How to protect your bike from rust
Wavex quick take: Clean the chain with Wavex Degreaser. For the engine, work only when cool—rinse first, spray Wavex Degreaser, agitate and rinse. Restore chrome/metal with Wavex Chrome & Metal Polish, then seal paint, plastics and metal with Wavex Ceramic Protectant Spray to repel water and slow corrosion.
Why Bikes Rust (and Where It Starts)
Rust is simply metal reacting with moisture and oxygen. On motorcycles, water, humidity and road salts collect on:
- Chains & sprockets (oil + dirt trap moisture)
- Chrome & metal parts (silencers, guards, levers)
- Fasteners & joints (bolts, nuts, hinges)
- Exhaust & engine surfaces (heat cycles + contamination)
Step 1 — Clean Smart: Degrease Chain & Engine
Chain Cleaning
- Place a tray/cardboard under the chain.
- Spray Wavex Degreaser generously; allow short dwell.
- Agitate with a soft chain brush; rinse off grime.
- Dry with microfiber; lube chain after cleaning.
Engine Cleaning (Cool Only)
Important: Only clean a cool-to-touch engine.
- Lightly rinse the engine first to dislodge loose dust.
- Spray Wavex Degreaser on greasy areas.
- Agitate with soft brush where needed.
- Rinse thoroughly; blow or wipe dry.
Tip: For the rest of the bike, a pH-balanced wash (e.g., your regular bike shampoo) followed by thorough drying keeps moisture from lingering.
Step 2 — Restore Chrome & Bare Metal
Oxidation shows up as dullness, haze, or tiny pits. Restore clarity and lay a protective film using:
- Wavex Chrome & Metal Polish — apply on silencers, guards, levers, bars, crash protectors, etc.
- Work small sections; buff to a bright, mirror-like finish.
Step 3 — Seal & Protect with Ceramic
Lock out water and contaminants with a hydrophobic barrier:
- Wavex Ceramic Protectant Spray — safe on paint, plastics, and metal. Spray onto a microfiber, wipe on, then buff dry.
- Reapply more frequently during monsoon riding for best protection.
Step 4 — Pay Extra Attention to Rust Hotspots
- Chain & Sprockets: Degrease → dry → lube. Water + dirt here accelerates rust.
- Fasteners: After washing or rain, towel-dry bolts/nuts and mist a light coat of Ceramic Protectant.
- Exhaust: Regularly polish with Chrome & Metal Polish; avoid letting water sit after rides.
- Underbody: Rinse off mud/salt promptly; dry thoroughly.
Step 5 — Storage & Rain Routine
- Park in a covered, ventilated area.
- Use a breathable bike cover (avoid plastic that traps condensation).
- After rainy rides: quick rinse → dry → Ceramic Protectant touch-up on exposed areas.
Wavex Rust-Defense Kit (What You’ll Use)
Cleaners
- Wavex Degreaser — chain & engine (cool engine only; rinse first)
- Your regular bike wash + Wavex Ultra Wipe Microfiber Towel for drying
Protectors
- Wavex Chrome & Metal Polish — revive & shield chrome/metal
- Wavex Ceramic Protectant Spray — hydrophobic barrier on paint/plastic/metal
Bottom Line
Rust prevention is simple: degrease (chain, cool engine), restore (chrome & metal polish), then seal (ceramic protectant). Do it the Wavex way and keep your motorcycle shining and rust-free all year.
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