How to Remove Rust From Your Bike

Removing rust from your motorcycle and the parts associated with it allows you to keep the bike's quality and aesthetics intact. Preventive treatment to ensure an object from rusting again is essential. For these actions to be undertaken, you need to be in a dry area, you will need good products and plenty of elbow grease.

If you already have a motorcycle that is experiencing some rust issues, follow these helpful tips to ensure your bike returns to its former glory.

1. Cleaning - The first step in any cleaning process is to wipe down the affected areas. You can do this by using motorcycle shampoos with water and then take a rag and wipe off the area.

2. Removing the rust - To remove any present rust, start off by cleaning the etched surface. If it is a large flat surface, you can use a sander on low speed. The sander disc or strip should be equipped with a grinding wheel, just in case. Remove any loose paint that you see by using a normal household spatula (just don't put it back in the kitchen when you are done). You can also remove rust with a wire brush on surfaces that seem irregular or are difficult to access. You always want to start with a wire brush or steel wool. After this step, vacuum the dust away before proceeding. Be careful that you don't sand off or rub off paint, however, as this can leave ugly marks and patches on your bike's surface.

3. How to remove rust - To clean a rusty surface, you can also use anti-rust products. They apply by brush or spray. They alter the composition of the rust and destroy any present rust and will also help deter future rust. These products often avoid tedious sanding and scraping of a rusty object.

4. Prevent the recurrence of rust - Treat your bike so you can prevent it from becoming rusty again. Many products prevent the recurrence of rust. Paints with lead oxide apply as a normal paint. We call them anti-corrosive primers. Other products can paint the metal, although it is still a little rusty. Also try covering your bike when not in use. While a motorcycle cover can't prevent rust, it can help present excess moisture and harmful debris from collecting on it.

5. Regularly treat the rusted objects - Repeat this process of treatment about every two years on your motorcycle or earlier, if needed.

Regular maintenance and care can help reduce the amount of rust that collects on your bike. While motorcycle covers and rust resistant paint coatings are not cure-alls, they will help reduce rust that occurs as well as help make the cleaning process easier.

To protect your motorcycle this winter, purchase a motorcycle cover from Beverly Bay.