Where to wax after wash? Just the gas tank?

[Juanderer]

Fellow riders,
The manual says to wax the painted areas that don't have a matt finish (or something like that). Seems like the only finished / painted metal part is the gas tank. Should I wax the wheels as well? I'm not much focussed on appearance, just don't want bike to rust or corrode.

Thanks for advice,
Juanderer

[Wynne G Oldman]

You can wax the tank and fairings and the bit's just under the seat if you wish. If you want to protect your whole bike from corrosion, you can use this.

http://www.acf-50.co.uk/motorcycle.htm

[Conundrum]

Wax the painted surfaces, and don't wax the unpainted black plastics, windshield, etc. Bikes are small, so the amount of time to wax all appropriate surfaces is almost a joke compared to doing a car.

[MotoMike]

I find using automotive paste wax to be a pain in ass, with all the inherent nooks & crannies found on motorcycles, not to mention a huge time suck... I'd rather spend my free time riding.

I use Honda Spray Cleaner & Polish, P/N 08732-SCP00. Sells for about $5.00 USD for a 12 oz. aerosol can. It has Carnauba Wax, and can be used on the unpainted plastics, windscreens without issue. Works great for removing bugs too. No dried wax particles to deal with either.

[97MuZSkorpion]

Originally Posted by MotoMike

I find using automotive paste wax to be a pain in ass, with all the inherent nooks & crannies found on motorcycles, not to mention a huge time suck... I'd rather spend my free time riding.

I use Honda Spray Cleaner & Polish, P/N 08732-SCP00. Sells for about $5.00 USD for a 12 oz. aerosol can. It has Carnauba Wax, and can be used on the unpainted plastics, windscreens without issue. Works great for removing bugs too. No dried wax particles to deal with either.

There is also Suzuki and Original Polish... the motorcycle polishes are essentially the same thing with different manufacturers' name on the label. However, for the black, unpainted plastic, I recommend using Silicone Spray (also available at local dealership. It helps protect the plastic and also darkens it, which helps keep it looking new... even around Phoenix, Arizona.

I work in Service at a Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and BRP Dealership in Mesa, Arizona (near Phoenix). Our sister dealerships also add Kawasaki and KTM.
I bought my CBR250R in Aug 2011... as of Nov 15th I've put 19,000 miles on it. I do my own services and have not yet had any major issues.

[pooder7]

Originally Posted by 97MuZSkorpion

However, for the black, unpainted plastic, I recommend using Silicone Spray (also available at local dealership. It helps protect the plastic and also darkens it, which helps keep it looking new... even around Phoenix, Arizona.

DANGER!

Silicone makes the black plastic look nice, but if you use it, you must be VERY careful not to get it anywhere else besides body panels. It makes surfaces VERY slippery, and if you get some on the rubber of the footpegs, or the seat, you could have problems from slipping while you are riding . . . and make sure it stays AWAY from the tires and brake parts, 'cause you could have SERIOUS problems if those parts slip . . . .

[Wynne G Oldman]

Aparrently, wax furniture spray, such as "Pledge" is a good, cheap alternative to wax. I use it on the outside of my visor. It gets the bugs off and makes water bead.

[Top]

i wax the fairings with a spray on wax( when i wax..)
I never do the gas tank, but then i have a tank bag and i prefer it when it doesn't slip around..

[CBRChris]

Honda polish is great

[Jonathon89]

I use turtle wax ice liquid wax. You can wax anything you want to with it without having any problems. I painted my wheels a while back black and they were starting to get dull and after applying the wax they look like the day i painted them. My buddy has a gsxr-600 and he used wd-40 and claimed it cleans the wheels well however you dont want that all over your bike haha