Maintenance · 79Bike · Sur-Ron · Talaria
How to wash an electric dirt bike without damaging the electronics
Electric dirt bikes are built for mud and rain, not for a pressure washer 10 cm from the connectors. Half the electrical faults we see in the workshop after winter start with an overly aggressive wash. Here's how to wash effectively and safely.
Pressure washers: the 50 cm rule
A pressure washer isn't forbidden, but it's dangerous if misused: it forces water past the seals of connectors, the controller, the display, bearings and the steering head. If you use one: wide fan, low pressure, at least 50 cm away, and never aimed directly at the motor, controller, battery, display, switchgear, wheel bearings or steering head. A garden hose remains the safest option.
Before getting it wet
- Bike off, key removed, battery locked in place (or removed for a thorough clean).
- Let the motor, battery and brakes cool after the ride.
- Let heavy mud dry for a few minutes, then knock it off with a brush: it comes off far more easily than by drowning it.
The three-stage method
- Gentle pre-rinse with the hose, top to bottom.
- Motorcycle shampoo (pH-neutral) applied with a sponge or sprayer, soft brush for rims and swingarm. Avoid harsh degreasers on hoses and seals.
- Gentle rinse then dry: air blower or microfibre cloth, focusing on connectors and spots where water pools.
After washing: three life-saving steps
- Lube the chain straight away: a washed, unlubed chain rusts overnight.
- Brake several times at low speed to dry the discs.
- Let it dry under cover before charging, and check the connectors are dry.
If the bike won't turn on after washing, see our guide electric dirt bike won't turn on.
Tools you need
- Garden hose (or pressure washer on a wide fan)
- pH-neutral motorcycle shampoo
- Soft brushes
- Microfibre cloths or air blower
- Chain lube
Step-by-step procedure
- 1
Prepare
Bike off and cool, key removed, battery locked or removed.
- 2
Remove heavy mud
Brush off the thick mud once it has dried slightly.
- 3
Pre-rinse
Gentle rinse with the hose, top to bottom, without aiming at the electronics.
- 4
Wash
pH-neutral shampoo, sponge and soft brushes.
- 5
Rinse and dry
Gentle rinse, then dry with microfibre or an air blower, connectors included.
- 6
Lube and check
Lube the chain, dry the brakes with a few slow stops, check there's no moisture in the connectors.
Useful genuine parts
In stock, shipped in 3–10 business days.
FAQ
Is my electric dirt bike waterproof?+
It withstands splashes, rain and sensible water crossings depending on its components' protection rating (the Falcon GT battery is rated IP67, for example). But no rating protects against a pressure jet fired point-blank at a seal.
Can I use engine degreaser?+
Only on the chain and sprocket, sparingly. Keep it off hoses, fork seals, plastics and brake discs.
Should I remove the battery to wash?+
Not required for a gentle hose wash if it's securely locked. For a deep clean, removing it is a simple precaution.
Key takeaways
Let the mud dry, wash gently, never aim at the electronics or bearings, dry thoroughly and lube the chain straight away. Your bike will repay you in reliability.
Need a hand?
Our workshop in Toulouse Sud (France) services 79Bike, Sur-Ron and Talaria. Send us a photo or video of the problem.
Related guides
These guides are for information only. If in doubt about a safety-critical part (brakes, steering, wheels), have a professional do the work. Always follow the manufacturer's manual.