When your bike comes back from the track or trails absolutley caked in mud from top to bottom you don’t want to cleaning it by hand. Instead using a pressure is going to save you half the time and give you a better finish so if you don’t already have one in your cleaning arsenal you must be mad!
The GPW1501 by Green Works is the best pressure washer for cleaning dirt bikes. It offers 1500 PSI of pressure delivered through a 20ft hose to the lance with both 25 degree and 40 degree nozzles. For less than $90 it is lightweight and comes complete with a 1 year warranty.
In a rush? The best pressure washer is the Green Works GPW1501 – Check the latest price on Amazon here
You don’t always need the most expensive product on the market to have the best. It’s about choosing the right tool for the right job so lets go over what we are looking for when pressure washing our dirtbike and come up with some viable solutions.
Powered by Gas or Electric?
These are the 2 main categories to consider before anything else and there are pros and cons to both, some obvious and some not so.
Gas will give you the ultimate mobile solution when pressure washing which is going to be great for taking it to the ride. If you have one of these then you just need to consider taking an extra can of fuel, just in case, and you are good to go.
Compared to the electric option, the obvious hurdle maybe a power supply when on the road. For me I don’t consider this enough of a problem when everything is weighed up, especially considering that many folk would be taking a small generator with them anyway which means that is problem solved, and i’m guessing this is the siuation for most people.
One of the main downsides to taking gas over electric is the price. Although not strictly true most gas pressure washers come it at around double. Yes you can find ones at the cheaper end but in my experience these tend to not last to long and break easily.
Pros for electric style pressure washer include their compact design mainly due to the fact they are not providing a power supply, generally a lighter weight compared to gas for the same reason and because you are not getting fuel fumes they can be used indoors. The last point I suspect will have little effect on your buying decision as it does mine!
You will be the one deciding on gas or electric depending on what suits you best we shall list number one in both categories. Let’s start by reviewing electric washers and move on to gas, before then giving you some of my little dirtbike cleaning tips.
DirtBike Pressure Washer Buying Criteria:
A quick breakdown of what you may want out of your pressure washer when using it on a dirtbike, and these are areas we will cover in these pressure washer reviews.
1. Price:
We will get the most obvious one but perhaps the most important one out of the way first. The price of the best pressure washer isn’t necessarily going to just be the one with the highest price tag. As part of reviewing these machines we want to take into account the overall value and that will be judged upon how much they are asking compared to washers spec and capabilties criteria we are looking for.
In a nut shell we don’t want to buy a Ferarri when we are will only ever going to drive 30mph.
2. Weight:
In a normal home setting this may not be considered worthy but for us most people will want to consider how much the pressure washer is going to put your back out when lugging it in and out of your vehicle when you want to take it to the trackside.
3. Pressure:
Every brand and model will deliver a max PSI. When washing your dirtbike you will benefit from the pressure delivered by the washer of course.. thats the point of buying one! But.. we don’t need to buying a super high pressure thats going to cause more damage than good.
If you are buying this washer for a dual purpose and not just the bike then maybe you want a higher pressure. Thats cool, just make sure you take caution when blasting your dirtbike.
4. Spare Parts:
This section can be overlooked and for home based washers maybe its no biggy. For this review though I am assuming you will be taking your washer out on the road from time to time and if it breaks it’s good to know parts are available so you can either get a part the same day or at least within a few days and before your next outing.
5. Water Usage:
If you are like me then the more info the better. Knowing how little water I can take on my road trip is what I want to know because taking more means it will take up more space in the truck and will be heavier so the truck will consume more fuel. All these little things add up you know!
Best Electric Pressure Washers: Top 3
| Make and Model | Price | PSI | Weight lbs / kg |
| 1. Greenworks – GPM 1501 | $89.00 | 1500 | 19.07 / 8.64 |
| 2. Karcher – K2 Compact | $120.00 | 1600 | 14.5 / 6.57 |
| 3. Briggs and Stratton – 1800 MAX | $150.00 | 1800 | 31.5 / 14.28 |
1. TOP PICK – GPM1501 by Greenworks
Check the latest price on Amazon by clicking this link – Green Works GPM 1501
This really is the best value pressure washer around when you are looking for a machine to jet wash your dirtbike.
For only $89.00 this is a great offering from GreenWorks and although it doesn’t offer everything the other 2 do you can always upgrade to the next model and still be cheaper than them.
So what do you get for $89.00?
This 13amp electric pressure washer is a managable 19.07 lbs which means it can be easily lifted in and out of a vehicle for when you want to take it trackside.
It comes with a 20ft high pressure hose and a 35ft cord so that should give you ample room to move about the bike, and it drinks 1.2 gallons per minute (1.2gpm) which is comparable to most machines in this range.
It is on the lower end of the pressure scale but is be fine for blasting off caked on mud although unlike the other units, the Karcher and the Briggs, this machine does not have a detergent option. However dont be put off because if this is must for you then the next model up (GPM1602) is only an extra $10 and does have a soap dispenser. You also get some at pressure for your $10 because its a 1600 PSI machine.
