If you own a dirt bike, you already know how often it is caked with mud and dirt, so cleaning it is always a challenge. That being said, a good pressure washer is the best tool to purchase because it makes cleaning a dirt bike a breeze, especially if you get the right one.
The good news is that you don’t need a pressure washer with a high pounds-per-square-inch (PSI) number to efficiently clean your dirt bike. In fact, getting one with a PSI of 1,500 to 2,000 will suffice in most cases, and this type of pressure washer is always easy to find.
The Right Power Is Important
Your PSI number is the most important factor to consider when buying a pressure washer to clean your dirt bike. Keep in mind that the bike is going to consistently have stuck-on debris such as dirt, mud, and grime, so you’ll need a pressure washer with the right PSI number. This doesn’t mean you have to go up to 3,000 PSI just to get a good washer, though.
In fact, going up to about 2,000 PSI is just right because if the pressure is too strong, there’s always a chance you could ruin the finish on the bike itself. Besides, pressure washers with a PSI of 3,000 or higher are usually made for commercial use only, so you’ll definitely need to stick with one that is below this number.
In addition to PSI, always take the following factors into consideration:
- Ease of use. A lightweight pressure washer is always best, and one that isn’t too bulky should be purchased as well. After all, you’ll need to move around a lot when cleaning your bike, so you don’t want a big, cumbersome pressure washer.
- Water usage. The GPM number tells you the gallons of water used per minute, but fortunately, most of the low-PSI pressure washers also have low GPM numbers, which means you’ll be able to use the water efficiently.
- Weight. You’ll want a lightweight pressure washer for your dirt bike because you’ll need one that you can maneuver easily while you’re cleaning the bike. Check the weight of the pressure washer before buying it so that you get one that is light enough for you.
In short, you want a pressure washer that isn’t too large or too heavy, and the smaller ones with lower PSI and GPM numbers will work best. That being said, you should still stick with PSI numbers close to 2,000 because you’ll want to make sure the water power is strong enough to remove caked-on debris and can get into the many cracks and crevices that a dirt bike usually has.
You’ll also need to decide between gas-powered and electric pressure washers. While your personal preference will help with this decision, you can keep in mind the following when shopping between the two:
- Gas-powered pressure washers are heavier and more expensive, but tend to last a bit longer.
- Electric pressure washers are more lightweight but may not last as long as a gas-powered washer.
Both gas-powered and electric pressure washers do a great job on any type of dirt bike, so you’ll have to research all features and consider your personal tastes and preferences before you choose one to take home with you.
The Karcher K2 pressure washer is consistently voted one of the best washers for dirt bikes. It has a PSI number of 1,600 and a GPM of 1.25. It is electric and comes with a 20-foot high-pressure hose. Better still, it weighs less than 15 lbs., making it perfect not just for cleaning dirt bikes but for many other household chores.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Below are some of the questions asked regarding pressure washers used for dirt bikes:
Why is the weight of the pressure washer so important?
With a dirt bike, you’ll be constantly moving around the bike as you clean, and you don’t want the pressure washer to feel too heavy.
Can I buy a power washer with a PSI that is too low?
Yes, you can, but for dirt bikes, a PSI of 1,500 to 2,000 will work perfectly.
Should I have more than one spray tip?
It is a good idea to do so because that way you’ll be able to use more angles and therefore get into lots of different cracks and crevices on your bike.
Conclusion
Dirt bikes can be a challenge when cleaning them because (1) they have lots of cracks and crevices to clean, and (2) they cannot handle very high-pressure power washers. Fortunately, finding a pressure washer to accommodate most dirt bikes is easier than you think, especially when you learn what to look for first.
The Karcher pressure washer mentioned above is also priced at under $100, so you don’t have to break the bank to get a great pressure washer for your dirt bike.
