picking up a new bike.
should i treat it any different when detailing it b/c of all the plastic fairings.
do you still clay it? what about the seat? and is there anything i need to pay close attention to w/ the water.
ive got alot of the "popular" polishes and waxes as i have been persuaded on here over the last 2 years.

 

Years ago when I had my bike I waxed it 2 times a year and used Honda polish in a spray can which did a great job.

 

Honda Spray is great

 

I've clayed my brothers tank on his 929 Erion. Made a huge difference.

 

When I had my bike shop I sold alot of "Bike Brite" works very well,
Dont power wash around elc. connections.
Dont use stuff thats "slick" on your seat or tires.
Lube your cables and pivot points.
Hope this helps.

 

Good point always told not to put anything on the tires.

 

Always wanted to try Honda Polish on a car but never did.

 

me either, lol.

 

so you dont use your normal vehicle waxes on it.

is it b/c of the ease of the spray on the small areas or is the paint a little different. ive heard not to put anything on the tires and seat.

id almost be afraid to clay it b/c of the decals and tight areas (dont know how thin the paint was sprayed there).

 

I know this is old but yea leave the tires alone. I've never clayed mine or used any of my detailing products on it, I usually stick to Honda spray unless I use soap and water

 

I treat it differently, depending if it's plastic, or if it's clear coated. One of my friends has a GSXR, and his tank is cleared. The gray with metallic shines up really nice when it is buffed and waxed.

My other friend has had several bikes, though on his, things were usually a little more mild, especially with the Duc (I think only used 205 on that), since a lot of it was plastic.

As far as water, nothing was ever "power washed." I just washed them like a normal car with car soap. With the Buell, you had to blow dry it since there were a couple parts in the engine that would just pool water.

 

Other than the difference in the depth (more on motorcycles) of clearcoat the finish is basically the same.
With the exception of Harleys mostly all motorcycles are waterproof. I never powerwashed any motorcycles I have owned but I did use plenty of water hose pressure everywhere. After the waterproofing wears off the seat...If you wet the seat expect a wet butt until it dries but I did use non greasy dressings on my tire side walls and seat and always let it soak in and dry before riding.

I use S100 products, especially the S100 Total Cycle Cleaner and S100 Engine Brightener. I am OCD and used plenty of tooth brushes and Q-Tips in tight spots.

Car waxes compounds and polishes will work on the paint the same.

I use the Honda Polish mostly as a QD because it's not going to last very long but UQD is better and more cost effective.

 

OD, try the new Megs Ultimate Spray Wax instead of UQD.

 

I have read the reviews on the Megs site....they say it smells like kool aid and has a darkening effect on the paint so im going to have to give it a try.
Right now im still hooked on Optimum Car Wax and still have yet to give AquaWax a try but on your recommendation I will move it up in line.
Thanks!

At $7 a bottle I mostly use UQD after washing as a lube and gloss enhancer while I dry or to bring the fresh wax pop back.

 

I use Megs Ultimate Spray Wax on my trailer and I love it