The London Motorcyclist's Guide To Motorcycle Valeting
Motorcycles, in all their forms and shapes, are one of Londoners' preferred means of transportation. It is easy to understand why. First of all, no Congestion Charge. Second, finding parking space is not a hassle. Plus, more often than not motorcycles are allowed free of charge parking. Third, Road Tax is much more reasonable. Next, is the ease of navigation through traffic also known among bikers as filtering. Then, there is the lesser environmental impact of the two-wheeled kind (not talking about bicycles here). The list goes on.
London is a global hub in any aspect of the word. When you think services though, this is especially valid. If you can think of it, it's there. You would not be disappointed even if you needed furniture assembly. So how do motorcycle owners pay back their motorcycles for this many benefits they present them with? It is called motorcycle valeting. The motorcycle valet service is not something that started yesterday but it boomed in recent years and now boasts a status of an up-and-coming trend. What it is in essence is motorcycle cleaning with a touch of extravagance. Extravagance that comes in the form of high customisability of the service. On top of that, it is a mobile service which makes the experience of getting your motorbike back to its showroom glory personal and unique. In fact, mobile motorcycle valeting is by default designed to be a made-to-measure service.
Here is a breakdown of the motorcycle detailing works that can be done on a bike:
Basic valet
Standard entry level service:
- De-greasing
- Pressure wash
- Road grime removal
- Body, wheels and swingarm wash
- Time: 30-40 minutes
- Price: £25.00-40.00
Showroom valet
The second level of detailing is usually called Showroom valet and includes the basic package plus:
- Detailed rotary-wheel, brake and calliper cleaning
- Detailed shock area, in and out swingarm cleaning
- Vinyls and plastics dressing
- Chain cleaning and re-lube
- Full body cream polishing
- Detailed exhaust pipe and can cleaning
- Engine weather protection spray
- Under seat clean and dressing
- Brake and clutch lever re-lube
- Time: 50-60 minutes
- Price: £50.00-70.00
Premium level
It's an upgrade to the Showroom level and adds the following:
- Side and center stand re-paint
- Front sprocket cover removal, clean off dirt and grease
- Tyre pressure check
- Oil Level check
- Rider report (tyres, sprocket, chain, brake pads and disc life check)
- Time: 90-120 minutes
- Price: £80.00-100.00
Ubervalet level
Some motorcycle valeting companies go even further by offering yet another level of excellence called Fantastic, Magic or Special wash. It could include taking off all fairings for a more thorough clean; engine re-paint; hand polishing and MOT-like inspection. Expect to pay no less than £150.00-180.00 for this level of perfection. The wait should be around 3-4 hours long minimum.
The Transformation
Decision making as to which package to choose comes down to two major factors – how much you care for your two-wheeled companion and how thick your wallet is. Regardless, the result is going to be worth it. Been there, done that. This is experience speaking.
Once done your motorcycle is going to shine as if it just rolled off the production line. And unless you're the off-road type it will be as clean as new for quite awhile before any grime settles in again. This service is far from being a simple washing exercise, it also enhances the looks and increases the longevity of the motorbike.
The mobile valeting service is not exclusive to private clients. The many motorcycle showrooms in London often use it to help maintain the impeccable appearance of their stock for all motorcycles need love and attention. This is an example of a service that is as much customer focused as it is product oriented.