On Sunday 16 August 2026 we hosted our Wrench & Wash event that brought riders together at Veloce Club for a practical introduction to two essential parts of motorcycle ownership: keeping your bike properly maintained and knowing how to clean and protect it without damaging its finishes.
Approachable rather than overly technical
The session was designed to be approachable rather than overly technical. You don’t need to be an experienced home mechanic or motorcycle detailer to look after your bike properly. A little knowledge, applied regularly, can help you identify potential problems earlier, improve how the bike feels and keep it looking its best.
Motorcycle maintenance with Ben Gorton
Ben Gorton opened the event with a 40-minute overview of the motorcycle maintenance basics every rider should understand.
He began with chain maintenance, explaining what riders should check, how to recognise when a chain needs attention and why regular cleaning, lubrication and adjustment matter. It is one of those jobs that can easily be overlooked, but it can make a noticeable difference to how smoothly the bike rides.
Ben also covered the importance of checking:
- Engine oil levels
- Brake fluid
- Chain condition and adjustment
- Suspension setup
- Footpeg position and setup
- General signs of wear or potential problems
The session wasn’t limited to theory. Ben used the bikes at the event to demonstrate how these checks and adjustments work in the real world.
Simon’s Indian motorcycle provided one of the practical examples, with Ben changing its footpegs and showing how something as seemingly simple as peg setup can affect a rider’s position, comfort and control.
He also discussed suspension setup and the importance of adjusting a motorcycle to suit the rider. Factory settings provide a starting point, but factors such as rider weight, luggage, pillion use and riding style can all influence how the suspension should be configured.
The key message was that you don’t have to undertake every mechanical job yourself. However, understanding the basics helps you look after your motorcycle, recognise when something isn’t right and have better conversations with your mechanic when professional work is required.
Ben is available for work - email hello@veloceclub.co.uk if you need a mechanic!
Motorcycle cleaning with Dimitri from LOFT. Moto
Following the maintenance session, Dimitri from LOFT. Moto took over for a practical motorcycle cleaning demonstration.
Using James’s Yamaha Ténéré as the demonstration bike, Dimitri explained the complete process of washing and protecting a motorcycle using LOFT.’s new range of dedicated motorcycle care products.
The first stage used The Wash, LOFT.’s ready-to-use motorcycle cleaner.
The Wash has been developed specifically for the mixture of surfaces found on a motorcycle, including painted panels, plastics, rubber, chrome, bare metal, aluminium and anodised components. Its near-neutral formulation lifts road grime and dirt without relying on the harsh chemicals found in some general-purpose cleaners.
Dimitri demonstrated how to apply the cleaner properly, when areas may need gentle agitation and how to rinse the bike thoroughly. He also explained why it is important to work on a cool motorcycle, away from direct sunlight, and to avoid allowing cleaning products to dry onto the surface.
Once the Ténéré had been cleaned, Dimitri moved on to The Shield.
The Shield is a spray-on ceramic sealant that bonds to the motorcycle’s surfaces, leaving behind a hydrophobic protective layer. This helps water bead and run away, repels dirt and makes the motorcycle easier to clean next time. It also leaves a noticeable shine without requiring a separate polish.
It can be applied to a dry or damp motorcycle and used across paint, chrome, plastics, anodised components and bare metal. After being sprayed evenly over the bike, it is left to bond briefly before being buffed with a clean microfibre cloth.
The demonstration showed that achieving a properly cleaned and protected motorcycle doesn’t require a shelf full of different products. With the correct process and products designed for the materials involved, motorcycle cleaning can be kept simple and effective.
Sharing practical motorcycle knowledge
Wrench & Wash wasn’t about turning everyone into a mechanic or professional detailer. It was about giving riders the confidence to better understand their motorcycles and take care of the routine jobs that make a genuine difference.
A big thank you to Ben for sharing his maintenance knowledge, to Dimitri for demonstrating the LOFT. Moto range and to Simon and James for allowing their motorcycles to become part of the practical demonstrations.
Most importantly, thank you to everyone who joined us, asked questions and helped make the event another enjoyable gathering at Veloce Club.
Keep an eye on our website and social channels for details of future motorcycle workshops, demonstrations, ride-outs and events at Veloce Club.
