A bike rusty can turn a pleasant ride into a disaster or ruin the overall shine of your bike. Don’t take your bike to a professional to remove rust: In most cases, you can remove rust from your motorcycle yourself. Depending on how bad your bike is rusting, you can use household items like baking soda, vinegar, or cleaning chemicals to get the job done. Once your bike is rust-free, it will ride smoothly again.
You can remove rust from the bike using baking soda
Mix baking soda and water in a bowl. Mix a 50/50 mix of baking soda and water in a bowl until it becomes a thick paste. You’ll need enough paste to cover the rust completely, so keep the container, baking soda, and water nearby if you need to make more.
- Baking soda is generally better for removing minor rust. However, severe oxidation may respond better to other methods.
- Add a splash of lemon juice to the paste to strengthen the removal properties.
Put the paste directly on the rust for about 15 minutes. Next, rub the paste on a brush or sponge and apply it to the rusty bike. Do not rub or remove the paste immediately – it will take time to set and break down the rust. Instead, let the paste sit for about 10 to 15 minutes.
Scrub off the baking soda with a scouring pad. Next, rub the baking soda solution with a plastic scouring pad or steel wool. You should notice the rust breaking down and off the bike as you scrub. If you don’t see this, add more baking soda paste to the motorcycle and rub harder.
- Use a toothbrush as an alternative if scouring pads are not available.
Wait about 10 minutes before wiping off the baking soda. Once scrubbing, leave the baking soda for about 10-15 minutes to remove any stubborn rust. Then wipe off the paste with a dry microfiber cloth. Make sure the bike is completely dry to prevent further rust.
- Store the bike in a cool, dry place to prevent re-rusting.
- If still some rust is left, repeat the same process or try another method.
How to Stop Your Bike from Rusting?
Rust can be a death sentence for some types of metal. Oxidation is the chemical breakdown of metal caused by its exposure to corrosive materials and oxygen. Sometimes the elements in rainwater, salt on the streets, and other materials can cause rust on exposed metal. Although it starts small, rust can quickly grow and corrode metal. It doesn’t take long for rust to permanently damage the small metal components on your bike. However, if you notice and treat rust early, you can effectively remove it and reduce the risk of rust growing.
Step 1
Remove rust by rubbing affected areas with a steel wool pad or sandpaper. Rust will spread once it develops on some of the metal, but removing it will temporarily prevent the bike’s metal from further rusting.
Step 2
Apply touch-up paint or nail polish to the metal if it has rusted where the dye has chipped. The color will prevent exposure to air, which leads to rust through that oxidation.
Step 3
Apply a protective grease or WD-40 to exposed metal, such as gears, chains, and brake cables. These surfaces are at higher risk of rusting because they remain exposed to air, but greases can help control rust and reduce oxidation.