Both models have changable nozzles, 1 at 25 degrees nd the other set at 40 degrees to give you better direction when cleaning.
A 1 year warranty is included from the date the washer is shipped and spare parts are easy to come by on the website.
Also found on their site are downloadable pdf files like the manual and parts document. The parts document is very handy as it lists all the parts with part numbers which makes them very easy to find and replace. You can then just go to their parts search portal, enter the part number and click to by. The url for that is https://greenworks.ordertree.com/
I also noticed that on their website you can purchase a 30ft high pressure hose to use instead which is going to give you extra length.
So with 2 options on this and both being cheaper than the Karcher which is the next on the list I don’t see why anyone would make a pass on it. A great option for dirtbike cleaning.
2. K2 Compact by Karcher
Check the latest price on Amazon: Karcher K2 Compact
Everybody has heard of Karcher, they are one of the leading brands for domestic and commercial cleaning equipment and produce pressure washers, window cleaning devices, vacuum cleaners and steam cleaners.
The have a wide range of pressure washers for domestic use and prices range from $120 to $1500, after that you into the commercial market.
The great thing about their popularity is parts are easy to come by, the slight downside is as with all top brands the price tends to be higher and I feel this is the case for what we are getting here.
The K2 Compact is one of the cheapest washers they do, if not ‘the’ cheapest at $120.
Running on a 13 amp supply it does what it says on the tin, it washes and it is compact. It is the lightest of our 3 picks weighing in at 14.5 lbs before accessories which makes it super light for lifting into vehicles which is great news for us. The compact design means it is physically smaller which will help when storing if you are tight on room.
It will deliver 1600 PSI through the 20ft high pressure hose and plastic moulded lance.
As with all Karchers in this range they come with a detergent suction hose. This is a small clear pipe with a mesh filter on the end. It pulls out from the body of the machine and you place it into your chosen chemical bottle. It’s probably the easiest way of them adding a detergent feature without having to add a tank.
My only comment on this detergent system is the hose can get bent and in turn restricts or stops the chemical flow. This is from pushing the pipe back in after use becuase it doesnt retract it is done by feeding it back in by hand. This can cause the pipe to coil on its own free will and can bend. When you pull pipe back out you will need to pinch the bent pipe in the opposite way to open it up again. This can lead to splitting. It’s a minor thing but something that has irritated me in the past.
The plastic lance has its own unique design that allows the user to adjust pressure flow by rotating the end of the lance. This is pretty cool and is good for lower the pressure to rinse and vice versa.
It water intake is 1.25 GPM on full pressure. and parts and manuals available on their website.
All in all a good option if you want the branded machine, super light and compact with detergent and pressure flow options for a slightly higher price.
3. 1800 MAX by Briggs and Stratton
Check the lastest price on Amazon : 1800 MAX Briggs & Stratton
Briggs and Stratton are global leaders in their field and have been around for no less than 110 years. They have products being sold under another 9 different brand names so it is likely you have come across their wears before, even if you didn’t know it.
They are designers and manufacturers and are known for producing great quaility and this 1800 MAX pressure washer is such a product.
The washer comes mounted on a tough steel frame with wheels and carries the jet washer and sperate detergent tank.
It gives out 1800 PSI through the quality metal lance and has 20ft of high pressure hose to give you decent reach.
Obviously the addition of the frame is adding to the weight and overall size of the unit making it less ideal for transporting but it can still be done with the weight coming in at 31.5 LBS, that is just over double the weight of the Karcher!
They supply you with 3 different nozzles to assist with different cleaning situations and delivers 1.2 GPM. You also get a 1yr warranty with it upon purchase.
In summary this machine is going to cost you $150, the build quality is superb but you are dealing with a heavier, larger machine. It will give you more PSI then both the other pressure washers mentioned but i’ll leave you to decide if it worth paying for that when you perhaps dont need it to clean a muddy dirtbike.
Best Gas Pessure Washers: Top 3
These gas powered washers are all going to more expensive than the electric options. It is that, the weight which is always greater and the additional power that make gas options less suitable for cleaning dirtbikes, assuming you are wanting to take them trackside.
You may however justify these points when considering you own requirements as you may have other uses for itbesides washing your dirtbike. Price may not be an issue and you may bench one of these in each hand for all I know but at least you have the info to hand.
So lets take a look at the best gas powered pressure washers.
| Make and Model | Price | PSI | Weight lbs / kg |
| 1 Briggs and Stratton – 2200 Max | $275 | 2200 | 50 / 22.67 |
| 2 Powerstroke – PS80519B | $280 | 2200 | 33 / 14.9 |
| 3. DuroMax – XP2700PWS | $260 | 2700 | 64 / 29.09 |
1. 2200 Max by Briggs and Stratton
Check the latest price on Amazon – 2200 MAX Briggs & Stratton
We have a Briggs and Stratton in the electric washer top 3 and here it is my number 1. Although it’s not the cheapest it isn’t the most expensive either but a saying that the difference between top and bottom is only $20 anyway.
