Motorcycle brakes operate in one of the dirtiest areas of the bike. Brake dust, road grime, mud, grease and other contamination can all build up around the discs and calipers over time.
That's where motorcycle brake cleaner comes in.
A good brake cleaner is designed to cut through contamination quickly and then evaporate without leaving an oily residue behind. Used correctly, it's a simple product that can form part of routine motorcycle cleaning and maintenance.
But because you're working around one of the most important safety systems on the motorcycle, it pays to know where to use brake cleaner, how to apply it and what areas to keep it away from.
What Does Motorcycle Brake Cleaner Do?
Brake cleaner is a fast-evaporating cleaning product designed to remove contamination from suitable braking components.
MotoClean Motorcycle Brake Cleaner is designed to remove contaminants including:
- Brake dust
- Dirt and road grime
- Grease
- Oil contamination
- General build-up around braking components
The formula evaporates quickly and is designed to leave no oily residue behind, making it suitable for cleaning motorcycle brake discs, calipers and other appropriate braking components.
When Should You Use Brake Cleaner on a Motorcycle?
You don't need to spray brake cleaner over the motorcycle after every ride.
It's more useful when you're carrying out routine maintenance or when you've noticed dirt and contamination building up around the brakes.
Typical situations include:
- During routine motorcycle servicing
- When changing or inspecting brake pads
- After particularly dirty or wet rides
- When brake dust has built up around the caliper and disc
- If a suitable brake component has become contaminated with oil or grease
A clean braking system also makes inspection easier, because you're able to see the condition of components rather than looking through layers of road grime and brake dust.
How to Apply Brake Cleaner to a Motorcycle
Always read the instructions on the product and follow any specific cleaning guidance provided by your motorcycle manufacturer before working on the braking system.
For normal external cleaning of suitable brake components, the process is straightforward.
1. Make Sure the Motorcycle Is Secure and Cool
Park the motorcycle securely and allow hot components to cool before starting work.
Work in a well-ventilated area and keep aerosol cleaners away from flames, sparks and other ignition sources.
2. Identify the Area You Actually Need to Clean
Brake cleaner isn't a general-purpose motorcycle wash.
Target the contaminated braking components rather than spraying it around surrounding bodywork, painted surfaces, plastics or rubber unnecessarily.
This also prevents wasting product and gives you much more control over where the cleaner is going.
3. Shake the Can
Shake the brake cleaner thoroughly before use according to the directions on the can.
4. Apply the Brake Cleaner
Spray the cleaner directly onto the appropriate brake component, allowing it to flush away brake dust, grease and contamination.
For heavier deposits, the process can be repeated as required.
Depending on the job and the motorcycle manufacturer's maintenance procedure, components may sometimes need to be removed to allow thorough inspection or cleaning.
If you're removing or dismantling brake components and you're not confident working on motorcycle braking systems, this is a job better left to a qualified motorcycle technician.
5. Allow the Cleaner to Evaporate
MotoClean Motorcycle Brake Cleaner is fast drying, so allow the product to evaporate fully from the cleaned components.
Where appropriate, contamination can also be removed using a clean, dry cloth.
Before riding, make sure the braking system has been correctly reassembled where applicable and is operating normally.
Brake Cleaner Isn't Motorcycle Cleaner
Brake cleaner and motorcycle wash perform very different jobs.
A motorcycle cleaner such as MotoClean Gel Bike Wash is designed for general washing of appropriate motorcycle surfaces.
Brake Cleaner is a targeted maintenance product for suitable brake and metal components where grease, brake dust, oil and similar contamination needs to be removed.
What Should You Avoid Spraying With Brake Cleaner?
Brake cleaner contains strong cleaning solvents, so don't treat it like an all-over motorcycle cleaning spray.
Unless the product or motorcycle manufacturer specifically confirms compatibility, avoid unnecessarily applying brake cleaner to:
- Painted bodywork
- Decorative finishes
- Plastics
- Rubber components
- Motorcycle chains
- Other surfaces not intended for solvent cleaning
If you're unsure about compatibility with a particular finish or component, check the product instructions and motorcycle manufacturer's guidance before applying it.
Can You Use Brake Cleaner on a Motorcycle Chain?
Brake cleaner isn't the product we'd choose for routine motorcycle chain cleaning.
Many modern motorcycle chains use O-rings, X-rings or similar seals to retain lubrication within the chain. Strong solvent cleaners aren't intended to replace a dedicated chain-cleaning product and may remove lubrication from areas where you actually need it.
For chain maintenance, use products specifically suitable for your chain type and follow the chain or motorcycle manufacturer's cleaning and lubrication instructions.
Can Brake Cleaner Stop Motorcycle Brakes Squeaking?
Sometimes contamination can contribute to brake noise, and cleaning suitable braking components can remove dirt, grease or other deposits.
However, brake cleaner isn't a repair for every squeaking brake.
Brake noise can also be caused by worn components, pad condition, disc condition, alignment or other mechanical issues.
If the brakes continue to make unusual noises or braking performance has changed, the cause should be properly investigated rather than repeatedly applying cleaner.
Don't Ignore Contaminated Brakes
Anything involving motorcycle brakes deserves proper attention.
If oil, lubricant or another substance has contaminated the braking system, simply spraying cleaner over the area isn't automatically enough to make every component serviceable again.
Brake pads and other components may require inspection or replacement depending on the type and extent of contamination.
If you're uncertain about the condition or performance of your motorcycle's brakes, don't ride the bike until the braking system has been properly inspected.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is motorcycle brake cleaner used for?
Motorcycle brake cleaner is used to remove brake dust, dirt, grease, oil and other contamination from suitable motorcycle braking components such as brake discs and calipers.
Can you spray brake cleaner directly onto motorcycle brake discs?
A brake cleaner intended for motorcycle braking components can be applied to suitable brake discs according to the instructions supplied with the cleaner. Always follow the product directions and any cleaning guidance from the motorcycle manufacturer.
Does motorcycle brake cleaner leave a residue?
MotoClean Motorcycle Brake Cleaner is formulated to evaporate quickly without leaving an oily residue behind.
Can you use brake cleaner on motorcycle calipers?
Brake cleaner can be used on appropriate areas of motorcycle brake calipers, but avoid unnecessarily soaking seals, painted finishes or other materials unless compatibility has been confirmed.
Can I use brake cleaner on motorcycle paint?
Brake cleaner isn't intended as a bodywork cleaner. Solvent-based cleaners may affect paint, plastics and other finishes, so keep the spray controlled and use a suitable motorcycle cleaner for general washing.
Can motorcycle brake cleaner fix poor braking performance?
Brake cleaner can remove contamination from suitable components, but it can't repair worn, damaged or faulty brakes. Any noticeable reduction in braking performance should be investigated properly before the motorcycle is ridden.
How often should you use motorcycle brake cleaner?
There's no need to apply it on a fixed schedule simply for the sake of it. Use brake cleaner when required during maintenance, servicing or when suitable brake components need contamination removed.
Keep Your Motorcycle Brakes Clean
Brake cleaner is one of those simple garage products that makes more sense when it's used for the job it was designed to do.
Target the contaminated components, use the cleaner according to its instructions, allow it to evaporate properly and avoid unnecessarily spraying it over the rest of the motorcycle.
MotoClean Motorcycle Brake Cleaner is supplied in a 500ml aerosol and is designed to remove brake dust, grease, oil, dirt and other contamination from suitable motorcycle braking components. It dries quickly and leaves no oily residue behind.