Now the sun is finally out, the amount of motorcycles on the road is increasing. Car wash owners would be wise to keep an eye on the current developments when it comes to biking. People over 65 are increasingly enamored with motorcycles.

According to the Dutch Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), the amount of retired motorbike owners is rising rapidly. In 2019, 70 thousand elderly in the Netherlands owned a motorcycle. By early 2024 there were over 100 thousand. An increase of no less than 54 percent.

But the motorcycle craze is not limited to older riders; a record 685 thousand private motorcycles were registered at the beginning of this year in the Netherlands, according to CBS. An increase of more than 8 percent in five years.

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If you are running a self-service car wash, it might be wise to target your marketing campaign to this particular group. Especially in spring.

The arrival of spring traditionally marks the start of the peak season for motorized two-wheelers. This not only affects the sale of motorcycles, but also related services such as self-service washing.

This seasonality plays an important role in the economic cycle surrounding the motorcycling experience. For many enthusiasts, preparing for the first bike ride of spring is a ritual that includes thorough cleaning and care of the motorcycles. Here, car washes play a key role in ensuring that the bikes are not only safe to ride, but also shiny to the eye.

Dedicated wash box

Self-service wash bays are experiencing increased demand in the coming weeks as two-wheeler enthusiasts look to prepare their bikes for the new season.

Motorcyclists appreciate the advantages of self-service wash boxes. Here they have the opportunity to clean their motorcycle independently and with great care. Many car washes offer special programs for motorcycles that are tailored to their specific needs. This includes adapted water pressure to protect sensitive parts such as bearings or electrical components. Extra holders for motorcycles also make a self-service system attractive for this customer group.

Another advantage is flexibility. Most self-service wash bays are open around the clock, allowing riders to clean their motorcycles whenever they want.  This is ideal for working people who have little time during the day or for hobby riders who want to leave a clean vehicle after a ride.

Many car wash operators also attach importance to environmentally friendly washing agents. They often use biodegradable cleaning agents that are gentle on both the environment and the sensitive surfaces of the motorcycle.

Some safety tips

There are also a few points of caution for motorcyclists.

• High water pressure can cause damage, so the jet should never be aimed directly at bearings, seals, brakes or electronic components.
• The motorcycle should never be washed while hot in order to avoid tension in the material.
• After cleaning, it is important to dry the motorcycle thoroughly and lubricate all moving parts to prevent rust.

Also read: 

• How to deal with motorbike washing? 
• Kärcher launches its own podcast
• Can cyclists be a new target group for car washes?

photo by Martin Pettitt, Flickr CC