For a carbureted motorcycle engine and exhaust system to function properly, the carburetors need to be clean. Dirty carburetors can result in poor fuel economy, sluggish acceleration, and will affect how your motorcycle is running.
If you notice these symptoms with your bike, you’re going to want to start by cleaning out the carbs. It’s also a good idea to regularly clean the carburetors as part of your motorcycle maintenance.
To get the job done right, you’re going to want to use the best motorcycle carburetor cleaner you can find. With so many options to choose from online, it can be challenging to find the right cleaner for your bike.
In this post, we reviewed some of the best carb cleaners you can use for your motorcycle. Along with our top recommendations, you’ll also find a helpful buyer’s guide and practical tips for cleaning your carbs.
Let’s jump right into it!
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Chevron Techron Concentrate Plus Fuel System Cleaner (Best Motorcycle Carb Cleaner Overall)
The Chevron Techron Concentrate Plus Fuel System Cleaner is our top recommendation as the best carburetor cleaner you could use for your motorbike. This fuel system cleaner comes with unique features that make it one of the most effective cleaners for cleaning your carbs.
For starters, this carburetor cleaner takes advantage of a Concentrate Plus Technology from Chevron. This technology allows for the cleaner to remove the unwanted carbon particles that get left behind in your carburetor and motorcycle engine.
Running it through your motorcycle helps to remove the carbon deposits left behind in the carburetor. This improves the efficiency and overall performance of your motorcycle engine.
Using this cleaner also helps to reduce carbon emissions and it continues to work in the engine, even at higher temperatures. This further helps to minimize dirt and carbon formation in the car.
To clean your fuel system or motorcycle carburetors, pour this cleaner into the gas tank. It will run through the system, leaving behind a cleaner and more efficient engine.
Overall, the Chevron Techron Concentrate Plus Fuel System Cleaner is one of the best carb cleaners you can use for your motorcycle. It’s easy to use, starts working immediately, and comes in a small black plastic container for easy storage.
STP Fuel System Cleaner and Stabilizer
Up next, we would recommend the STP Fuel System Cleaner and Stabilizer as a great alternative to our top recommendation. This is a fuel system cleaner designed to deep clean the entire fuel system.
Just one bottle of this carb cleaner can be used to treat up to 35 gallons fuel. Most riders will be able to use it for up to 4,000 miles of riding before having to clean the carb again.
The way this cleaner works is by taking advantage of a 5-in-1 technology to clean the entire fuel system, including the fuel injector and combustion chamber. It’s designed to remove all the carbon deposits and dirt in the carburetor, leaving it clean.
This helps to boost engine performance and enhance fuel economy for a better ride. Using this cleaner also helps to reduce corrosion and prevent ethanol deposits from forming, depending on the fuel you’re using.
Overall, the STP Fuel System Cleaner and Stabilizer is another great choice for cleaning out your fuel system and motorcycle carburetor. It’s easy to use, improves the performance of your engine, and can even increase the lifespan of your bike.
Genuine Ford Fluid Carburetor Tune-Up Cleaner
Available from Ford Motor Company, the Genuine Ford Fluid Carburetor Tune-Up Cleaner is an easy and effective way to clean the carbs and fuel system on your motorcycle. It’s made using a powerful solvent, which is designed to remove all varnish, sludge, and carbon deposits in the carburetor.
It’s also possible to use this cleaner for different parts of the fuel system, including the fuel injectors, valves, and the choke. After running it through the system, it should help reduce emissions and prevent corrosion of engine parts throughout your bike.
Using this cleaner is simple. All that’s required is to spray it into the air intake, which will also clean the inlet system, carburetors, inlet valves, and port areas.
After spraying into the bike, it will remove gums, free sticking valves, loosen up sluggish compression rings, and purge excessive deposits from the combustion chambers. This results in your bike running more fuel-efficiently and smoother without getting bogged down by a dirty carb.
Overall, the Genuine Ford Fluid Carburetor Tune-Up Cleaner is effective for cleaning the carbs on most motorcycles. It’s easy to use and has a wide range of other motorcycle maintenance and cleaning applications.
WD-40 Specialist Carb/Throttle Cleaner
The WD-40 Specialist Carb/Throttle Cleaner is an all-in-one carburetor cleaner that’s effective for cleaning the carbs on your bike. It can even be used for cleaning unpainted metal parts and the throttle body, for better performance and appearance.
This special cleaner works by taking advantage of a dual action cleaning system. It starts with a potent solvent cleaning solution, which breaks up the unwanted carbon deposits.
Next, the powerful spray blasts away the sediments and waste, which doesn’t leave behind any residue. This makes it easy to clean the carburetor, throttle body, and other parts on your bike.
After using the cleaner it’s likely you’ll notice some improvements with your motorcycle. These could include better performance at high RPMs, a more consistent idle, and the engine starting up faster.
