How to clean the ATV
Making a clean atv out of a muddy one takes more then 2 steps. It takes more then hosing it off and taking it for a drive. That is, if you care about your bike. Because if you clean your atv properly you’re expanding its lifespan.
A properly Cleaned ATV takes 6 steps.
1. Close off holes
2. Cool off
3. Wash off dirt
4. Soap in
5. Dry off
6. Plastic care
1. Close off holes
Before hosing off the ATV, close off the exhaust and air box. Either close off the exhaust with some ducktape or put a cloth into the back of the exhaust. Or use a silencer plug (Pro Grip Silencer Plug or MSR Racing Silencer Plug) and never hassle with cloths or tape again. This to prevent water from filtering through to the cylinder. Next, close of you air box as well, again using a large cloth to prevent water from filtering through to the carburetor.
2. Cool off
BEFORE hosing off the bike, make sure your engine is cooled off. DO NOT & NEVER cool off your engine by spraying water on it! Because, if you do so, you’re increasing the chance you’ll pull your engine. Don’t force metal to contract faster then it naturally does when it naturally cools off. The same counts next time you want to take your ATV for a ride. Don’t take off immediately after you’ve started the engine. Give it some time to warm up first… Grant the metal some slack.
If you want to extend the life of your ATV, these are the most crucial points.
Just give your engine the time to cool off & warm up!
. Wash off dirt
Clean ATVTo best way to hose off the ATV is by making use of a high-pressure cleaner, preferably connected to a warm water tap. Make sure, if you buy a high-pressure cleaner, it has a minimal pressure of 60BAR. More pressure isn’t actually necessary, since the chance you’ll find yourself hosing off decals and graphics increases. If you do have more pressure then 60BAR, cleaning will go faster, but watch out for your decals and exposed holes (see step 1). Of course you can also finish the job using a simple garden hose or bucket filled with water and soap. No problem!
TIP: After you’ve hosed off your ATV, put it on its grabber and have another go. You’ll be amazed how much dirt you missed spraying off.
WARNING: Close your fuel tap before tilting your ATV!
Some people, additionally, blow out dirt out off little holes, switches and other components using an air compressor.
4. Soap in
There are 2 ways you can soap in your ATV.
– using a high compression cleaner that has a function to soap in,
– or using a plant-spray (90% water/10% soap) which is time consuming but affective.
Either way, let the soap set for 5 minutes before you wash off.
TIP: Afterwards, start your engine and let it run for a minute or 2 to ensure your engine will definitely start up next time you take it out.
5. Dry off
As an extra you can dry your ATV using a clean cloth.
WARNING: If you prefer to dry it off by taking it for a drive, make sure you test your brakes first, because your brake discs can still be wet!
6. Plastic care
When your ATV is dry and dust free, you can use ‘silicon spray’ or ‘glitter spray’ to give your plastics a new look shine. Silicon spray also applies a layer that prevents dirt sticking on tight; i.e. next time you’ll wash off your ATV, dirt will come of as easy as never before. Silicon spray also protects against scratches and will make your plastics shine again.
Just spray in your plastics with it, and slightly rub it in with a clean soft cloth. (make sure your plastics are dry and dust free)
Don’t exaggerate while spraying though. With a soft cloth your can easily spread it out evenly.
WARNINGS:
1. Never use simonies products! Plastics come standard with a shiny layer. If you use simonies , they will most defenatly scour this layer off.
2. Don’t use WD40 either, because this will make it easier for dust to stick on. It will also give your plastics a flat look.
3. Prevent spraying in your grips or they’ll loose their function …providing grip.
4. If you have an o-ring chain, try to avoid washing it of with your high compression cleaner.
Read about ‘ Cleaning o-ring drive chain ‘.
Now we’re talking about a maintained and clean atv!
