What's the best wax?

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nhlakerider

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Looking for some input on what everybody is using for wax and scratch removal. Also is there a good source for touch up paint for the Galaxy Blue.

I did a search and didn't find much info.

Thanks.

Jim

 
Mine doesn't see wax other than maybe once every couple of years. It gets washed from time-to-time and sometimes I give it a quick spritz with some spray polish. I have a motorcycle product I am currently using but Pledge furniture polish works just as well. Most car waxes are a pain to use on MC. Too many nooks and crannies for white wax residues to be left behind. I don't stress on fine scratches - consider it "patina". Overall, my bike still looks pretty good - a bit of lower left saddlebag rash as well as well as the edge of the left mirror from a zero speed drop and the lower fairing is pretty well grit blasted from 121,000 miles of riding. It could all be restored but I don't see it while riding and, personally, I don't really care. Bought it to ride, not show.

Everybody has different standards and expectations. With respect to waxes and polishes, any automotive products should be fine if you want to get into detailing. The Yamaha clearcoat is pretty soft and chasing rub marks (i.e. sides of tank) could be a never-ending battle (not to mention that you will eventually polish through the clear). Paint is available from ColorRite although some people have had issues with the match using the touchup pens and jars.

https://www.colorrite.com/product/yamaha-0865-dark-purplish-blue-metallic-l-dpbml-1779.cfm

 
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Pledge is silicone, so be careful where you spray it.

I would imagine that any car wax would be just fine, but this site is not big on polishing, so if you want an expert, ask your mate with a Harley.

 
I like Turtle wax ice, it goes on and off easy with no white residue. It even works great on plastic, like the unpainted part of the saddlebags.

 
If you want the real ****, get 303 Aerospace protectant. Your local boat store may have it or google it or order from Amazon. It can be used on Vinyl, rubber, plastic, acrylic, leather or fiberglass.

Turtle Wax Ice Liquid Polish is my back up. Use it on everything but the tires. Goes on clear, comes off easy, and any left over residue will be invisible.

 
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There are tons of good quality products out there these days.....

All the companies are in competition so It'll be hard to pick a BAD product.... I still have a tin of Carnuba wax in my garage I bought maybe 5-6 years ago... you don't need much, it really goes a long way, but its a pain in the ass to apply and wipe off.... they make simple spray products now, just spray and wipe, rubbing and buffing with that seems to be a thing of the past....

Turtle wax, Meguires whatever - the Auto Store, Hardware store or any of the Walmart / Target places will have a decent selection.
Can't really go wrong

 
What do you want out of your wax? If you want shine look for something that contains Carnauba or has oils in the matrix, but this kind of wax is not very durable. Meguiar and Mother products are a blend of hard wax and silicone for a more durable shine. Turtle wax is harder and not as hard to wipe to a shine as some like Rain Dance. Silicone based wax is intended to bond more with the paint.

It will come as a surprise to any NERDS that see my bike, but I do wax my bike a couple of times a year. In the spring I use a harder wax that tends to have a lower shine and in the fall I use a silicone blend wax. If water on the paint makes small beads that dome up the wax is good. As the wax wears the water drops get bigger and lay flat. If the water spreads out in sheets there is no wax. Most of the year, water on my bike doesn't bead up or lay flat, it makes mud
wink.png


IMO, you won't find anything to deal with fine scratches because the scratches are through the clear coat that Yamaha uses.

 
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I normally would have laughed and waited for someone to around and tell you to do a search but I just came upon the product

303 Aerospace Protectant and I had to pass it on since I had never heard of it till recently.

 
You're right Kevin. 303 is the shizzel.

Several years ago the boat company I worked for did an intensive study on vinyl protectants. All but 303 failed miserably.

 
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No wax now for 4 years, too much chance to hit the non-skinned plastics.

Turtle Wax ICE
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maybe not nearly the protection or ultimate shine of a Carnuba, but way easier.

 
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Original bike spirits clean and polish. Spray on - wipe off. Little pricey, but the easiest way Ive found to clean anything.

 
Damn .... and I thought you guys were off cleaning and polishing ..

All the closet polishers are "coming out" today :D

 
Griots' Garage Best of Show, One Step Sealant, and Speed Shine. Thorough washing in the spring With Dawn dish detergent to remove all the old waxes, grit and sand followed by Best of Show for an initial coat of wax. One Step to seal the paint and then Speed Shine for weekly cleaning. Takes 10 - 15 minutes Saturday when I am checking tire pessures and fluid levels and fasteners. Clean bike, properly inflated tires and fasteners in place and tight. Comfort factors.

 
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