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Your motorcycle gets you where you need to go and provides you with an enjoyable form of transport and recreation at the same time. But all that riding eventually gets your bike pretty dirty. During these uncertain times, you may also be concerned about how clean your bike is, especially if you take it to a shop or allow someone else to touch it. So you want to be safe and cautious and get your motorcycle as clean as possible before you ride it.

ATVs and More is a motorcycle dealership near St. Louis that can provide you with the help you need to keep your motorcycle in peak condition. That’s why we’ve outlined the steps you should take to wash and disinfect your motorcycle below.

Before you wash your bike, make sure that it’s cooled off; if you recently rode it, give it an hour or two for the engine to cool down. Park it on a flat surface that has good drainage like a driveway or gravel lot so that the soap and debris doesn't ruin your lawn. Try to park your bike out of direct sunlight as well to prevent it from getting soap spots (although sunlight is also a very good disinfectant, so leaving your bike in the sun in general should help to keep it cleaner!). 

Gather together everything you need to get your bike clean. These supplies include: a source of clean, fresh water (a garden hose is perfect), buckets, a motorcycle soap, a wax or polish if you so desire, a hard-bristle brush, chamois cloths, sponges and a microfiber cloth. Some people like to invest in a pressure washer that can blast off dirt and grime on surfaces, but you don’t need one. Wearing a mask and gloves can help you to stay protected from any germs your bike harbors, and you can take a shower and change your clothes once you’re done cleaning.

Use a rag to plug up the exhaust on your motorcycle to avoid getting water in it. Take your garden hose and give your bike a thorough rinse, top to bottom. Once the bike is wet, you can mix your motorcycle soap and water in a bucket and apply it with a sponge from top to bottom, rinsing as you go to prevent soap residue build-up. Use your hard-bristle brush to get into every crevice to really get the dirt out. Rinse your sponge often and replenish the soap and water mixture in your bucket so that you aren’t cleaning your bike with dirty water.

Now you can give your bike another rinse with the hose and either allow it to air-dry or dry it by hand with your chamois cloths to prevent water spots from forming. Some people like to use an air blower to thoroughly 

If you so desire, you can now apply a wax or polish to your bike and its chrome to make it look great. A tire shine can spruce up your wheels, too. Just make sure that you use the right type of wax or polish for the materials that your bike is made from, and avoid getting polish on the seat or handlebars as this can make your motorcycle slippery. Your bike should be clean now! To maintain cleanliness, you can carry a bleach wipe to disinfect your handlebars after riding and make sure to wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face.

Seeking motorcycles for sale in St. Louis? Browse our website to see the full stock of new and used motorcycles for sale at our Salem, IL, dealership. ATVs and More is proud to be your premier ATV dealership for the greater STL metro area, also serving the city of Mount Vernon, IL.

A motorcycle is a great investment in adventure, excitement, and an improved lifestyle. But before you make a purchase, it’s helpful to have the full picture since the cost of getting a motorbike extends beyond the sticker price. There are other costs, such as getting safety gear or paying for motorbike insurance. Keep reading to learn more about expenses to factor into your budget. If you have questions or want to explore motorcycles for sale, head over to ATVs and More. Our dealership is based in Salem, Illinois. We also proudly serve those in St. Louis, Missouri, and Mount Vernon, Illinois.

Ready to shop for motorcycles for sale in Salem, Illinois? The expert staff at ATVs and More is ready to help. We can assist you with finding the best motorbike for your budget and lifestyle, so stop by and visit us today. We also proudly serve those in Mount Vernon, Illinois, and St. Louis, Missouri.

There's a compelling concept found in the world of sports: cross-training. An athlete takes up another sport with the idea of improving skills relevant to their main sport. Football players take ballet to become more agile and lighter on their feet, making it easier to avoid tackles. Runners begin swimming to strengthen their muscles in a low-impact setting, making them faster on race day. This practice of cross-training can apply just as well to the world of motorcycle riding!

Your core style of riding may be hitting the highway, but riding a dirt bike can be a great way to build up relevant skills. Below we cover the many ways you can improve your street motorcycle riding skills by riding a dirt bike. If you want more information or want to explore dirt bikes for sale, head over to ATVs and More in Salem, Illinois. 

There's a saying in the motorcycle world: what you learn in a few years of street riding, you can learn in a few months of dirt bike riding. That's because dirt bikes are more agile and easier to control than their street counterparts. Since the vehicle is more responsive, it'll be easier to practice skills such as turning and accelerating. The more you practice basics on a dirt bike, the easier it'll be to master those skills on a street bike.

Beginners can benefit from learning to control motorcycles. But advanced riders can also benefit from this accelerated learning. They can focus on improving their precision and performance, which they can put to use on the highway later.

Sometimes, the best way to learn your limits is to test them. But you don't want to do this on the freeway surrounded by other motorists traveling at top speeds! Instead, gain a better sense of your limits by riding a dirt bike.

After all, dirt bikes are made to withstand crashes (since dirt bikes crash more often) and this results in plenty of built-in safety features. It's also easier to crash on dirt than firm pavement. Plus, you won't be surrounded by other motorists so you won't need to worry as much about hitting someone else. Hop on a dirt bike and play around with speed and turning to better discover your limits, then take your newfound knowledge with you when you ride on the highway.

When you ride a dirt bike, you'll need to stay aware of the terrain. The off-road trails are much more unpredictable than paved streets. There's an increase in obstacles, such as potholes and sudden dips in the road. There are also obstacles you won't find on a paved road, such as a sudden batch of sand or a giant tree root in the middle of the path. Riding a dirt bike gives you a great opportunity to strengthen your awareness skills.

Riding a dirt bike is an incredibly athletic activity. This style of riding involves continually switching from standing to sitting to standing, which builds muscle strength. It also takes more stamina to stay balanced and in control of a dirt bike. As you ride your dirt bike, you'll improve your endurance and be able to enjoy longer city rides.

Ready to get your dirt bike and begin improving your riding skills? Check out the selection at our dealership in Salem, Illinois. If you aren't sure which model best fits your needs, our friendly staff can help. Tell us your budget and experience level, and we can recommend compatible dirt bikes. We proudly serve those in Mount Vernon, Illinois, and St. Louis, Missouri.