How to Make Your Used Motorcycle Look Like New

Every rider takes pride in their motorcycle’s appearance. However, after many years of use, a motorcycle accumulates dirt, grime, and debris, which causes it to lose that lovely, shiny appearance that it had when new.

The good news is that there are several things you can do to counteract your two-wheeler’s aging process and restore its former glory. With a little hard work and a few simple tweaks, you can make your beloved old bike look and perform like a newer model. Here are a few tips on how to keep your used motorcycle looking new for the next five years or more.

Deep clean your motorcycle

It might sound simple and obvious, but thoroughly cleaning your bike can make a great difference. Cleaning your motorcycle of any dirt, dust, grime, and debris will keep damaging chemicals off your bike’s finish, making it look new for years to come. A sparkling clean motorcycle is also much more appealing to potential buyers, should you decide to sell it in the future.

Spray your bike with low-pressure water from a garden hose to remove dirt. Use motorcycle wash detergent and a soft microfiber wash mitt to gently scrap off all the accumulated dirt, grime, and grease. Pay close attention to the crannies and nooks where dirt tends to accumulate.

When cleaning the dash, be careful not to get electrical components wet. Rinse off your bike before the soap dries.

Clean your wheels separately

Your motorcycle’s wheels and spokes are made of different materials from what the body is made of. Therefore, make sure to clean every part of your bike as required. Generally, you will need different detergents and tactics to wash your wheels.

Use mild tire cleaner or wash soap to clean your tires. This will help remove oils from the road film and tire dressings. After that, wash your rims.

Wax it to give it a shine

Once you are done cleaning, apply a protective coat of wax and polish your motorcycle to give it a pristine shine. Polishing also helps protect your bike against oxidation and corrosion, so ensure you use quality wax. Avoid using products that have not been recommended by your manufacturer, as harsh metal polish can damage your motorcycle’s paintwork.

You can also use a tire shine on your wheels to make them sparkle. If your bike has chrome rims, wax them with fine chrome polish and then buff them to give them a shine. If the rims are made of aluminum, use aluminum wax and polish.

Get a paint job

Used motorcycle paint can become dull and fade over time, which can harm the overall aesthetic value of your bike. In addition, no matter how careful you are with your bike, your motorcycle is prone to scratches and nicks. However, a fresh paint job can immediately solve the issue and make your used motorcycle look brand new.

This is the best time to showcase your personality and stand out from the crowd. Therefore, you can use decals on your motorcycle for a creative touch. Choose your favorite graphics or create a custom decal to express your style.

Be sure to do the paint job yourself. This will reduce labor costs while giving you more control over the personal touches you want to add. Painting a bike can also be fun, especially if you are a motorcycle enthusiast.

Replace damaged parts

Whether it’s a saddlebag falling apart at the seams, frayed tassels, or a cracked windshield, these worn-out items can be irritating. Therefore, look out for worn-out parts and get new items for your used bike. Installing new parts, including foot pegs, mirrors, bodywork panels, and more, can make all the difference in how your used motorcycle looks.

If your used bike came installed with halogen lights, they could have become dim over the years. Switching to LED lights can give your motorcycle a more robust beam, enhancing your safety during nighttime rides. These lights are also more durable, meaning you won’t need to replace them more often. In addition, your two-wheeler will shine brighter every time you hit the open road.

Change the tires and rims

Motorcycle tires have a far shorter lifespan than standard vehicle tires. On average, motorcycle tires can last between 1,5000 and 10,000 miles or about 5-6 years.

However, your motorcycle’s tires and rims can get much banged up over time. Before you realize it, they might be full of scratches and nicks caused by rocks and other hazards on the road. Check for foreign objects that could have been stuck in the tread, cracks along the sidewall, bumps, and bald patches.

If your motorcycle tires are worn down, with tread depths down to 1 or 2mm, consider investing in new pairs of tires. You can also consider getting new rims for a transformative look. In addition, check the air pressure regularly and observe any pattern that might indicate that the tires need to be replaced.

Replace seat covers and grips

The more often you ride your two-wheeler, the more wear and tear you put on its seat covers and grips. Over time, these parts can become relatively ragged, making your motorcycle look older than it actually is.

Replace the old seat covers and grips with new ones to give new life to your bike’s appearance. While making the upgrade, you can opt for even better aftermath accessories. For instance, you can get a more comfortable seat or one better suited for your height. You can also add heated grips to your bike, especially if you frequently ride in cold weather.

Keep up with regular maintenance

While regular maintenance might not contribute directly to your bike’s appearance, keeping it in good running condition is more important than ensuring it looks new. Maintaining an older motorcycle sometimes almost feels like it isn’t worth the time, money, and effort. However, simple tasks like regular oil changes, checking the battery, filter replacement, adding coolant, and more can help increase your motorcycle’s lifespan and keep it running smoothly for several years.

Practice proper storage

Good storage practices can also help keep your motorcycle looking new for an extended time. Ensure your bike’s storage area is sealed, insulated, and weather-controlled. Consider investing in a breathable motorcycle cover to keep dust and debris from landing on your motorcycle and further insulate it from moisture in the surroundings.

Avoid using plastic covers since they can lead to condensation when the temperature fluctuates. Ensure the cover you choose is waterproof rather than just water-resistant to offer optimal protection to your bike.

If you are going to park your bike for winter season or long-term storage, consider coating some of the parts to avoid moisture and other filth resting on your motorcycle’s finish. Use products such as WD-40, especially if you are storing your bike in an area prone to humidity and moisture. Cables are the lifelines of your motorcycle’s operation, so apply a high-quality motorcycle lubricant on these components to protect them from rust and corrosion.

Conclusion

Having your used motorcycle looking brand new again makes hitting the open road more fun and exciting. It’s also a great way to extend its lifespan, and a bike with a gleaming look is more appealing to potential buyers and can fetch you a better price.

With that said, are you looking to buy a used bike? Get motorcycle financing for your next used two-wheeler.