Best way to clean the windshield

[jlamz]

I live in southern Louisiana where the bugs are as big as birds, no kidding. I have been using windex to clean the shield on my Nad, but the booklet that came with the windshield I purchased for my Triumph says, Thou shall not use windex, just mild soap and water. What are you experienced riders using?

[mrclean]

I use windex. I find you have to clean it every day. Once they cook on you really have to work on it.

[lw]

I currently am using Plexus on mine. I have used pledge wipes but found that that made wet-road film worse. The plexus seems to work pretty well thus far, although a bit on the pricey side.

[Idaho]

Plexus, works great. Melts bugs. polishes w/o scratches

[ds06nomad]

Windex is ok in a pinch, but can "swirl" if you use it in a 2-step "spray-and-wipe" equation.

I've found for dried-on bug guts, etc: Wet the windshield with hose water, use a small (iron-shaped) nylon scrub brush with either soap and water or just a slow flow of water as you scrub and they come off cleanly. The Plexus is good stuff and a good idea, as is any similar window polish. The polish helps remove the next round of bug guts (and the next, and the next...) Kind of like wax on a car, if that helps.

If all else fails, a slow stream of water and fingernails work too!

Cheers,
Daryl

[hangon702]

I have over 21000 miles on my shield. I only use soap and water I dry it with a Micro cloth and use car polish. the polish prevents the critters from sticking to the plastic.

[Top Cat]

I like the car polish on the shield idea. I am going to try that.
I have used Windex and the dreaded paper towel on my shield since it was new. No scratches or swirl marks. It is important to wipe across or up and down and not in a circular motion.

[hangon702]

I just wipe the thing. Using the Micro cloth to wash and dry is whats important. And I've used different types of car wax. I really like using the spray stuff, leaves no mess,easy to use and it wont hurt the chrome. I'v been using turtle wax in a spray "works good".

[Scoot]

My first windshield cracked, I was using The Boms which is a cleaner waxer. Warrenty replaced it but they told me over and over ONLY use soap and water to clean.

Honda Polish. It's called something else now but the same company makes it. I have to spray it on some of the big bug splats and let it sit before wiping it off but works well and leaves the "sheild" to help them come off easier the next time like the wax does. I have used the Turtle spray on too.

[dan]

I am sure there are a bunch of things that will work but my 2 cents says use Mequires Quick Detailer and a Micro Fiber Cloth. I have always carried a bottle of detailer in my saddle bags but the Mequires Bottles will always get a small crack in them. I went to dollar general store and purchased a spray bottle that won't break and now I carry it always. Great for quick clean ups on the bike also.

[flightdoc]

I use the kawa plastic cleaner. works ok. Hot water and a little soap works best for me.

[ringadingh]

I use windex or soap and water, but I make sure I dont rub hard on the plastic , let the tough bugs soak a couple of minutes.

[dogdoc]

I agree with Dan: I've always used microfiber cloth(clean) and Meguiars quick detailer spray. At first I tried just using water and micro with OK results. Then I tried quick detailer and liked it. I rub side to side and clean both sides with it. In fact I clean the whole d**m bike with it. I run through a bottle a month or so but it cheap at wally world. Love it.

[Todd]

Honda Polish. It's called something else now but the same company makes it. I have to spray it on some of the big bug splats and let it sit before wiping it off but works well and leaves the "sheild" to help them come off easier the next time like the wax does. I have used the Turtle spray on too.

I second Kawgirl on this....it's now the spray polish made by Motorcycle Stuff......great for cleaning and polishing everything on your bike and protects from other bugs sticking so bad.

[rlfaubion]

Brillianize by Kleenmaster

beautiful background Ron! Bike's nice too!

[bobzinger]

I'm with Kawgirl on this one. I use this cleaner polish on the whole bike and it's awesome. I used to get it at Honda but now it's available from the MFG as well as quite a few other motorcycle shops. I carry a small can and micre fiber cloth in my saddlebag all the time. Here's a link at cruiser customizing.
http://www.cruisercustomizing.com/detail.cfm?model_ID=102&Category_ID=100&manufacturer_ID=363&product_ID=25154&sblid_name=_Spray_Cleaner_Bike_Polish______oz___so ld_each__for_Kawasaki_Vulcan_1600_Nomad

[IMG}http://www.cruisercustomizing.com/images/TR-CLEANER_200.jpg[/IMG]

[bobzinger]

http://www.cruisercustomizing.com/images/TR-CLEANER_200.jpg

[rlfaubion]

beautiful background Ron! Bike's nice too!

Thank you kindly!!

