Preventing Sun Damage To Your Motorcycle

Motorcycles are powerful, durable vehicles, but even the best weather can give it a case of “too much of a good thing.” Bright sunny days are a potential danger to your bike’s health! We here at Langston Motorsports want to keep your bike with you for as long as possible, so we’ve put together some tips for preventing sun damage to your motorcycle. If you want to know more, or you’re on the market for a new motorcycle altogether, contact our store in Perris, California, today!

What’s Wrong With Some Sun?

As nice as sunshine can be, it can have a detrimental effect on your motorcycle’s paint job. Over time, the sun will cause the paint to fade and become lighter in shade, especially if the paint isn’t gray, silver, black, or white. The more you leave it in the sun, the more often you’ll have to wash and wax your bike to keep its surface healthy and shiny.

UV rays are also potentially damaging to rubber and plastic parts, including your tires! Over time they’ll crack and tear, which is incredibly dangerous when it comes to the rubber that you need to hit the road. Factor in the fact that high temperatures and direct sunlight can impact your motorcycle’s fuel efficiency, and you’ve got some compelling reasons to avoid leaving it out during the day.

Protecting Your Bike From The Sun

Your first defense against sun damage is a clean bike. Dirt and grime can wear out your motorcycle’s paint faster, which in turn leaves it more susceptible to harmful sunshine. Cleaners are not all made equal, so make sure you use one that’s specifically made for your model of motorcycle or specific paint. Dishwashing detergent and other household cleaners can strip away the paint entirely. Consult your owner’s manual for manufacturer recommendations. 

Polish or wax can also help protect your paint and motorcycle from UV rays by reflecting more of it away. There are even specialty items to help protect your paint and frame from sunlight! And of course, when you’re going to be away from the bike for a while, either put it in a climate-controlled shelter like a garage, or throw a well-fitted cover over it. The extra time this step takes can feel grating, but it takes less time to prevent this damage than it takes to undo it entirely!

We hope this guide helps you keep your bike looking good and running better! If you have any questions, or you’d like to see the motorcycles we have for sale, contact us at Langston Powersports. We proudly serve the people of Temecula and Orange County, California—let us serve you today!