Once the spring rain and mud are behind you and the heat arrives, it is time to give your motorcycle some attention. Dust and dirt from the wet season have stuck to the chain and turned into an abrasive paste, while sun, high temperatures and night-time dew speed up corrosion, especially if the bike is not kept in a garage.
A few hours of care at the start of summer will protect the chain, plastics and rubber and make riding in the heat more dependable.
What you will need
Important: Work with the engine and exhaust cold. Keep lubricant and silicone away from brake discs, pads, tyres, the seat and footpegs.
Step 1
Clean the chain
Put the bike on its centre stand or a paddock stand. Apply WD-40 Multi-Use to the chain and sprockets, leave it a few minutes and work it with a soft brush to lift old dirt, sand and thickened lubricant. Wipe the chain dry with a cloth while turning the wheel.
Step 2
Lubricate the chain
Apply WD-40 Motorcycle Chain Lube to the inner side of the clean, dry chain while slowly turning the wheel. It reduces friction and protects against rust and corrosion, which develop faster in sunny weather with dew and dust. Let it penetrate for a few minutes, then wipe off the excess so it does not collect dust.
Step 3
Check cooling and tyres
The engine works harder in the heat. Check the coolant level, make sure the radiator is clean and inspect the hoses. Measure tyre pressure with the tyres cold and set it to the figure in the manual: hot tarmac puts extra stress on tyres.
Step 4
Wash the motorcycle
Wet the bike, apply car shampoo and leave it for 3-5 minutes. Use a sponge or cloth on the dirtiest areas: fairings, exhaust and wheels. Rinse thoroughly and dry with microfibre. Clean the brakes separately with a dedicated brake cleaner.
Step 5
Protect plastic and rubber
Apply WD-40 Specialist Silicone to clean fairing plastics, rubber seals and boots and buff with a cloth. Silicone gives a shine without polishing, protects against moisture and helps rubber resist drying out in the sun. Near the seat, grips and brakes, apply it to the cloth only.
Tip: Do not service the chain straight after a hot ride: warm metal dries fresh lubricant quickly. Let the bike cool for at least half an hour.
What next
In summer, lubricate the chain every few hundred kilometres or after every wash and rain. Cables, lever pivots and locks can be treated quickly with a WD-40 Smart Straw and its precision straw.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».