[chmorro]

I agree with the Meguirs guys.. I use a micofiber cloth and Meguiars on the shield I spray it on liberally and let it sit for a couple of minutes. I too carry a bottle of meguirs with me. Have you all tried the new Meguiars detailer mist? The guys at Meguiars say it has more ingredients to lessen the friction of the rag on the paint.. I've tried it and I agree 100%. Doc, I've got you beat I buy bottles in two's and use at least two bottles a month!

[dank]

I also use the Honda spray polish. I spray it on heavy before I start on the rest of the bike, and everything just wipes right off once I finish washing the rest. I carry a can and use it at night when I travel. I also use it to polish the rest of my bike after I wash it. Great on the face shield too. Water just beads up and flows off if it rains.

[unwind2]

Plexus and micro cloth.

[trickster]

I use a solution of mild dish washing soap and distilled water in a spray bottle and use coffee filters to clean the acrylic windshield ( NO PAPER TOWELS ) the paper towels will scratch the windshield.You might try Maguires plastic cleaner and plastic polish to keep the windshield looking like new they both work great

[trip]

I've used the Honda polish in the past and it worked great, but now I'm having a hard time getting it. Switched to Plexus and like lw and others, love it. I used it to clean my windshield on the Utah trip. Used it on the shield of my helmet. Excellent stuff!

Trip

[blowndodge]

Lemon Pledge

I've used pledge for years now on the sheild and the rest of the bike. It's cheap and i carry a small can with me. But the soap and water does just fine to.

Cheers

[scion0]

I currently am using Plexus on mine. I have used pledge wipes but found that that made wet-road film worse. The plexus seems to work pretty well thus far, although a bit on the pricey side.

I agree... I also use Plexus on mine but the 7 oz. bottle is about 7 bucks. Found that I could buy it cheaper on line but only if I bought it by the case. Maybe, those of us who use it, could go in on a case.

[rflnomad]

We have lots of blind mosquitos down here aka love bugs.
Best way to clean them and all other bugs off is this.
I use a slow stream / drizzle of water to soften the bugs. Then I use a old pair of the wifes stockings to lightly rub them off. I use mild car wash soap in the bucket with water and keep rinsing.
I heard this trick from a old car friend of mine. It is cheap and it works.
The other hint is LOTS of wax. I coat everything that faces the front of the bike with 2-3 coats. Makes clean-up easier.

[dano]

I use eye glasses cleaner made for plastic lens'. Does a good job and won't hurt the shield.
Ride safe,
Dano

[socwkbiker]

I've also used plexus and like it a lot.

[dragon57]

a little trick I picked up from a buddy; wet a towel, rag, whatever. just wet it good, and lay it over the offending part; windshield, tank, etc. Let it sit for a little while; 10-15 minutes, then go at it with soapy rag, then rinse. I always keep a few good coats of wax on mine, makes it easier to keep clean.
hope this helps...

[dip]

use something called dri-wash and a home grown product called elbow grease. seriously dri-wash is great, can use on whole bike, chrome everything - little pricey, but don't need a lot and wouldn't use nothig else - helps with fogging too.

[Scoot]

a little trick I picked up from a buddy; wet a towel, rag, whatever. just wet it good, and lay it over the offending part; windshield, tank, etc. Let it sit for a little while; 10-15 minutes, then go at it with soapy rag, then rinse. I always keep a few good coats of wax on mine, makes it easier to keep clean.
hope this helps...

Yep I do this too. Makes it easier to get the bugs off

[spork]

Hydogen Peroxide.

In a spray bottle from the WalMart Travel size isle.

Bugs are protein and HP breaks down proteins. I spray the shield liberally and then watch most of the bug guts bubble up and then fall off. Follow up with lots of water and micro fiber.

Also had the chance to use the plexus and it is good stuff. I just had to find a cheaper way.

3rd bike and no untoward side effects noted.
:)

[pabloh3]

What's a micro cloth? Is that a brand? Where do you get it? Thanks

[zoom45]

I use car wash soap and water. Let it soak in a few minutes then wipe with a terry cloth towel then dry with a clean terry cloth towel. 45,000 miles on mine and it still looks new.
Zoom45

[spork]

What's a micro cloth? Is that a brand? Where do you get it? Thanks

Get mine at Walmart. It is a microfiber cloth. It feels aweful on your skin but man can it clean!!!!!

Many times I just wipe it down with nothing else and it works great.

I have seen them at auto parts stores also.

I do carry some instant detailer with me when I ride around town. When on the road I usually don't worry too much about cleaning it.