Whether you're a biker with a building hobby or a builder with a bike hobby, you probably dream about one day creating your dream motorcycle. There is nothing more satisfying than collecting each part, carefully selecting each premium piece, and finally putting it all together. However, if your building plan includes purchasing any used motorcycle parts, make it a priority to properly clean them before stowing them away for later use.
When you get your hands on a new bike part, road elements like dirt, oil, and grease must be completely removed. To get everything sparkling clean, you will need the right tools for the job. A cleaning brush with stiff bristles will do nicely. If you are cleaning a surface that has been painted, put that bristle brush down and pick up a textured rag: you don't want to scratch a stunning vintage paint job.
After purchasing a beautiful piece such as gears or a kickstand, make sure it is perfectly clean before you store it away. Head to your local auto store and pick up petroleum solvent and a basic engine cleaner. Look for one that is soap-based, as it will combine with the grease and dirt, making it water-soluble and easy to remove. Applying this directly to the metal will allow you to remove the majority of the dirt and grease with just a spray of water. If your bike piece is extremely dirty, give it a good soak in a bucket of the engine cleaner you purchased. Use your stiff bristle brush to take off the dirt and grease, and spray the rest off with water. Finish the cleaning by using your petroleum solvent. Just dip the part in petroleum solvent and clean off any remaining dirt or grease. This will return your part to mint condition.
While most are made with aluminum, steel, and other long-lasting elements, old motorcycle parts are still susceptible to rust and decomposition. Before packing things up, make sure that your parts are not only completely clean, but also perfectly dry as well. This will prevent rust from accumulating in the future. Paper towels or a rag will work nicely. If you want to get everything perfectly dry, you can use compressed air to ensure all water droplets are removed.
That said, don't turn down a prize bike piece just because it is already a little rusty. Rust removal can also be part of the restoration process. If this is necessary, begin with a thorough cleaning as described above. Then, using steel wool or a wire brush, gently sand away as much rust and corrosion as possible. Avoid altering the shape of the part. Complete the process by priming the piece with a rust-preventive coating such as paint.
When everything is rust-free, clean, and dry, you are finally ready to pack it away. Use airtight containers to prevent moisture from accumulating and creating more rust on the metal. Store your containers in a dark, cool location, and label them for ease of use. When the time comes to build your dream bike, your collection of motorcycle parts will be in mint condition.


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