Motorcycle enthusiasts are always looking for ways to protect and enhance their bikes. One of the most popular and effective options today is ceramic coating. Known for its durability, protection, and glossy finish, car owners have widely adopted ceramic coating, but it is also gaining popularity in the motorcycle world. However, many motorcycle owners wonder whether ceramic coating can be applied to every part of their bike.
What Is Ceramic Coating and Why Is It Popular?
Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer applied to the exterior surfaces of vehicles, creating a chemical bond with the vehicle’s paint. The result is a protective layer that is highly resistant to dirt, water, and UV rays. Bob Moses Ceramic Coating, for example, offers the Sensha World Crystal Glow, a ceramic coating made with SiO2 (silicon dioxide), a material that hardens over time to form a glossy, glass-like surface.
Motorcycle ceramic coating is particularly popular because it provides a range of benefits:
- Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal: Ceramic coating adds a high-gloss, reflective shine to your motorcycle, making the paint look wet and fresh. This effect enhances the bike’s overall appearance and ensures it stands out on the road.
- Protection Against UV Rays and Fading: Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause a motorcycle’s paint to fade over time. Ceramic coating acts as a shield, protecting the paint from harmful UV rays and preserving its color.
- Hydrophobic Properties: A ceramic-coated surface repels water, dirt, and grime, making the bike easier to clean. The hydrophobic properties prevent water spots and reduce debris buildup.
- Scratch Resistance: While not completely scratch-proof, ceramic coating adds a layer of protection that helps reduce the risk of minor scratches, swirls, and chips on your motorcycle’s surface.
- Longevity: Sensha World Crystal Glow, offered by Bob Moses Ceramic Coating, is designed to last up to 8 years, providing long-term protection and value for your investment.
Can Ceramic Coating Be Applied to All Parts of a Motorcycle?
The short answer is yes but with a few exceptions. While motorcycle ceramic coating can be applied to most parts of a motorcycle, certain areas are either not recommended or unnecessary. Below, we’ll examine the various parts of a motorcycle and discuss the suitability of ceramic coating for each one.
Motorcycle Paint and Body Panels
The primary areas where ceramic coating is applied are the motorcycle’s painted surfaces and body panels. This includes the gas tank, fenders, fairings, and any other painted parts of the motorcycle. Since these areas are exposed to environmental elements like UV rays, dirt, and moisture, ceramic coating provides a durable protective barrier that helps maintain the paint’s shine and prevents fading.
Why it works: The ceramic coating bonds well with painted surfaces, providing a slick, hydrophobic layer that not only protects the paint but also enhances its gloss. This is the most common and recommended application area for motorcycle ceramic coating.
Metal Surfaces
Motorcycles often have several exposed metal parts, including the exhaust pipes, engine casing, and frame. Ceramic coating can be applied to these metal surfaces to protect them from corrosion, oxidation, and discoloration caused by heat and moisture.
Exhaust Pipes: One of the main concerns with metal surfaces is the extreme heat, especially on the exhaust pipes. Ceramic coating designed for high temperatures can be applied to exhaust pipes to prevent discoloring and protect them from heat damage. High-temperature ceramic coatings can withstand temperatures up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit or more, making them ideal for motorcycle exhausts.
Engine and Frame: Ceramic coating can also be applied to the engine and frame, offering protection from rust and corrosion. Since these parts are frequently exposed to road grime, water, and other environmental hazards, ceramic coating creates a protective barrier that preserves the metal and reduces wear over time.
Plastic Components
Motorcycles often feature plastic parts, including side panels, mirrors, and fender liners. Ceramic coating can be applied to plastic surfaces, but the results can vary depending on the type of plastic. In general, harder plastics bond well with ceramic coating, providing the same protective and aesthetic benefits as painted metal surfaces.
For softer plastics, such as rubberized components or those with a matte finish, ceramic coating may not be as effective or necessary. These parts often have different maintenance needs and may benefit more from other protective treatments, such as specific plastic restorers or conditioners.
Pro Tip: If you want to enhance the appearance of your motorcycle’s plastic parts while protecting them from UV damage and fading, ensure you choose a ceramic coating product that is compatible with plastic surfaces.
Windscreen and Mirrors
Many motorcycles have clear or tinted windscreens and mirrors. While it is possible to apply ceramic coating to these parts, visibility and clarity must be considered. Some ceramic coatings are designed to be applied to glass or clear plastics, improving water repellency without affecting clarity. These coatings create a hydrophobic surface that helps water bead off the windscreen, improving visibility during rain.
However, some ceramic coatings may create a slight haze on transparent surfaces if not applied correctly. It’s recommended to use ceramic products specifically designed for clear plastics or glass, such as Sensha World Crystal Glow, which ensures a streak-free, clear finish.
Leather and Upholstery
While ceramic coating provides excellent protection for painted and metal surfaces, it is unsuitable for leather or fabric upholstery. These materials require specialized protection products designed to prevent cracking, fading, and wear.
For example, seats, saddlebags, and other leather components should be treated with a leather conditioner or protective spray rather than ceramic coating. These products nourish the leather, keeping it supple and resistant to water and UV rays without altering the texture.
Tires and Rubber Parts
Tires and rubber components, such as gaskets and seals, should not be coated with ceramic. Ceramic coating can make rubber surfaces overly slick, reducing grip and potentially leading to safety issues. Additionally, rubber’s flexibility makes it unsuitable for bonding with ceramic coating, as it will not adhere properly and will wear off quickly.
Instead, regular tire maintenance and cleaning are the best ways to keep rubber parts in optimal condition. There are specific tire shines and conditioners that can enhance the appearance of rubber without sacrificing performance or safety.
The Application Process of Motorcycle Ceramic Coating
Applying ceramic coating to a motorcycle requires careful preparation and attention to detail to achieve the best results. Here’s a basic overview of the process:
- Surface Preparation: The motorcycle’s surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned and free of dirt, grime, and wax. A clay bar treatment may be used to remove any embedded contaminants.
- Paint Correction: Any scratches, swirl marks, or imperfections in the paint must be corrected before applying the ceramic coating, as the coating will lock in the paint’s existing condition.
- Coating Application: The ceramic coating is carefully applied to the desired surfaces, often in multiple stages. Bob Moses Ceramic Coating’s Sensha World Crystal Glow product is a single-layered liquid that bonds to the surface and hardens over time, forming a durable protective layer.
- Curing: After applying the coating, it needs time to cure fully. During this period, it hardens and forms a strong, glass-like protective layer. It’s important to keep the motorcycle in a controlled environment away from water, dust, or direct sunlight while the coating cures.
Protect Your Motorcycle with Ceramic Coating
Motorcycle ceramic coating offers unparalleled protection and aesthetic benefits for your bike. From the painted surfaces and metal components to the clear plastics and exhaust pipes, ceramic coating can be applied to most parts of your motorcycle to enhance its appearance, reduce maintenance needs, and protect it from the elements. However, other specialized products better serve certain parts like leather seats, tires, and rubber components.
At Bob Moses Ceramic Coating, we take pride in offering high-quality ceramic coating services using our signature product, Sensha World Crystal Glow. Whether you want to protect your motorcycle’s paint, shield metal surfaces from corrosion, or add a high-gloss finish, we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more about how we can protect your motorcycle and keep it looking like new for years to come!