If your motorcycle is your pride and joy then it is natural to want to take the necessary steps to maintain it and in that case, you will know just how frustrating it can be to clean a motorbike.

Cleaning is something every rider has to perform, it should not be such a challenge and thankfully, it does not have to be. There are a number of accessories that can be used to have a helping hand and they may just leave you wondering how you ever managed without them.

With that said, what are the best accessories when cleaning a motorcycle and what do they have to offer?

Paddock Stand:

Designed and tested specifically for each model of motorcycle, paddock stands boast the ability to elevate the front or rear wheel to provide a helping hand when cleaning those harder-to-reach areas. They are an upgrade on kickstands, holding the motorbike upright and straight rather than tilted to one side.

There are three main types of motorcycle paddock stand and the one that will be required ultimately depends on the area of bike you are intending. The front paddock stand attaches to the front wheel, turning it for full access to all areas, and is ideal for cleaning the wheel itself or the brakes area. The rear paddock stand attaches to twin swing arms and really comes in handy when cleaning the engine, rear wheel and chain while the single swing arm stand serves the same purpose but is aimed at motorbikes with a solitary swing arm.

Mudguards:

Motorcycle mudguards can become one of your best friends when it comes to the cleaning and maintenance of your motorcycle. Not only are they easier to clean than exposed areas, they also prevent dirt and debris from collecting in and around the motorbike.

Front fender extenders fit to the existing front mudguard to increase its defence against water, mud and tar, preventing a buildup lower front area of the motorcycle. Huggers come in the form of either an entire mudguard or an extender when a rear mudguard is already present and have been designed to protect the shock absorber, preventing the collection of road dirt, mud and tar.

Belly Pans:

No need to worry about cleaning the underside of the motorcycle.

While mudguards protect the front and rear of the motorcycle from a buildup of dirt and make life easier when cleaning, it is belly pans that have got the middle covered. Durable, lightweight and resistant, belly pans protect the underside of the motorcycle to prevent dirt from gathering and save time and effort when cleaning what is one of the most difficult areas to reach.

Headlight Protector:

Although motorcycle headlight protectors have been designed to shield against the potential cracks posed by stones and other flying road debris, they also lend a helping hand when it comes to cleaning. The smooth nature of the protector can simply be wiped to get rid of any mud and dirt and this is simply much more convenient than trying to reach in and around the headlight itself.

Radiator Guard:

The ease of cleaning may not be the main focus of a motorcycle radiator guard, in fact they are manufactured with the aim of preventing a buildup that would otherwise have a negative impact on the airflow. However, that does not mean they are totally redundant in the cleaning process.

A radiator guard is significantly easier to clean than an exposed, naked radiator. In fact, wiping down the guard takes just seconds to do and is the ideal alternative to the time and effort spent reaching into the different areas of the radiator and that is assuming you can reach said areas.

So, while all of these motorcycle accessories will certainly have a positive impact and make your life easier when cleaning, are they all really necessary?

Well, it certainly would not hurt to have all of these products but it really is a matter of preference. If your budget can stretch to it and you want to maximise convenience and save time, then go all out. However, adding just one or two of the accessories mentioned will still have a noticeable impact.