waxes for the bike

[Hambonee]

Meguiar's Gold Class Paste Wax and Plexus...

Both are not overly expensive and work really well. Plexus is especially nice, makes getting the bugs off super easy!

http://www.plexusplasticcleaner.com/about.html

[Bama67]

Put me down as one of the losers/pussies that actually washes and waxes his bike.  

But thats the kind of person I am; I spent 9k of my hard earned money on something, and I am going to take care of it. I don't guess I am one of the cool kids that has an adventure bike to get all muddy and beat up and be to busy "riding" to wash it.  

I can barely squeeze in the time to do it, since keeping the bike waxed makes it so easy to clean, it takes me a whopping 15 minutes to do it.
I use spray wax or furniture polish.  

[Mastros2]

I use the turtlewax ice wax.  I like it.  I may use a paste from time to time but during quick washes, its the spray.

[06_wi_vfr]

Washed regularly.  Pledge if anything.  Pledge with a microfiber cloth is all ya need.  

[TwoWhldTerror]

Nope not me I keep on top of all the machines own (mechanic by trade), I just feel that folks who spend more time waking and polishing are usually the ones who have to pay to have the bike serviced and waxing gives them the feeling that they are actually doing something important. Don't get me wrong If you like it keep it up.

I can see some of the logic here...but it is dangerous to make such broad assumptions. I do my own maintenance (short of the valve adjustment on the FJR) and yet you could eat off my swing arm. To me good maintenance and a clean bike go hand-in-hand. Was that leak there before? Do I see a new drip? What the heck, how did that fairing crack? All are good things to know about and easy to find when one washes/cleans the bike on a regular basis.

My 2006 FJR (bought used) looks almost NEW, even had that very compliment) but it has over 22K miles. Riding hard, riding a lot, does not mean the bike needs to look like something out of a Mad Max movie.

[Andrew]

I can see some of the logic here...but it is dangerous to make such broad assumptions. I do my own maintenance (short of the valve adjustment on the FJR) and yet you could eat off my swing arm. To me good maintenance and a clean bike go hand-in-hand. Was that leak there before? Do I see a new drip? What the heck, how did that fairing crack? All are good things to know about and easy to find when one washes/cleans the bike on a regular basis.

My 2006 FJR (bought used) looks almost NEW, even had that very compliment) but it has over 22K miles. Riding hard, riding a lot, does not mean the bike needs to look like something out of a Mad Max movie.

Dang I did 58k on my FJR, and repaired one leak, as well as 3 valve checks (one actually needed a shim) Might have washed it once before every long trip and maybe once when returning home.

[TwoWhldTerror]

Dang I did 58k on my FJR, and repaired one leak, as well as 3 valve checks (one actually needed a shim) Might have washed it once before every long trip and maybe once when returning home.

Cool. I am not saying one way is right, and one is wrong, just saying that because someone cleans a bike does not mean they do not RIDE the bike!  

[MacGyver]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned using detailing clay to clean the paint before buffing or waxing.  HUGE difference in results.  

I like to keep nice things looking nice.  There are a buttload of cleansers, soaps, waxes etc etc... but THE one product that blows my socks off for all around goodness is this:

http://www.amazon.com/32oz-Optimum-Rinse-Wash-Shine/dp/B000E9TS6O

All you need is a warm bucket of water plus a bit of the ONR will result in eye opening ease of keeping the scooter clean.  No hose required. Just a wipe down with clean cloth after washing from the bucket.  No need to rinse the bike down ahead of time either.   I was very hesitant about that at first but it's safe.

You won't find this stuff on the Advance Auto shelves.  Amazon seems to be the easiest source to date.

What sold me on paying that much for a product was the fact I could also use it as a detailer spray for helmets, sunglasses, car/house windows too.  And remember the detailer clay I first mentioned, you can use the ONR as a lubricant for the clay.

I can drone on and on about paint care but after hanging out with THE Barry Meguiar, he offered me one of his regional demonstrator guys for a day on how to really care for paint.  That guy opened my eyes to the details of how to make black paint look 3 feet deep.

Good stuff

p.s.  Another thing I just remembered.  The no rinse stuff is great for those that live in water restriction areas.   You can wash your bike/car whenever you want regardless what the A-hole neighbors think of you.  

[Papa Lazarou]

Good info. I shall try an 8oz bottle