Use These Tips to Rock Your First Motorcycle Detailing Job After Auto Detailing Training
Just like vehicle owners want their cars and trucks to look sparkly and new, motorcycle owners also appreciate a great detailing job. Given that almost all of a motorcycle’s surfaces are exposed to the outside, including the leather finishing, dashboard, and parts of the engine, detailing a motorcycle is a little different than detailing a regular car. However, with the help of a couple tricks and tips, you’ll be well on your way to performing a high-quality detailing job.
Are you interested in detailing motorcycles after automotive detailing training? Read on for five great tips.
Let the Bike Cool Before Beginning Professional Automotive Detailing
If a customer pops into your shop after riding their bike around town for a while, it’s likely their motorcycle is going to be quite hot. A hot engine and pipes don’t mix well with cold water, because a sudden change in temperature can cause permanent damage to the pipes. So, when detailing a motorcycle, always make sure to give it adequate time to cool down before beginning the job.
Remove Extra Parts Before Beginning Professional Automotive Detailing on a Motorcycle
In order to do the best professional automotive detailing job you can, you’ll want to remove any extra parts from the motorcycle before starting. This could include saddle bags, the windshield, side panels, and any other accessories that can be easily removed. By removing these extra parts, it’ll make it easier for you to access and clean the small nooks and crannies of the motorcycle. In addition, if you’re going to be cleaning or detailing any of those accessories, it’ll be easier to do so when they are removed from the motorcycle.
Pay Extra Attention to Detail When Working on Motorcycles
A lot of the basic principles you’ll learn in auto detailing training about detailing cars will also apply to motorcycles. However, there are still some important differences to keep in mind. Where motorcycles and cars differ is that a motorcycle usually has its engines completely exposed to the outside elements, while cars have their engines hidden away under the hood.
An exposed engine means there are more small areas where dirt and grime could be hiding, and liquids leaking from the engine can easily get caked onto the outside of the motorcycle. So, when detailing a motorcycle, you need to pay extra close attention to removing all the dirt, oil, and other substances that may be lurking in small crevasses. In addition, you’ll also want to ensure that you dry those same areas thoroughly to avoid corrosion.
Cover the Exhaust Holes to Avoid Causing Any Damage When Detailing a Motorcycle
Since motorcycle engines are exposed, they are built to withstand exposure to water and weather. However, getting water from your hose directly inside the exhaust pipe can still lead to costly engine damage. In order to avoid that, simply plug or cover the exhaust holes. There are several ways you can make sure water doesn’t sneak its way into the exhaust. Exhaust plugs work well, but plugging the exhaust with a towel or covering it with a plastic bag or rubber glove is an effective alternative too. Just ensure that the motorcycle is completely turned off.
Clean the Chain First Before Detailing the Rest of the Motorcycle
The chain of a motorcycle is likely to be the dirtiest and grimiest part of the entire bike, so in order to make sure you don’t get dirt from the chain onto the motorcycle after you’ve cleaned the body, always start the job by cleaning the chain first. Remember to always use the proper products for cleaning chains, and never spray a chain directly with a pressure washer, or you run the risk of loosening the chain’s components and allowing dirt to get inside it and stop it from working properly.
Did you know graduates of our auto detailing course in Toronto can go on to work in a shop or start their own business?
Contact Automotive Training Centres to lean where our training programs can take you!
