Using WD-40 to Clean Your Motorcycle

I like clean machinery, so over the years I’ve experimented with just about every possible method for keeping my tackle (and that doesn’t only mean my motorcycles) as clean as possible. On the other side of that same coin, because I fool around with lots of vintage motorcycles, I’m always on the prowl for some way to clean things like soaked-in fuel and grease stains without being too aggressive. One of the best methods I’ve come up with is WD-40 and a small nylon or toothbrush-type scrub brush. The beauty is that you can remove dirt, light rust and even corrosion from the parts that are still attached to the motorcycle without a whole lot of effort.

Start by lathering the dirty area with WD, let it sit for five or 10 minutes and then start scrubbing. If the part is painted or finished, use the nylon brush; if it’s bare, use the brass, repeating as necessary. The brushes are available at any hardware or auto-parts stores for something around a buck a throw and can reach even the most inaccessible spot.