smells nice, is easy to get hold of, and is convenient. And I like their Nano Tech cleaner for the same reasons. Spray on, agitate, rinse, and ride.
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XCP Cleaner & Degreaser
Overview
XCP is one of those things that bikers shouldn’t be without. It’s very cost-effective compared to many of its competitors. And I like that if you keep it neat, it works as a degreaser. But if you dilute it (10 parts water), it works as a general cleaner. As with the others, spray it on, agitate it where necessary, and then rinse it off.
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Muc-Off Motorcycle Degreaser
Overview
You’re probably noticing a trend here – quick and easy works for us! And it’s a reason we love this product from Muc-Off. Spray on your designated components, leave it for 15 minutes to do its stuff, agitate it if needed, and then rinse off with water.
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Fenwicks Bike Cleaner
Overview
If you prefer the thought of more traditional motorcycle cleaning products (like a bucket, some warm water and a bit of elbow grease), this cleaner from Fenwicks is a good option. It’s been around for almost 30 years, so the manufacturers have the solution down to an art form. Dilute it with 10 parts water to use as a cleaner, or keep it neat for use as a chain degreaser (although I haven’t tried this.)
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Specialist Motorcycle Cleaning Products (Components)
In this section, we look at specialist motorcycle cleaning products designed for individual components of your bike.
Ultimate Passion Red Effect Wheel Cleaner
Overview
If you want to inject a bit of fun into the otherwise soul-draining activity of wheel cleaning, try this product from Ultimate Passion. Spray it on your wheels and watch as the product turns red. Once it’s done its thing, agitate with a brush, rinse, and buff.
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MotoVerde Drivetrain Cleaner
Overview
If you want something with more control than an aerosol, this drivetrain cleaner by MotoVerde is convenient, quick, and safe. It’s also salt-free and has no corrosive components. Spray it onto your manky drivetrain, leave for a few minutes, and rinse.
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Tru Tension Chain Cleaner
Overview
I started using this cleaner from Tru Tension as I’m a fan of their banana products! I don’t know why, but there’s something fun about the fact that they smell of bananas. Anyway, the chain cleaner works a treat. Spray your chain, agitate with an appropriate chain brush, and then wipe down with a rag.
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Tru Tension BananaSlip Chain Lube
Overview
I really like this chain lube from Tru Tension – and not just because it smells of bananas. It’s anti-fling, easy to apply, and does the job. One thing to mention with both the lube and cleaner is that the aerosol tops can be a bit iffy. In the past, I’ve had to find tops off other products in the shed to replace the duff ones on these sprays – which is annoying.
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Wurth Brake Cleaner
Overview
There’s nothing sexy about Wurth brake cleaner. It doesn’t smell of bananas, nor does it come in an attractive bottle or turn rainbow-coloured upon application. But what it does do is work. It’s an affordable essential that does what it says on the tin.
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Muc-Off Motorcycle Protectant
Overview
I had this in the shed for over 12 months before using it. I honestly thought it would be much of a muchness. The first thing you notice with this protectant is the smell. If it wasn’t dangerous to humans, I’d wear it as a deodorant. Add a thin mist over your bike (but not the wheels, brakes, or tyres), leave for a moment, and then wipe off the residue with a micro-fibre cloth. The bike looks shinier, draws moisture away from the components, and smells great.
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