Anyone who rides motocross knows what a muddy race weekend looks like. By the end of the day the bike is usually covered from top to bottom in clay, sand and grime. It might look like a cosmetic problem, but the real issue is what that dirt is doing to the components underneath.
Mud holds moisture, sand works its way into moving parts and grit slowly wears down chains, bearings and seals. Cleaning your bike properly after a muddy ride is not just about making it look good again. It is an important part of keeping the bike running smoothly and extending the life of key components.
Here is the process we recommend…
Step 1: Rinse Off the Heavy Mud
Start by rinsing the bike to remove the worst of the mud.
A pressure washer works perfectly well for this, but control is important. Let the water break down the dirt rather than blasting the bike aggressively. Always start from the top and work down so the mud flows away naturally.
A common mistake is holding the pressure washer too close to sensitive areas such as wheel bearings, linkage bearings, steering head bearings and radiator seals.
Another area riders often damage is the chain. Spraying a pressure washer directly and closely into the chain rollers can force water past the seals, pushing grease out of the rollers and shortening the life of the chain.
Keeping a sensible distance allows the pressure washer to remove dirt effectively without forcing water where it should not go.
Step 2: Lay the Bike Over to Clean the Underside
The underside of a motocross bike is often the dirtiest area on the entire machine. Mud packs tightly around the frame rails, engine casings and linkage, yet it is difficult to access properly when the bike is upright.
A simple trick is to gently lay the bike onto its side so you can clean underneath properly.
There are a couple of safe ways to do this.
Lean the bike so the handlebar grip rests on your stand.
Or place a cloth on the stand and rest the top triple clamp on it to protect the controls.
Once the bike is laid over, begin by pre-rinsing the underside of the bike. This removes the heaviest mud before applying any cleaner and makes the rest of the process far easier.
Focus the rinse on areas where mud packs most heavily such as the bottom frame rails, engine casings, linkage and swingarm pivot.
If your bike has a skid plate it is worth removing it occasionally, as mud can pack tightly behind it. Clearing this out prevents trapped moisture and unnecessary weight.
Step 3: Apply Motoverde Bike Wash Underneath
With the underside exposed and pre-rinsed, spray Motoverde Bike Wash across the bottom of the bike.
Mud in this area is often packed tightly, so use a soft brush straight away to agitate the cleaner and break up the heavier build up. This helps the cleaner penetrate quickly and speeds up the process.
Motoverde Bike Wash is designed to cut through heavy motocross dirt while remaining safe on all surfaces. The formula is pH neutral and contains no corrosive salts or caustic chemicals, making it safe for aluminium, plastics, anodised parts and engine casings.
Step 4: Stand the Bike Up and Apply Bike Wash
Once the underside has been brushed, stand the bike back upright and apply Motoverde Bike Wash across the rest of the bike.
Spray the cleaner evenly across the frame, swingarm, radiators, engine casings, wheels, hubs and plastics.
Motoverde Bike Wash is designed to dwell longer than many cleaners, allowing the advanced cleaning agents time to break down stubborn dirt rather than relying on harsh chemicals.
While the cleaner is working you can lightly brush areas where dirt tends to build up, such as footpegs, around the engine and behind number plates.
Step 5: Clean the Drivetrain Properly
The drivetrain collects a mixture of mud, sand and old chain lube, so it requires a dedicated clean.
Spray Motoverde Drivetrain Cleaner directly onto the chain and sprockets. This detergent based degreaser quickly breaks down grease and contamination.
Use a chain brush to work the cleaner through the chain. A chain brush cleans multiple sides of the chain at once, helping remove dirt from deep inside the rollers and plates.
Rotate the rear wheel slowly while brushing so the entire chain is cleaned thoroughly.
Step 6: Lay the Bike Over Again and Rinse the Underside
Once the Bike Wash has had time to work, gently lay the bike over again to rinse the underside.
This ensures the areas that collect the most mud are thoroughly flushed out. Rinse away the loosened dirt from the frame rails, linkage and engine casings before standing the bike upright again.
Step 7: Rinse the Entire Bike
Stand the bike upright and rinse the entire bike from top to bottom.
At this point the dirt should lift away easily as the Bike Wash carries it off the surface. Make sure all cleaner has been rinsed away, especially around the engine and radiator areas.
Step 8: Lubricate the Chain
Use a cloth to dry the chain before lubrication. Removing excess water helps the lubricant penetrate properly.
Apply Motoverde PTFE Chain Lube to the clean chain. Our PTFE formula penetrates deep into the links and contains friction modifiers and anti wear additives to keep the drivetrain running smoothly.
For best results allow the lube time to settle into the chain links before riding, preferably 6+ hours.
Step 9: Finish With Motoverde After Shine
To complete the clean, apply Motoverde After Shine across plastics, metal parts and engine casings.
After Shine displaces remaining water, dries evenly and leaves a long lasting finish that gives the bike a factory fresh appearance. It also helps prevent mud from sticking as heavily on your next ride, making the next clean even easier.
A Proper Clean Makes All the Difference
Motocross bikes are built for tough conditions, but mud, sand and water can quickly take their toll if left on the bike.
Using the right products and a proper cleaning process keeps components protected, helps the bike perform better and makes maintenance far easier over time.
And after a muddy race weekend there is nothing quite as satisfying as seeing the bike clean, protected and ready for the next ride.