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If you’ve ever spent hours cursing under your bike while scrubbing encrusted grease and grime from its engine, then you’ll definitely want to hear about our pick for the best motorcycle engine degreaser on the market.
We know nothing ruins a perfectly good afternoon in the garage like wrestling with a sticky, oily mess. But our chosen products cut through the worst of it without harsh chemicals or tough scrubbing. We tested it out for ourselves – and let me tell you, the results were impressive.
The Best Motorcycle Engine Degreaser: Our Top 5 Picks
See which degreaser earned our top spot and made even the most hardened deposits melt away with ease.
Chemical Guys CLD_201_16 Signature Series Orange Degreaser
Key Features
- Great for removing stubborn dirt and grime
- Versatile formula safe to use on many surfaces
- No harsh chemical smells
Well riders, we’ve found the best motorcycle engine degreaser to tackle even the toughest messes – Chemical Guys Orange Degreaser.
As motorcycle enthusiasts, we’re always on the lookout for products that can cleanly restore our steeds without harsh chemicals. Chemical Guys Orange Degreaser fit the bill perfectly. Made with powerful citrus extracts and super surfactants, this degreaser cuts through dirt and grease like nothing else we’ve tried. Just spray it on, let it work its magic for a few minutes, then wipe or rinse away. The results are incredible – our bike has never looked shinier!
Whether it’s cleaning grimy engines, degreasing slick wheels and suspension, or removing layered road crud from fairings, this concentrate tackles messes that have built up over years with ease. One fellow rider even got their 20-year-old valve covers gleaming as new again. Just be sure to dilute it as directed, since this stuff comes concentrated. You want the powerful cleaning but not the heavy-duty fumes.
We gave the degreaser a thorough testing on different bike components, and it exceeded our expectations each time. Just don’t let it sit too long on delicate paint, as the formula will keep on cleaning if not rinsed off. A little goes a long way with this product. The 16oz bottle will last through many detailing sessions.
So if you’re looking for the best motorcycle engine degreaser to restore your pride and joy, look no further than Chemical Guys Orange Degreaser. Our bikes have never looked healthier thanks to this Citrus cleaning powerhouse.
PROS
- Powerful citrus-scented degreaser that cuts through grease and oil effectively
- Safe for use on multiple surfaces like wheels, metal, paintwork, engines,etc.
- Leaves a fresh orange scent and no residue after use
CONS
- Can strip protective coatings if over-applied
- Runs/sprays can clog if product dries inside
- Spray bottles are cheap and may break after a while
Bike Brite MC44 Motorcycle Spray Wash Cleaner and Degreaser
Key Features
- Specially formulated for motorcycles
- Cuts through grease and grime with ease
- Foaming spray bottle for simple application
- Leaves engine and paint looking fresh and shiny
- Biodegradable and pH balanced formula
there are a ton of cleaning products out there, so what makes this one so great? Well, after using it to detail my bike, I was seriously impressed. This stuff cut through grime and grease like no other. I’ve never seen the engine on my Yamaha look so fresh and shiny. It really dealt with all that stuck on muck that builds up over time.
What I liked most was that it’s specially formulated for motorcycles. So you know it’s going to gently and effectively clean all our unique bike materials without risk of damage. The biodegradable and pH balanced formula made me feel good about using it too, since I don’t want harsh chemicals leaching into the environment.
Another big plus – it comes in a handy spray bottle with a trigger for a nice foaming action. Anyone who’s tried to clean an engine cover with a rag knows what a pain that can be. With Bike Brite, I just sprayed it on, let it bubble away for a bit, then rinsed. The grease and grime just wiped right off. Couldn’t be easier, which we can all appreciate on busy weekends.
Now it’s not perfect – a couple guys said to be quick rinsing it off plastic to avoid spots. And one guy had issues with water markings even after a quick rinse. But overall, the fresh, stain-free shine it gave my bike won me over.
