Buying a motorcycle is a great investment, and usually one very close to our hearts so after purchase you will want to keep it spic and span so it looks like new for as long as possible. Not to mention, that using a motorcycle plastic polish is not just for keeping appearances but also ensures the safety of the bike. Cleaners can remove grime and dust from the body and keep it from clogging the important gears so it stays in optimum condition while you ride in peace.
Top 7 Motorcycle Plastic Polishes On The Market
1. Maxima SC1 High Gloss Coating
Pros
- Gleaming look
- Cleans all dust and even mud
Cons
- Over-spraying wrecks disc brake pads and rotors
- Strong odor
This plastic polish is advertised to be a new bike in a can, and makes us believe that if we use it to clean our rides they will be like new in no time. But is that really true? And yes in terms of aesthetics, this will definitely give your bike a brand new gleam. Just spray it on, wait a minute or so and wipe. All the dust that tends to sneak into the little nooks will be gone for good. Of course, when it comes to mud you will have to put a little more force in your wipe but it will get the job done.
It is a surface-specific spray for fiberglass, painted and plastic surface so it is ideal for use on the major body of the bike. However over use of this polish may end up costing you more than just an extra can. The high gloss formula can make your brake pads and rotors stick and restrict motion and can result in replacement of these parts and God forbid a crash! So be careful to abstain from over use of this product.
2. Honda Spray Cleaner And Polish
Pros
- UV Protection
- Repels water like a wax finish
- Anti-static
Cons
- Doesn’t give the surface a gleaming look
If you are a motorcycle enthusiast then your ears must have perked up at the sound of the name Honda. And for good reason too, after all Honda is a front-runner when it comes to the biking industry. This polish is an exclusive formula that does all the basics of a “detailer in a can”. It quickly removes any dirt without water which makes it perfect for travelling with. It offers additional security by providing a wax-like finish and repels against water so it can’t get into the gears of your bike and rust. There is a unique perk to this formula as it offers protection against UV rays which will lengthen the lifespan of your bike and its appearance.
3. CarGuys Plastic Restorer
Pros
- Long Lasting Effect
- Water-resistant
- Dry to the Touch
- No harmful chemicals
Cons
- Expensive
- No spray nozzle
Most polishes only last a few days or up to when it next rains. But this will last you for weeks and there will be no effect to your ride’s new glowing look even if it rains. What’s more amazing is that while most water-resistant restorers are slick to the touch and no matter how long you leave them be they just never fully dry, this will dry almost instantaneously so you won’t have that icky feeling next time you go on a ride.
CarGuys is a customer centric producer and has made sure their product contains absolutely no harmful chemicals. And while we absolutely love this product we are not sure it gives you the most quantity for its astonishingly steep price, not to mention it has an applicator and not a spray nozzle so you end up using more product.
4. Plexus Plastic Cleaner, Protectant And Polish
Pros
- Multipurpose
- Convenient applicator
Cons
- Expensive
While most polishers work to restore a bike’s original look this all-in-one bottle simultaneously protects and maintains the original look of the bike as well. With this special formula, Plexus aims to provide all that you can hope for in a polishing kit, in just a single can. Not only will it give your bike a perfect gleam, the bottle is also easy to use with its ergonomic aerosol nozzle. This nozzle also ensures that there is no leaking or evaporating of the product so a bottle will last you a long time but it has a relatively high cost.
Plexus is not a renowned brand and doesn’t have much of a fan following or reputation in the biking community. But if you are a risk taker then you might just discover a great friend in this can.
5. Meguiar’s Motorcycle Plastic Cleaner/Polish
Pros
- Eco-friendly and biodegradable
- Easy to use
- Removes fine scratches
Cons
- Distinct smell
- Only lasts 2 washes
Meguiar has been the market leader in surface cleaners and polishes for a while now. And with their customer-centric attitude you would expect no less. They are known for their travel-sized packaging and eco-friendly formulas. The chemicals are all biodegradable and will not leave any toxic traces around you. While this specific plastic cleaner isn’t a detailer in a can and needs water but is still very easy to you. The greatest quality, however, is its outstanding ability to remove small scratches. Don’t think this will work on a large gash but all the annoying hair-like scratches will be gone immediately. But due to its small packaging there is only enough product for 2 thorough washes.
