best motorcycle engine cleaner

When it comes to maintaining your motorcycle, keeping the motorcycle clean and shiny is important for many owners including myself. In this article, I’ll review 11 different motorcycle engine cleaners and degreasers to help you find the best option for your needs. I have researched the most popular cleaning products and provided details on each product’s features, benefits, and potential drawbacks, so you can make an informed decision on which one is the best fit for you. Whether you’re a seasoned mechanic or just looking for an easy way to keep your motorcycle clean, this article has you covered.

Motorcycle Engine Cleaners and Degreasers

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WD-40 44393 Degreaser Specialist

The WD-40 44393 Degreaser Specialist is suitable for cleaning motorcycle engines. It is specifically designed to remove oil, grease, dirt, and grime, and is suitable for use on metals and glass. Additionally, the product is fast-acting and leaves no residue, which would be important in maintaining cleanliness. Customer reviews also indicate that the product is effective at degreasing engine parts and removing stubborn oil and grease. Overall, it seems like a decent option for cleaning motorcycle engines.

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Granville Gunk 734 5L Degreaser

The Granville Gunk 734 5L Degreaser Brush-On is a strong and effective cleaner that can be used on a variety of surfaces, including motorcycle engines. Some pros of this product include its ability to quickly and effectively remove stubborn grease and grime, as well as its brush-on application that allows for easy and precise application. Customers have also reported that the degreaser leaves no residue behind, which makes final rinsing and application of wax or other protectants quicker.

However, there are a few cons to consider including this product being flammable and toxic for your skin and eyes, so it’s important to use gloves and protective glasses when using it. Additionally, the product is toxic to aquatic life, so it’s not suitable for use in areas near water or where runoff may occur.

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Muc-Off Bio Degreaser

Some of the pros of the Muc-Off Bio Degreaser include that it is fast-acting and effectively removes built-up grease and grime, it is easy to rinse off, and it is biodegradable. Some potential cons of this product include that it is an aerosol that is flammable, and repeated exposure may cause skin dryness and cracking so use rubber gloves as protection. Overall, this product appears to be a strong option for cleaning motorcycle engines.

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DEB SJZ500ML Swarfega Jizer

The DEB SJZ500ML Swarfega Jizer is a concentrated strength degreaser that is suitable for use in many automotive and industrial applications. It can remove oil, tar, bitumen, grease, and wax from all metals and most plastics, synthetic rubbers, and painted surfaces. However, it is worth noting that this product is flammable and may cause drowsiness or dizziness so it is better to use it in open space or well-ventilated area.

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Muc-Off Nano-Tech – Best Overall

Muc-Off Nano-Tech Motorcycle Cleaner can be used to clean a motorcycle engine. The product is safe on all surfaces and won’t damage any parts. Additionally, several customer reviews mention using the product to clean their motorcycle engines with good results.

One potential issue to consider is that the product is described as being biodegradable and free from acids, solvents, and CFCs. While these characteristics are beneficial for the environment, they may not be as effective at removing bitumen and heavy grime or grease from an engine as products that contain more aggressive cleaning agents. However, the product has received mostly positive reviews, with many customers stating that it does a good job of removing dirt and grime from their motorcycles.

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SONAX 543200-755

SONAX 543200-755 is a fast and effective degreaser for all car and motorcycle engines and can remove oil, grease, mud, dirt, and grime. The manufacturer claims that the product can be used on motorcycles and customer reviews have used it on their motorcycle engines with good results. However, some customers mentioned that the product is not very effective at removing tough grime and may require multiple applications. Overall, it appears that this product may be decent for cleaning motorcycle engines, but may not be the most effective option for tougher grime. A potential drawback is a need for multiple applications to fully clean tough grime.

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Gunk FEB1 Foamy Engine Brite Engine Cleaner 

Gunk FEB1 Foamy Engine Brite Engine Cleaner is yet another cleaner that can be used to clean a motorcycle engine. The manufacturer states that it is safe to use on all engine components and can remove grease, dirt, and grime. Customers mention in reviews that they have used Gunk to clean motorcycle engines with good results. Overall, it seems to be a good option for cleaning a motorcycle engine, but may not be suitable for very heavy cleaning tasks.

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3M 08899 Foaming Engine Degreaser

The 3M 08899 Foaming Engine Degreaser is specifically designed for use on engines and is intended to remove grease, grime, and dirt. It is also safe for use on most under-the-hood rubber and plastic parts. The main con is that 3M is not efficient at removing bitumen.