With the spray bottle design, the WD-40 Specialist Carb/Throttle Cleaner is easy to use and a great choice for staying on top of your carburetor maintenance. Not only is it well reviewed online, it comes from WD-40, a reputable manufacturer in the industry.
Sea Foam SF-16 Motor Treatment
The Sea Foam SF-16 Motor Treatment is a popular choice for riders to use for their motorcycles before winter storage. It’s also a great option for cleaning the injectors, carb jets, and passageways on your motorcycle.
Along with cleaning the carbs, this cleaner will also clean and lubricate the intake valves, distance, and cylinders. Furthermore, it will dissolve and clean fuel residue inside the fuel system as well as oil deposits in the crankcase.
All of this results in your motorcycle running smoother and experiencing better fuel economy. It’s easy to use, either being added to the fuel system directly or into the oil system.
Along with cleaning the carbs and fuel system, this is also a great option if you’re looking for a fuel stabilizer. It will stabilize fuel for up to two years by helping the fuel resistant separation, preserving ignition vapors, and preventing varnish formation.
Overall, the Sea Foam SF-16 Motor Treatment is an effective cleaner for keeping your motorcycle fuel system and carburetors clean. It also has a wide variety of other applications, making it a great cleaner to include in your motorcycle maintenance kit.
Best Motorcycle Carb Cleaner Buying Guide
Just like with most of the motorcycle cleaning products you’re shopping for, carburetor cleaners each have their own features distinguishing them from one another. When you’re shopping for a quality motorcycle carb cleaner, you want to have all the information possible to make sure you’re getting the right one for the job.
To make it easier for you to find the right product, you put together this helpful buyer’s guide. With this information you’ll be well informed on choosing the best carpet cleaner, regardless of your motorcycle model.
This section will help you with some tips on how to pick the best carb cleaner. You’ll also learn more about the features to look for to find the right product for your needs.
Why You Should Use a Motorcycle Carb Cleaner
The problem with motorcycle carburetors is that they can regularly get choked by oil, carbon deposits, and sludge. When this happens, fuel is prevented from smoothly moving into the combustion chamber.
This causes the fuel to take more time to burn and results in waste. The performance of the motorcycle engine is also affected.
Using a quality carb cleaner will remove these carbon deposits and other unwanted materials in the carburetor. They’ll also help to enhance the speed of fuel movement and improve combustion.
Chlorinated carb cleaners can clean the entire engine. This includes cleaning the fuel injectors and valves, which will boost fuel efficiency.
The way these motorcycle carb cleaners work is through a mixture of powerful chemicals. These chemicals react with the carbon deposits and dirt that’s left behind in the carb. The dirt and deposits are broken down by these chemicals, which enhances the performance of the engine.
With a dirty carburetor, the motorcycle engine won’t function properly. The deposits of carbon and sludge will slow down the motorcycle acceleration and affect overall performance. Using a quality carb cleaner will remove all the dirt in the engine system, clean out the carburetor, and enhance fuel flow while making the bike easier to start and accelerate.
To summarize, these cleaners will remove all the dirt and carbon deposits in the carb. They’ll help the motorcycle engine save on fuel while preventing hard starts and improving the bikes acceleration.
Types of Motorcycle Carburetor Cleaners
Depending on the manufacturer, there are different types of carb cleaners available. Always check that the brand you’re interested in is compatible with your bike.
Let’s take a look at some of the basic types of motorcycle carb cleaners you can find:
Chlorinated vs Non-Chlorinated
Chlorinated carburetor cleaners use chlorine in their solvent formula. This is only suitable for certain types of carbs and engines. Chlorine is a very active solvent and can damage the carburetor, if used improperly or on the wrong carb.
Non-chlorinated cleaners do not contain any chlorine in the formula. Most carb cleaners do not contain any chlorine, due to the damage it can cause to the smaller parts of the carburetor and motorcycle engine.
Non-chlorinated carb cleaners can also be used in a variety of applications. Along with the carburetor, they can be used to clean smaller components of the engine, such as the valves and fuel injectors.
Compatible vs Non-Compatible
Depending on your motorcycle carburetor, the cleaner may or may not be compatible. Look for this rating when you’re browsing different carb cleaners.
Compatible carb cleaners are universal and designed to be used on different types of motorcycle carburetors. The compatible type won’t affect engine performance negatively.
Non-compatible carb cleaners are made for specific types of carburetors. These are designed to be used with specific motorcycle brands.
Compared to non compatible cleaners, the compatible carb cleaners are more affordable and easier to find. Most of them also come with a built-in nozzle, for easy and quick application.
Motorcycle Carb Cleaners Features to Look For
When you’re looking for a quality carb cleaner, there are some different features and characteristics to keep an eye out for. Always start by checking that the cleaner is suitable for your motorcycle brand.
Here are some other key elements and features to keep an eye out for:
Construction of Your Carburetor
The first thing to consider is the material used in the construction of your carburetor. Some parts of the car are made of plastic, rubber, and soft metal, parts that can easily damaged if you’re using a carb cleaner with a strong solvent.