6. Novus 7100 Plastic Polish Kit
Pros
- One-stop solution
- Removes minor scratches
- Gleaming look
Cons
- Only available in a kit
From protection to restoration this kit is the one stop solution to all your plastic worries. No matter how hard we try and no matter how many specific cleaners we buy, sometimes it all just an excessive waste of money. This Novus Kit is a one time purchase and will give you all that you could hope for when you polish your bike, including removing minor scratches. But if you want to buy just the protectant or restorer separately it’s just not possible because they are only available in this kit. This can be really annoying because if you only need one of the products then the rest will just sit around your house being a waste of money.
7. Chemical Guys Silk Shine Dressing
Pros
- UV Protection
- Water-resistant
- All-Surface friendly
- Non-Greasy
- Long-lasting Formula
Cons
- Distinct odor
While we mainly focused on surface-specific polishes, the rundown couldn’t be complete without an all-surface friendly dressing. After all we don’t just want to keep the plastic parts of our bike aesthetically appealing but all of it! This is a singular solution and perfect for polishing the whole bike. Not to mention it has a unique water based formula that can last a long time and leaves a non-greasy finish to the bike so it’s not icky to the touch.
This is the perfect weather-resistant polish because not only is it water-resistant but also offers UV protection so different parts of the bike don’t fade or crack from being in the sun. Something that’s really off-putting is its very distinct odor, it really does get up into your nose!
Buying Guide
Not all polishes are the same and you will be shocked to see the vide variety offered in the market. Not to mention the new concoctions created by modern innovation which can provide all sorts of special advantages. It’s important when you go shopping to look past the attractive packaging but to turn it around and take a look at the actual formula of what you are getting. Here is a quick rundown of all the features you should keep an eye out for when buying the best motorcycle plastic polish.
All-Surface Friendly
Be on the lookout for a polisher that is great for all surfaces at once, be it plastic, metal or rubber parts of your motorcycle. These are great for thorough overall clean-ups of the bike and you won’t have to keep on reaching for different cans of spray as you give your bike a wipe-down.
Surface-Specific
Most polishes are surface-specific this means they will work better on specific materials and can even harm others. Buying surface-specific cleaners is great because they increase the lifespan of your bike by giving optimal conditions, however you have to be careful to use the right formula on the right part because the wrong spray may cost you greatly.
This is especially true for sensitive surfaces like leather which can easily be harmed by un-friendly chemicals. If the polish is not compatible with the surface it will leave weird swirl marks in the best case scenario and deep abrasions which weaken the build of your bike at worst. Products that cater to paint, chrome, leather and plastics is what you want for your motorcycle.
Wax
Make sure that the formula provides a wax-like feel after you have wiped it down. This is important because not only does it give your bike a glossy look, it is also a water-repellant. If any water makes contact it will force the water droplets to form into little beads and slide off, making sure that none get inside the gears and cause rust to your bike. The waxy feel also means that the polisher is acting as a lubricant for the gears and will keep your bike in perfect condition even if you don’t use it regularly.
“Detailer In A Can”
This is a jargon unique to the motorcycling industry and its polish. While we would recommend giving your bike a thorough cleanup after every use, sometimes it’s just not possible and you would rather have a quick wipe down. This detailer in the can is the ultimate solution because it allows you to quickly clean your motorcycle without any water and without compromising on protection
Formula
Make sure when you are buying any surface cleaner, that it is biodegradable or at least doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals. Most cleaners stick to the body of the bike even after you have wiped away with a cloth and eventually break down into smaller molecules and disperse into the air. It is important that the formula is biodegradable so it is not toxic to you or the eco-system around you.
Budget Friendly
When you are making a final decision, make sure you get the most bang for your buck. Yes, that’s right, make sure to compare the price, quantities and qualities of each product before making your final decision. Sometimes a more renowned brand will charge double the price for the same quantity and formula as that of a more unknown producer. Of course some polishes that offer greater qualities like UV protection may cost more so make sure if you are paying more it is for the correct qualities and not a dud.
Conclusion
It really depends on what kind of person you are when it comes to keeping your motorcycle in tip top condition. If you are someone who likes to give their bike a thorough clean down after each ride then the Novus 7100 Kit is an all in one solution for your wash.
However if you are lazy and don’t like to go along all the steps especially skipping the water wash then a detailer in a can like the Honda Spray will be perfect for you. Of course if you like to give your bike a cleanup and want it to last for weeks on end then a long-lasting option like then the CarGuys Plastic Restorer or Chemical Guys Silk shine dressing will be for you. Judging yourself and your own habits is key before making a purchase!
