Motorcycle wash in Bangkhen, Bangkok

Bikes get dirty far faster than cars, nothing shields them from road grime, and the worst of it collects around the engine and wheels, where just spraying water isn't enough.

We wash the whole bike including the parts you can't see, then dry it off so you don't get water stains or rust spots on the metal. It's quick, so you can ride in and wait. If you want gloss on top of the wash, see waxing.

Chain and sprocket areas are where we take the most care. Degreaser belongs on the chain, not sprayed across the whole bike, and it has to be rinsed and dried properly or you trade road grime for a rust problem a few weeks later. If your chain was recently lubricated, tell us and we will work around it.

Brake discs, calipers and the wheel faces get cleaned separately, the way we do on a car, because brake dust bakes on and a general rinse leaves it there. Afterwards we dry the metal rather than letting it air dry, which is what prevents the spotting and surface rust that shows up on bolts and bare fasteners first.

We wash scooters, commuter bikes and larger machines. If yours has aftermarket parts, exposed electronics, a fitted alarm, or paint that has already been touched up, mention it when you ride in so we can adjust the method or avoid that area.