If you’re worried about the construction of your carb, your best bet is to use a non chlorinated cleaner. These are safe to use on a wide range of different materials, including the sensitive materials that you might find in your bike.
Chlorinated carb cleaners should be used with any soft rubber or plastic materials. To avoid damaging your carb, find the right cleaner that’s suitable with the materials found in your motorcycle.
Safety
When you’re shopping for a carburetor cleaner, look for one that comes with safety features. These features make the cleaner easier and safer to use for maintaining your motorcycle carburetor.
For example, look for nozzle funnels, sprays, or dips. Don’t forget to check the ingredients, to make sure you’re not allergic to anything inside. You should also choose a product that’s safe on your hands, although it’s a good idea to wear gloves either way.
Riders with a standard carburetor do not need a carb cleaner that uses powerful, dangerous chemicals. These could put your health at risk and they’re not required in most cleaning conditions.
Ease of Use
With so many different cleaners to choose from, you want to look for one that’s easy to use. There should be an instruction manual included as well as an easy to open seal, for faster application.
Any of the cleaners you’re using should be easy to open and large enough to handle. Check reviews and the product description to make sure you’re using a safe product that’s easy to use.
HEST Rating
The HEST rating relates to the technology in the carb cleaner. It’s a feature that helps the cleaner remove deposits and dirt in the carburetor, without affecting its operation.
Keep an eye out for the HEST rating as it lets you know you’re buying a quality product. Having this feature supports fuel combustion and helps your motorcycle engine to enhance acceleration and save on fuel costs.
Tips for Buying and Using Motorcycle Carburetor Cleaners
It can be challenging to buy the right carb cleaner, especially if you don’t have the skills or experience with this process. You need to know that a quality carb cleaning spray or foam should be able to break down all the dirt, sludge, and carbon deposits inside the carburetor.
It needs to have a higher dissolving capacity, which helps to break down complex deposits and help prevent them from forming in the engine system. Most of the cleaners will also improve engine performance and fuel economy as well.
Most riders prefer using mutli-fabric cleaners, as they’re more powerful and effective at removing dirt and varnish in a carburetor. This type ensures the motorcycle carb keeps running in excellent condition, as well as the rest of the fuel system.
Another factor to consider is the affordability of the cleaner you’re interested in. Most standard carb cleaners are reasonably priced and will provide you with more than one use. You’ll find that the non-chlorinated cleaners, or those that double as a fuel additive, will be a bit more expensive.
Other helpful tips include:
- Check for the HEST rating
- Ensure that the price is within your budget
- Check the ingredients to see if they’re safe or if you’re allergic to any
- Only use cleaners that are from quality manufacturers
FAQ
What is the Best Carburetor Cleaner for a Motorcycle?
The best carburetor cleaner for a motorcycle depends on the type and severity of the buildup or contamination.
Popular brands for motorcycle carburetor cleaners include Berryman’s Chem-Dip, Gumout, and Sea Foam.
These cleaners are designed to dissolve and remove dirt, varnish, and other buildup from carburetors without damaging the metal or rubber components.
What is the Best Additive to Clean Carburetors?
Additives such as fuel system cleaners and octane boosters can be effective for cleaning carburetors and improving overall engine performance.
Popular brands for carburetor cleaning additives include Red Line, Royal Purple, and Lucas.
These additives are designed to dissolve and remove carbon buildup, fuel deposits, and other contaminants from carburetors, improving fuel efficiency and engine power.
Can You Run Carb Cleaner in Motorcycle?
Carburetor cleaner can be added to a motorcycle’s fuel tank or sprayed directly into the carburetor to clean and remove buildup.
However, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and to ensure that the cleaner is compatible with the specific type of carburetor on the motorcycle.
It is also recommended to run the motorcycle for a short period after adding the cleaner to help distribute it throughout the system.
Is WD-40 Safe for Carburetors?
WD-40 is not recommended for use as a carburetor cleaner or lubricant.
While it can help to displace water and moisture from carburetors, it can also cause damage to rubber and plastic components over time.
Always use a carburetor cleaner that is specifically designed for use with motorcycles, to avoid any potential damage to the carburetor or other engine components.
Finding the Right Carburetor Cleaner For Your Motorcycle
A good quality motorcycle carburetor cleaner is an essential product for maintaining and improving engine performance.
When choosing a carburetor cleaner, it is important to consider factors such as effectiveness, compatibility, and safety for use on motorcycle components.
Popular brands for motorcycle carburetor cleaners include Berryman’s Chem-Dip, Gumout, and Sea Foam.
Carburetor cleaners can help to remove dirt, varnish, and other buildup from carburetors, improving fuel efficiency and engine power.
It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when using these products and to take precautions to protect against any potential harm to the engine or other components.
Overall, a high-quality motorcycle carburetor cleaner can help to extend the lifespan of the engine and improve overall performance.
With the many options available on the market today, riders can find the perfect cleaner to meet their needs and budget.
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