For the $275 you are getting that quality we know comes with this brand and I would prefer to pay for when an engine is involved.
This 140cc machine outputs 2200 PSI which is right down the low end for gas washers but we just cant have to much more power when cleaning sirtbikes.
It will hold 0.2L of fuel and used a 25ft high pressure hose which is about standard length on most washers.
It comes on a wheelable frame and does weigh 50LBS which is enough to lifting in and out of a vehicle.
They give you 3 nozzles for different pressures and angles to make cleaning easier as well aswhilst consuming 1.9 GPM. A siphone hose system for detergent is included which is similar to the electric Karcher we have above.
Parts from Briggs and Stratton are always available on their website.
If you purchase this the you will get a 2 yr warranty as standard. In summary I would be happy to buy this if I wanted a gas and didnt mind the weight. You then don’t have to worry about a power supply trackside.
2. Powerstroke – PS80519B
Direct link to pressure washer – Powerstorke PS80519B
This is super lightweight for a gas washer at only 33LBS. It does leave me wondering about the longevity of the frame and wheels as the unit almost seems to light at that weight…but these are highly rated machines.
You get 2200 PSI, the same as the Briggs and is powered by a 150cc engine which I am guessing is chinese but cant be certain. It doesn’t say on the engine itself and I cant seem to find out anywhere online.
A 25ft high pressure hose is included and you have 3 nozzle options and it uses 2 GPM.
The detergent system on this is again the syphon hose type.
You will get a 1 year warranty on this when you pay the $280 which is higher than the Stratton but as I said people do rate these well so…
3. XP2700PWS by DuroMax
Direct link to pressure washer – XP2700PWS DuroMax
This DuroMax is $260 and comes mounted on a wheeled frame and delivers you water at a rate of 2.3 GPM through a great quality 25ft nylon braided pressure hose at 2700 PSI which is the highest pressure of the 3.
I love the fact this has a seperate 0.3L detergent tank instead of the syphon system. It runs a 0.79L fuel tank and the whole unit is a heavy beast, weighing 64 LBS so it is also the heaviest of our 3 picks.
The 12″ all terrain wheels are bigger than other machines and these will make it easier to move about.
It comes delivered with 5 nozzles on a quick connnection system which makes it easy to swap between them.
Other features include a low oil shut down system which will help protect your engine, and a spray gun safety switch which must be engaged whilst the spray wand is being used.
Considering this is the cheapest it has alot going for it but the weight and additional power make this the 3rd option for the criteria we are looking at.
Conclusion:
Before buying any of these sit down and write down what you want out of the pressure washer. Make a note of the criteria and then work backwards, researching the different areas, such as cost, weight, PSI ettc as we have done hear.
The GPW1501 by Green Works is the best pressure washer for the money. Meeting all the criteria set to get my Top Pick position.
When you have decided on the best pressure washer for you then be sure to check out my tips for pressure washer cleaning your dirt bike which i’ll list below.
Tips When Cleaning A Dirt Bike With A Pressure Washer:
- Lay the bike on it’s side to do the underneath
- Use stopper and caps to prevent water in exhaust and air filter
- Be cautious round electrics
- Keep a distance from decals
- Go easy on seals and bearings
So these are the main things you want to keep in mind when using your washer to clean your bike.
To clean the underside of the bike it is far easier to lay the bike on it’s side and then flipping it over on the other side so you can get all round access to the underneath.
When you are putting the bike on its side you want to use something for the head end to rest on. If you have a bike stand handy then this can be a good height. If not then see what you have around and look to place it just below the handle bars when the bike is on its side.
Using bungs in the exhaust is a simple and effective way of stopping water getting in there and you can also get a cap that goes over the air filter whole. You would normally take out the air filter and install the cap. The cap has a neat seal which should stop water from passing.
It goes without saying really that you should be careful around any electrics but pay particular attention to blocks and units. Standard wiring on its own is going to be fine assuming the pvc coating isn’t split.
When washing decals make sure you are not at naught blank range. Keep a healthy distance so the decal doesn’t get the full force of the machine. If you do this then graphics can peel away.
Finally one of the most important points is to take caution around bearings and seals. You don’t want a direct blast at zero range as you are sure to eventually cause some problems by getting water in there. Areas to look out for are the wheel bearings, head bearing, pivot bolt etc. Also take it easy on radiators and chains.
Once your done you can use a leaf blower to dry the bike in quick time. This is especially good for people who dont live in warmer climates.
Applying WD-40 or similar to your chain will ensure that water is pushed out as WD-40 displaces water. This will keep your chain healthy and rust free.
Thats pretty much it for this post. I hope you have enjoyed reading it and found at least parts of it useful .
Until next time…..
