WD-40 is well-known for almost all uses.
They are also specialized in making penetrant and lubricant products that are perfect for motorcycle maintenance.
WD-40 has also launched a whole range of motorcycle specific products called “Specialist Motorbike”
The name WD-40 has been so synonymous with motorcycle riders and mechanics that we seem to just reach out for the blue and yellow can and spray it on whenever and wherever we needed it, without much thought.
But truth is, WD-40 has found universal use in virtually every aspect of everyday life. I can’t remember how many times have I used it to unjam the gate’s lock or lube the sliding door’s tracks. Or to remove crayon and ink graffiti from the walls and furniture – souvenir from my gregarious nephews.
WD-40 isn’t only for lubing but it’s also a penetrant which er… penetrates oxidation (read: rust). Anyhow, since we’re on the subject of motorcycles, here are the ten top uses for motorcycle maintenance:
-
Stuck/Stubborn Bolts/Screws/Tools
Did the mechanic overtighten the rear axle nut by using an air wrench? Need to install new handlebar grips and you don’t have compressed air? Got a pair of pliers whose jaws are stuck together like a corpse’s jaws?
What else? Spray on some WD-40 and see them work like miracles. In fact, a little WD-40 residue on your tools keep them from rusting (if they’re made of steel).
-
Stuck/Stubborn Footpeg
If you’re like me who likes to ride with the passenger footpegs stowed up, rain water, humidity and fine dirt will get into the spindle and cause them to stick over time.
Spray some WD-40 in there and watch the black icky stuff ooze out.
-
Lube/Protect Rubber Parts/Plastic Parts
Rubber’s main enemies are UV rays, heat, water and humidity. Things that our climate contributes plenty. Rubber will harden and brittle over time so one needs to lube them from time to time.
Similarly, black, uncoated plastics don’t stand a chance against the same enemies of rubber, turning them into unsightly grey, brittle and prone to cracking.
You may use the original WD-40 to coat them, but WD-40 has a new product for this, called the “Specialist MotorbikeTotal Shine.” There is also the WD-40 “Specialist Motorbike Silicone Shine,” which is the perfect product for this application. Just spray on directly or onto a cloth and wipe. But please, DO NOT, spray directly onto the tyres’ tread surfaces!
-
Lube Squeaky Parts
You ride up on your shiny bike and everyone looks your way. Suddenly something starts squeaking like overused bed springs as you roll to a stop. How embarrassing!
You do a quick diagnosis which leads you to the rear shock absorber mounts. Yes, water and fine dirt gets in there too. A quick spray of WD-40 in there helps real quick.
-
Lube Keyholes
Water seems to find its way into almost anything, and keyholes are not excepted. So, stop riding in the rain or washing the bike? Bad news, unseen humidity is also a culprit.
Lock mechanisms get rusty hence sticky over time. I keep the ignition, fuel cap and seat release keyholes working by protecting them with the famous lube.
-
Displace Water
A good practice for bikers is to go around your bike after riding in heavy rain or washing the bike with the blue-and-yellow can to spray some lube into the bolts and nuts, besides whichever part water shouldn’t be present. Electrical connectors might be hard to access, but spraying some WD-40 in there helps to remove water and prevent future build-up of water, as with battery terminals and switches.
-
Remove Sticker Residue
You’ve removed a sticker which challenges your good taste, but it’s left behind a sticky residue. Left alone, that patch will turn brown after picking up dirt. Scraping is out of the question as that’ll scratching the paintwork too.
-
Part of Chain Cleaning
I used to spray WD-40 onto the chain after cleaning it with kerosene. The WD-40 will displace the kerosene and the dirty residue, resulting in a clean chain ready for lubing. Spray on, allow a few minutes to penetrate and scrub with a brush if necessary, and hose off with water. The formula carries away grease, grime dirt and oil more effectively. It can also be used to clean the swingarm and sprockets.
After cleaning, a shot of WD-40 Specialist™ Automotive chain lube completes the job to ensure smooth and stress-free operations when on the go.
-
Clean Parts of Rust/Grease
If there are parts starting to rust, that’s what WD-40 can take care of.
Spray it on, let it penetrate and rub off. Likewise, If your battery’s terminals have corroded, you know what to reach out for by now.
-
Lube Clutch/Brake Cable
Clutch or throttle cables are best lubed with grease. But removing them may present a level of difficulty. Just spray some WD-40 into the tube to lube them to ensure smooth operation.
Spraying some WD-40 on it, wait for a few seconds and rub it off gently with a cloth.
There are so many wonderful bike-related things that you can do with all the products made by WD-40. To know more on WD-40® Specialist™ Automotive range, CLICK HERE.
Additionally, you can also head over to their website by clicking HERE.
