Most riders remember to lubricate their motorcycle chain, but what about all the other moving parts around the bike?
Side stands, footpeg pivots, levers and gear linkages are constantly exposed to rain, road grime and moisture. They're easy to overlook until something starts squeaking, sticking or becoming difficult to move.
Motorcycle maintenance spray isn't just about lubrication. It can also help displace moisture, reduce friction and protect suitable exposed surfaces against corrosion.
Here are seven areas worth checking next time you're cleaning or maintaining your motorcycle.
1. Side Stand and Centre Stand Pivots
Your motorcycle's side stand gets used almost every time you stop, yet its pivot mechanism is often overlooked.
Over time, water, dirt and road salt can collect around the moving joint. Depending on the design, this can lead to stiffness, squeaking or corrosion.
If your motorcycle's maintenance instructions call for pivot lubrication, clean away accumulated dirt and apply a small amount of suitable lubricant to the accessible moving joint.
Move the stand through its normal travel to distribute the lubricant, then wipe away any excess. Make sure the stand returns and operates correctly.
Worth checking: Not every stand requires routine lubrication. Some have maintenance-free pivot arrangements, so follow your motorcycle handbook.
2. Folding Footpeg Pivots
Folding footpegs are particularly exposed on adventure, enduro and off-road motorcycles.
Mud, water and fine grit can build up around the pivot and spring mechanism, especially after a wet or muddy ride.
Clean away dirt, inspect the mechanism and use an appropriate lubricant if recommended for your bike.
Work the footpeg gently through its range of movement, checking that it folds and returns freely.
Keep lubricants away from the footpeg's gripping surfaces, where a slippery coating could reduce boot traction.
3. Brake and Clutch Lever Pivots
Your brake and clutch levers are among the most frequently used controls on the motorcycle.
The pivot mechanisms can be exposed to dust, moisture and general road contamination. Where the manufacturer recommends lubrication, a suitable product applied carefully to the pivot can help maintain smooth movement.
Apply a small, controlled amount rather than spraying broadly around the handlebars.
Operate the lever several times, wipe away excess product and check that the lever returns correctly.
Important: Never allow lubricant onto brake discs, brake pads or other friction surfaces. If a lever is sticking or failing to return, investigate the cause rather than relying on spray to fix a mechanical problem.
4. Gear-Change Linkages
A motorcycle's gear lever may connect to the gearbox through an external linkage with pivots, joints or a shift rod.
These exposed parts can collect road grime and moisture, especially on motorcycles used throughout winter.
Cleaning and inspecting the linkage is a useful part of routine maintenance.
Where the linkage manufacturer specifies external lubrication, apply the appropriate product sparingly to the correct points and check for smooth movement.
Some linkage joints are sealed or require grease rather than a general-purpose spray, so don't assume every joint needs spraying.
5. Suitable Cable Ends and External Mechanisms
Depending on the motorcycle, there may be exposed cable ends, adjusters or external mechanisms that benefit from periodic lubrication.
These are worth inspecting for signs of corrosion, stiffness or accumulated dirt.
A small amount of suitable lubricant can be useful where the manufacturer recommends it.
However, many modern motorcycles use lined or sealed cables that don't need conventional lubrication. Applying the wrong product can affect their operation.
Always check your handbook before lubricating throttle, clutch or other control cables.
6. Exposed Fasteners and Metal Components
Not every use of a motorcycle maintenance spray involves a moving part.
Moisture can remain around exposed bolts, brackets, metal fittings and other components long after you've finished washing the bike.
On suitable surfaces, MotoClean Maintenance Spray can help displace moisture and leave a protective coating that helps defend against rust and corrosion.
Apply carefully and remove excess product. Check compatibility with specialist finishes and avoid any components that must remain dry or free from lubricant.
For more detailed advice, read our guide to preventing motorcycle rust and corrosion.
7. Other Accessible Hinges and Pivot Points
Motorcycle designs vary, and there may be additional moving components worth checking during routine maintenance.
Examples can include suitable folding mechanisms, external hinges, control pivots and other accessible joints specified in the service schedule.
Start by cleaning and inspecting the component. If lubrication is required, use the correct product and apply it directly to the intended point.
Avoid spraying indiscriminately around the motorcycle. A controlled application is usually more useful than covering surrounding parts in excess lubricant.
Where Should You Never Spray Motorcycle Maintenance Lubricant?
A general motorcycle maintenance spray is useful for many tasks, but it isn't suitable for every part of the bike.
- Brake discs and pads: Lubricant contamination can seriously reduce braking performance.
- Tyre tread: Lubricants can reduce grip.
- Footpeg grip surfaces and control contact surfaces: Avoid creating slippery contact points.
- Sealed bearings and components requiring specialist grease: Follow the manufacturer's lubrication schedule.
- Electrical equipment and sensitive mechanisms: Don't apply spray unless the product and application are specifically suitable.
- Hot engine and exhaust components: Allow the motorcycle to cool before applying an aerosol, and follow the product's safety instructions.
Always check the motorcycle manufacturer's instructions and the maintenance product label.
Why Use MotoClean Maintenance Spray?
MotoClean Maintenance Spray is designed as a versatile motorcycle maintenance product for lubrication, moisture displacement and surface protection.
Its formulation helps reduce friction on suitable moving parts while providing protection against moisture and corrosion.
That makes it a useful addition to your motorcycle cleaning kit, particularly if you ride throughout the year in wet or muddy conditions.
MotoClean Maintenance Spray – 500ml
Lubricate. Protect. Maintain.
Help displace moisture, reduce friction and protect suitable motorcycle components with MotoClean's all-in-one Maintenance Spray.
Ideal for regular post-wash care and appropriate moving-part maintenance.
SHOP MOTOCLEAN MAINTENANCE PRODUCTSWhat About Your Motorcycle Chain?
Motorcycle Maintenance Spray has a range of uses, but we'd recommend a dedicated chain lubricant for regular drive-chain lubrication.
MotoClean Wet Chain Lube is designed for motorcycle drive chains, including those exposed to wet and demanding riding conditions.
Using the right product for each job helps keep your maintenance routine straightforward.
Read our motorcycle chain cleaning and lubrication guide for more advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is motorcycle maintenance spray used for?
Motorcycle maintenance spray is used for tasks such as lubricating suitable moving parts, displacing moisture and protecting compatible exposed surfaces against corrosion.
Can I use maintenance spray on motorcycle footpegs?
It may be suitable for folding footpeg pivots where the motorcycle manufacturer recommends lubrication. Keep spray away from the surfaces your boots grip.
Can I use maintenance spray on brake and clutch levers?
Suitable lubricants can be used on certain lever pivots according to the motorcycle manufacturer's instructions. Avoid brake friction components and always check that the controls operate correctly afterwards.
Is maintenance spray the same as chain lube?
No. General maintenance sprays have multiple uses, whereas dedicated motorcycle chain lubricants are formulated for the demands of drive-chain operation.
Should I apply maintenance spray after washing my bike?
After cleaning and drying your motorcycle, applying an appropriate maintenance spray to suitable components can help displace remaining moisture and provide additional protection.
A Little Motorcycle Maintenance Goes a Long Way
You don't need to strip your motorcycle down after every ride to keep it in good condition.
Checking a few commonly overlooked areas, cleaning away accumulated dirt and lubricating suitable components when required can help prevent avoidable problems.
Whether you're looking after a road motorcycle, adventure bike or off-road machine, a simple routine makes maintaining your motorcycle easier.
Clean the bike. Check the moving parts. Lubricate where needed. Protect suitable surfaces. Ready for the next ride.