About a year ago a fellow KX rider friend of mine suggested I use WD-40 to clean my bike. My first reaction was "no way, why would I put oil all over my bike" Well a few rides later I was cleaning my bike (jetting was rich) and was trying to get the black goo from my exhaust, plastic, and swing arm. I was also in need of a good chain cleaning. I remembered my friends tip to use WD-40, but because I didn't have any, I used a similar penetrating oil spray that I had. It worked great! After every ride I rinse the bike, spray it with soapy water, rinse, dry, then get what's left with the penetrating oil (WD-40 or similar liquid wrench stuff will work). Not only does this pull of dirt but all of the unwanted oil and grease. Tip: don't spray direct on the bike, spray on paper towels. You don't want this on your breaks or getting into your bearings. After I get the dirtiest parts clean, I wet a clean paper towel and wipe down nearly the entire bike; plastic, engine, pipe, swing arm, forks, etc (not the seat). I use this on the chain too. It pushes the water out from the recent wash and preps it for your chain lube. I can't believe how great my bike looks. This would be a great tool for prepping the bike for sale. Once I used a silicon spray but it lasted too long on the bike and a little dust stuck to it on the ride after.Keep in mind that gaskets and seals can dry out (I live in AZ) I figure this is also helping the various engine gaskets, etc to stay good (not dry, crack, and fail). I've been doing this now for nearly a year and I'm sold.
Give this a try and let me know what you think. Also share what you do to keep your green machine clean.
Nate in AZ (azdirtrider75) Chandler AZ 2002 KX250