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Chemical Guys CLD_101_16 – Best Eco Option

Chemical Guys CLD_101_16 is a general-purpose engine bay cleaner and some customer mention using it specifically on motorcycle engines. The product is Biodegradable and has a citrus scent, which is nice. However, there is no mention of the product’s effectiveness or any specific benefits for motorcycle engines compared to other products in this list. It is also less aggressive in removing grease and bitumen turning into more elbow grease for you.

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Chemical Guys WAC_202 Speed Wipe

Chemical Guys WAC_202 Speed Wipe may be used to clean a motorcycle engine. The product description mentions that it can be used on a variety of exterior surfaces, including motorcycles. In addition, several customers report using the product for cleaning a motorcycle engine. However, this product is more of a detailer rather than cleaner. It has no wax or oil in it as well as has no electrical charge making dust and dirt less attracted to the surface. It also improves bonding with waxes if you choose to apply wax afterward.

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Kerosene – Best For the Money

Kerosene can be effective at removing grease and grime from the exterior of a motorcycle engine. Kerosene is a flammable liquid, so it should not be used near open flames or other sources of ignition. Make sure the motorcycle engine is not warm and the exhaust pipe has cooled down.

It is generally recommended to use a cleaner specifically designed for cleaning motorcycle engines rather than kerosene. These cleaners are typically formulated to be safe for use on engine parts and will not damage rubber or plastic components. However, kerosene is often an active component in these degreasers. Moreover, kerosene is really good at removing bitumen and it is very cheap compared to other cleaners.

If you do choose to use kerosene to clean your motorcycle engine, be sure to use it in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves to protect your skin. It is also a good idea to rinse the engine with water after using kerosene to remove any residue.

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Motorcyle engine cleaning guide

What makes for a good motorcycle engine degreaser?

A good motorcycle engine degreaser should effectively remove grime, grease, and oil from engine parts without damaging the engine or surrounding components. It should be safe to use and easy to apply. It should also be non-flammable and have a pleasant scent, if possible. Some people prefer biodegradable and environmentally-friendly degreasers, as well. Ultimately, the best degreaser for your motorcycle will depend on its specific needs and your personal preferences.

Why Clean the motorcycle engine?

Humans do like shiny and clean motorcycle engines mainly for aesthetic appeal as well as the indication of proper motorcycle maintenance and care. A shiny engine is a source of pride for the owner.

Motorcycle engine cleaning guide

Use an air compressor

Using an air compressor to blow off loose dirt from the motorcycle engine before washing it can help to remove larger particles of dirt and dry debris that will be harder to remove once it gets wet. 

Rinse the engine with warm water

Use a bucket with water or a hose. If you are using a high-pressure kerher – don’t get it closer than 2 meters to the engine case to prevent water from getting inside the engine through seals. 

Cover sensitive parts if they are exposed

Modern motorcycle electronics are waterproof. If your motorcycle is more than 15 years old – consider covering exposed electronic components before washing the motorcycle.

Apply degreaser and let it soak

Apply degreaser on the engine parts you want to clean and let it soak for 2-5 minutes. Usually, the front part of the engine gets the dirtiest since it is blasted by the dirt lifted by the front wheel. It will also have the highest amount if bitumen stuck to it so make sure to apply more degreaser here.

Use a Plastic brush and microfiber towel

Plastic brushes do not scratch metal parts as much as brushes with metal handles. If you don’t want to ruin the paint job on your engine – use a plastic brush. Patience is the key here – do not rush the cleaning process. If needed – apply more degreaser and gently agitate the dirty area with the brush. Bitumen and other grime will come off eventually.

rinse the engine properly to get all degreasers off

Rinse the engine again

start up the engine and let it get warm to dry out the remaining water from the engine case

Running the motor for around 10 minutes should be enough to warm it up. Go for a short 20-minute ride to dry off your motorcycle.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, the Muc-Off Nano-Tech motorcycle engine cleaner is the best overall option for maintaining your motorcycle. It effectively removes dirt, grime, bitumen and oil, and is safe to use on various surfaces including metals and plastic. The Chemical Guys Eco Option is a good choice for those who are environmentally conscious, and the Kerosene is a budget-friendly option. However, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks of each product, such as toxicity and flammability, and to take proper safety precautions when using them.