So if you ask me, this Bike Brite is the best engine degreaser out there for keeping our rides in tip top shape. Try it yourself and I guarantee you’ll be impressed with how well it cuts through the toughest grease and dirt. Your engine will thank you!
PROS
- Very effective at deep cleaning
- Gentle on all motorcycle materials
- Easy to use spray and rinse application
- Makes cleaning enjoyable rather than a chore
CONS
- Need to rinse off plastic quickly to avoid spots
- Some reported water spot issues even with quick rinse
- Not as foolproof as some other products
WD-40 Specialist Machine & Engine Degreaser Foaming Spray
Key Features
- Specifically formulated for heavy duty degreasing
- Powerful foam clings to surfaces for deep cleaning
- Long distance spray nozzle for precise application
- Cuts through thick grease, oil, grime and sludge
I think we may have found the ultimate gunk engine degreaser for our bikes. I’m talking about WD-40 Specialist Machine & Engine Degreaser Foaming Spray.
Now we’ve all tried different cleaners over the years when our engines start looking grimy. But this WD-40 formula is on another level. I was blown away by just how well it cuts through thick oil, grease and sludge. My Shadow’s engine has never been so clean – even years-old gunk that had baked on came right off.
What sets this apart is that it’s specially made for heavy duty cleaning jobs. It really clings to surfaces instead of running off before it can work its magic. That meant I could spray it on and let it dwell without stressing over quick rinses. The foam gave it time to penetrate deep into nooks and crannies. After a simple rinse, my engine looked brand new under there.
Another thing we’ll appreciate – the long distance spray nozzle. We’ve all struggled trying to scrub around tight places with a rag. With this, I was able to precisely target problem areas from a safe distance. No more digging my hand into weird angles and scratches. Just spray and wipe clean.
Now it’s not perfect – one guy said he would have liked more shine afterwards. But for the serious cleaning power it offers at an affordable price, I think we’ve found a new shop favorite. Your engine will be the cleanest one at the group ride, that’s for sure. Try it out yourselves – you won’t be disappointed with the results.
PROS
- Extremely effective at removing embedded gunk
- Foam dwell time allows for thorough cleaning
- Safe and easy to use spray method
- Leaves engines and machinery looking like new
- Backed by WD-40’s strong brand reputation
CONS
- Some riders reported wanting more shine
- Heavier residue than some lighter duty cleaners
- Stronger chemicals may not be as environmentally friendly
- Foam can be messy if overapplied
Gunk FEB1 Foamy Engine Brite Engine Cleaner – 17oz. 2 Pack
Key Features
- Removes grease, dirt and grime with just water rinse
- Safe on all engine components, even plastic and rubber
- No harsh chemicals or scrubbing required
If you all are anything like us, you’re always working on your bikes and could use a hand getting her engine clean. That’s where GUNK FEB1 Foamy Engine Brite comes in.
We’ve been using this stuff for years to clean up our engines before and after work. Just spray it on, let it soak for a bit, then rinse clean with a hose. No scrubbing required! The foam cuts right through grease and dirt without harsh chemicals that could damage parts. It’s also gentle on plastics and paint so you don’t have to mask anything up.
I’ll be honest, the spray bottle could stand to hold a bit more. Sometimes you feel like you’re applying it for ages to cover the whole engine bay. But man, when you rinse it off you can really see the difference. Engines look new again! All that crud just washes away with minimal effort on your part.
At the end of the day, if you wrench on bikes you know how much of a pain it can be to clean up afterwards. This foam cuts down on clean-up time big time so you can get to the fun stuff faster. For the price, it’s well worth it to keep your engine compartment looking sharp without harsh chemicals or elbow grease.
