Motorcyclists are becoming an increasingly interesting customer for car wash operators. Therefore it seems, customised washing facilities for motorcycles are therefore a wise investment. But what’s the catch?

Many motorbike-owners already have discovered the car wash to keep their precious two wheeled vehicle in tip top condition. But most conventional wash bays are first and foremost designed for car cleaning.

For starters, many bays do not have a dry storage area for motorbikes Even more important: is it safe to put your expensive bike on the stand in a car wash? Will it not be knocked over by a passing car or a high-pressure lance? Some of the less heavy motorbikes coul start to wobble and tip over, with sometimes extensive damage as a result.

Then there is the problem of drying. In contrast to many car owners, drivers do not want to leave the wash bay on a vehicle that is still dripping.

Airffect

Not that the car wash market hasn’t already thought of suitable solutions for some of those problems. Some self-service wash bays offer separate storage compartments for motorcycles. And then there are the smart self-service dryers from a company like AIRFFECT, which offer the final phase of a good wash and allows customers to dry their vehicle properly.

Operators should take into account that some motorcycle customers will take a longer time than car owners, detailing their motorbike. All that time the wash bay is closed for other potential customers. Not a problem if you’ve got enough bays on offer. But if capacity is tied, you might want to think twice before you start targeting motorbike-owners a a new potential customer group. Or only allow them in the slow hours.

One solution here could be to offer special 1-place wash boxes, such as Kärcher offers with the SB OB self-service wash system. Such systems are often an optimal addition to existing wash bays.

Also read: 

• Kärcher launches its own podcast
• Can cyclists be a new target group for car washes?

photo by Martin Pettitt, Flickr CC