Pressure Washers For Motorcycles

Whether you ride a dirt bike or a streetbike you are going to need to wash your motorcycle at some point, and a pressure washer is a great way to quickly and effectively remove mud, dirt, and road grime from your bike. Over the years we have heard many different points of view on the pros and cons of pressure-washing so here are a few tips on what to do, what not to do, and what to look for in a pressure washer.

A few basic rules of power-washing apply to all types of motorcycles and the most important of them all is to avoid sticking the full force of the spray nozzle at any seals, particularly those around your countershaft, wheel bearings, and electronics. Keeping the spray wand a good 2 to 3 feet away from the bike will reduce the chance of blasting off your graphics, roosting yourself in the face, or damaging valuable hardware over time. Always plug the exhaust, especially on a high-swept style commonly associated with dirt bikes. Over time you can cause rust or corrosion to form in the exhaust system if you clean it and store it right away between rides. The long-term issues of blasting around seals is that you can force particles of dirt along with water between the seal and shaft which can result in premature seal failure.

There are all types of pressure washers on the market including both gas- or electric-powered versions. The key is to not use too powerful of a washer by choosing one that operates somewhere under 3,000 psi. Here are a few that will help you get pointed in the right direction as you search for a power washer to call your very own.

If you are looking for an all-around electric pressure washer, then you should pick up a Briggs & Stratton 200 and quietly start cleaning your bike this weekend. With 1,800 psi available, the 200 is powerful enough to blast through most caked-on mud and dirt without breaking the bank. It includes a 20-foot hose and detergent reservoir tank attached to a steel frame with casters for easy maneuverability.

The Stanley SXPW2823 combines the portability of a gas-powered washer in a lightweight, easy-to-use package that features a 25-foot hose, four adjustable washer tips, large 12-inch wheels, and a powdercoated frame that will hold up to years of abuse. The best thing about a gas-powered pressure washer is that you can use it anywhere.

It may look a bit funny, but the battery-powered Worx Hydroshot takes the console out of the equation thanks to its self-contained pump within the housing of the wand. Rechargeable lithium batteries produce up to 450 psi, which is more than enough power to peel off road grime, dirt, and dust. It may not be powerful enough to remove caked-on mud, but it is more than capable of reducing the amount of time you'll need to spend scrubbing it off by hand.

As we mentioned earlier, it is important to plug the muffler on your motorcycle if you plan to pressure-wash it. This allows you to focus on the dirt and mud and not worry about inadvertently blasting water into your exhaust system. The Twin Air 4-Stroke plug is a good example of what we recommend you use, but there are many types from every exhaust manufacturer so get the one that suits your needs and everything will be just fine.