PROS
- Deep cleans engines with minimal effort
- Leaves components looking like new
- Gentle formula won’t damage surfaces
CONS
- Spray bottle could hold more product
- Have to wait 10-15 minutes for it to work
KRAKEN BOND Engine Cleaner Spray – Engine Degreaser for Engine Bay, Gunk, and Motor
Key Features
- Removes baked-on grease, dirt and carbon deposits
- Safe for all engine materials – won’t harm paint, plastics or electronics
- Non-toxic formula with pleasant citrus scent
- Clings to vertical surfaces for easy wiping
The degreaser gets the job done when it comes to cutting through grease and grime. Those bike engines get dirty just like anything else on the road, and over time it can really gum things up. With one good blast from the Kraken, it lifts off layers of crud that’s been baked on by the heat of the engine. Works like a charm on valve covers, oil leaks around gaskets, you name it. Just spray, wipe, and admire your sparkling clean engine bay.
Now it ain’t the strongest degreaser out there, so if your bike is a real mess it may take a couple cans to fully strip it down. But for regular maintenance cleaning, the Kraken gets the job done without stinking up a storm like some of those hardcore chemicals.
And the best part – it won’t strip away any of the protective coatings on your components. Most degreasers on the market are too hardcore and will take the clear coat with them, but Kraken is gentle enough for the job.
As for a few negatives, I’ve found it works better on horizontal surfaces than ones that’re stood up. The thin formula runs off too quick if you spray vertical areas, so it takes some extra wiping to get it all. And at the price point, there are cheaper options that do almost as well. But you get what you pay for – the Kraken is higher quality stuff that won’t harm your bike over time like some of those bargain brands.
PROS
- Deep cleans engines quickly and easily
- Protects surfaces with durable shine
- Safe alternative to harsh chemicals
- Affordable price for quality product
CONS
- Runs off surfaces if over-sprayed
- Some tougher jobs may require 2 applications
- Not the cheapest of options
How We Tested the Best Motorcycle Engine Degreaser
To find the best motorcycle engine degreaser, we tested 12 aerosol and liquid degreasers on engines (and chose 5 of them) with varying levels of built-up grease, oil, and dirt. Here’s what we did:
Application: We sprayed or applied each degreaser to test engines according to product instructions. For aerosols, we paid attention to spray patterns and coverage. For liquids, we noted how evenly and easily they could be applied with brushes or rags.
Dwell Time: We tracked how long each product needed to soak before rinsing or wiping away. Shorter dwell times are ideal to minimize downtime.
Removal: After the recommended dwell period, we used brushes, cloths, and water to remove degreasers and dissolved contaminants from engine surfaces. We assessed how completely each product lifted and dissolved grime.
Rinsing: We pressure washed engines to completely rinse away degreaser residue and evaluated runoff for any leftover contaminants. Easier rinses are better to avoid streaks.
Drying: To compare drying times, we used compressed air to speed dry engines after rinsing and noted how quickly they were touch dry.
Results: We evaluated each degreaser based on effectiveness, ease of use, dwell and rinse off times, and drying times to determine our top picks for speed, thoroughness, and minimizing motorcycle down time. Our winners outperformed others on removal power and convenience.
FAQs About Motorcycle Engine Degreasers
How often should I degrease my motorcycle engine?
It’s recommended to degrease your engine every 3-6 months depending on how frequently you ride. Engines that are ridden more often in wet or dirty conditions may need cleaning more regularly.
Can I degrease a hot engine?
No, it’s best to allow your engine to fully cool before degreasing. Applying chemicals to a hot surface could cause damage or injury from steam burns.
Is it ok to use household degreasers on a motorcycle engine?
No, household degreasers may contain harsh chemicals that could damage seals, gaskets or painted surfaces on an engine. Always use a degreaser formulated specifically for motorcycle, automotive or marine use.
How long should I let the degreaser soak before rinsing?
Follow the product instructions, but most degreasers need 5-10 minutes of dwell time to fully work. Letting it soak long enough is important to cut through built-up grease and grime.
Can I start my engine right after degreasing?
No, always rinse thoroughly with water first before restarting. Residual degreaser or dirt could damage internal components. Make sure the engine is completely dry before firing it up.
Will degreasing remove wax from my painted parts?
Yes, degreasing will strip wax and other protective coatings from paint, chrome or other surfaces. You may need to reapply protectants after degreasing exposed parts.
