Do motorcyclists need to clean their motorcycle brakes? Absolutely! But before you run into your garage to battle the grease and grime from the road, there are a few things you need to know.
In this article, we are going to tell you how to tell when it’s time to clean your brakes, what steps to take to clean them, what kinds of cleaning agents to use and which to avoid, plus a few pro tips we’ve learned along the way from our decades of experience with braking systems. Feel free to watch the video here, or read below for detailed instructions!
When should I clean my motorcycle brakes?
Cleaning your brakes is a great preventive measure to help keep your brake components and system as a whole in top working condition. Removing brake dust, debris and grime from the rotor surfaces and calipers can also lead to better braking performance.
If you do a lot of riding, it’s a good idea to clean your calipers and rotors once a year. If you’re not a commuter or just don’t put a lot of miles on your bike, then you can get away with longer intervals. Also keep in mind what kind of conditions you ride in. If you ride in snowy areas where the roads are salted, for instance, you’re going to want to check and clean your brakes more frequently.
PRO TIP: DON’T CLEAN YOUR BRAKE PADS!
Before cleaning, you’re going to need to disassemble your brakes. We’ll be cleaning the rotors and the calipers, but NOT the brake pads! So remove them and set them aside.
What should I use to clean my brake rotors and calipers?
We’ve been doing this a long time, and we have always gotten the best results with dish soap and warm water. You’ll also need a scotch brite sponge, some 600-grit sandpaper, and a small nylon or non-metal bristle brush. We don’t recommend using brake cleaning solutions or sprays, or any other cleansers or chemicals – these can actually damage your brake pads and lead to reduced performance!
- Scotch brite sponge
- Dish soap and water
- 600-grit sandpaper
- Small nylon brush (think toothbrush size)
How do I clean my motorcycle rotors?
- Remove the rotor from the wheel assembly.
- Use the scotch brite sponge or pad to scrub the surface of the rotor with warm soapy water. We’re trying to get rid of any grime that might be on the rotor.
- Dry off the rotor (no need to rinse in clean water at this stage).
- Use the 600-grit sandpaper to gently scuff the surface of the rotor. This will help remove the more stubborn grime that might be stuck on. Be sure to do this on both sides!
- Once more, scrub the rotor with the soapy scotch brite.
- Rinse the rotor in clean water, and dry it off with a clean towel.
How do I clean my motorcycle calipers?
- Disconnect the caliper from the brake lines and remove it from the wheel assembly. Also make sure your brake pads are removed before washing!
- Plug or cover the brake line inlet where the brake fluid flows into the caliper – you don’t want to get water inside!
- Use the small nylon brush and warm soapy water to scrub the caliper – be sure to get all over the place, including the pistons. You can also use the scotch brite to clean some of the surfaces.
- Rinse the caliper in clean water, and towel dry.
- Don’t forget the brake pins! Just use the brush and soapy water to scrub off any grime, then rinse in clean water and towel dry.
And that’s it! Once everything is clean and dry, you can re-install back on your bike. Be sure to always refer to your manufacturer’s manual for instructions.