Replaced my I/S windshield yesterday...What kind of cleaner?????

[mhallock]

I really abused my windshield (new in 2001) using windex, paper towels, rags, etc......lots of scratches.....what kind of cleaner/methods of cleaning is being used to keep the "New" look?? It was a pain in the neck to remove and replace with all the brass "anchors" turning with the screws instead of staying in place.....


Mark

[thumper]

Plexus. 

Pricey though. 

I'll be interested to see where this thread goes because I am looking for cheaper alternatives as long as the results are as good.

[Stanley Steamer]

Good old Lemon Pledge is what a lot of folks use.....even saw a commercial where they list all the things ppl clean with it these days......

P.S.....if they ever made some that smells like me, it'd attract too many Ladies....

[magentaman]

Plexus or 210 cleaner.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

When on the road I carry a zip-lock baggie with a soaked micro cloth with Dawn dishwashing liquid....Clean the windshield then take another micro cloth and towel dry....No problems whatsoever...I also have  Plexus in the garage I'll use from time to time...The Pledge stuff will make " rainbow's " when the sun hits it.

[PAVALKER]

I use Eagle One Nano Wax on the bike and shield, works great, helps keep bugs and such from sticking, and cleans em off when needed (micro fiber cloth used as well).   I have used Pledge, Honda Spray Polish, Windex and many other things.  But I have stuck with Eagle One for the last few years now.... I don't have to use multiple products and it works well.

[3fan4life]

I've used Plexus and like everything about it except the price.

Last year while working a race at Martinsville I went to one of the race vendors to see what his price was on the large can of Plexus.

He steered me to a product from Five Star Bodies:



http://www.fivestarbodies.com/index.php?p=product&id=54


It is every bit as good as Plexus and is about half the price.

I still carry a small can of Plexus on the bike for when I'm on the road.

[RTaz]

http://www.joes-juice.com/

[wdvalk]

brillianeeze{check spelling}plastic cleaner and polish,30 bucks agallon

[Fudd]

I just tried to buy some of the 5 star plastic windshield cleaner.  It costs $8/can which is reasonable, but you have to put in your order before they can figure out shipping charges.  They say they will notify me later by email to let me know what the total came out to.

I've never heard of doing it that way in my life.

[3fan4life]

I just tried to buy some of the 5 star plastic windshield cleaner.  It costs $8/can which is reasonable, but you have to put in your order before they can figure out shipping charges.  They say they will notify me later by email to let me know what the total came out to.

I've never heard of doing it that way in my life.

It does sound strange.

Their main product is race car bodies so they are probably more focused on always shipping things that are really heavy.

I bought mine from a vendor at the race track.

I suspect that many local places that sell racing supplies for the guys running at the local tracks carry it in their shops.

[Fudd]

It's funny, I was just fixin to start a topic when I ran across this thread. 

I have a National Cycle Switchblade made from Lexan polycarbonate.  I have seen the video of the dude beating the crap out of the windshield with a baseball bat, then throwing bricks at it, and yet I'm scared to death of touching it with windex and a paper towel.

I have successfully cleaned mine each time with a soft cloth, lots of water and dishwashing soap.

[bogator]

  NEVER-NEVER-use rain-x - or -windex--- all I use is ---Honda cleaner and polish-it even works on shower doors -my 2--

[Ferris Leets]

If posible I spray it with soapy water then hose it off to get rid of as much grit as I can then one of the reccomended cleaners.  After that I wax with one of the PURE (no polishing compund in them) carnuba waxes.  You will still eventually get the micro scratches but it will take longer to ruin it.  The shield on my Nomad last 10 years.

[Jess from VA]

When I come home from a ride all bugged up, I take a microfiber rag in the house and soak it with the hottest water I can get,  squirt some liquid carwash soap on it, only barely wring it (dripping wet), go out to the bike and scrub off the whole front end, then wipe off the wet.  I end up with some water streaks, but this cleans up easily with a spray of plexus/plastic cleaner/honda/s100 and dry micro rag.

This is much quicker with less work and hard rubbing (and easier on the paint/shield) than using a quarter can of cleaner on a dry bike. 

I have found that plexus is the best all-purpose bike and shield cleaner of all.  But what works nearly as well and lasts much longer is to get a bottle of Novus #1, and then pour it into a small one oz used bottle of eyeglass cleaner (pump spray), which puts out a very fine mist.  A single bottle of Novus will last a whole season this way, and the one oz bottle stays in the bike.

[Big Rig]

Spray bottle filled with water and dawn dish soap. Spray let it set for a bit then spray again and wipe away with a clean towel.

OEM winshield lastes 10 years...hazed bad between years 9 and 10.

[X Ring]

When I come home from a ride all bugged up, I take a microfiber rag in the house and soak it with the hottest water I can get,  squirt some liquid carwash soap on it, only barely wring it (dripping wet), go out to the bike and scrub off the whole front end, then wipe off the wet.  I end up with some water streaks, but this cleans up easily with a spray of plexus/plastic cleaner/honda/s100 and dry micro rag.

This is much quicker with less work and hard rubbing (and easier on the paint/shield) than using a quarter can of cleaner on a dry bike. 

I have found that plexus is the best all-purpose bike and shield cleaner of all.  But what works nearly as well and lasts much longer is to get a bottle of Novus #1, and then pour it into a small one oz used bottle of eyeglass cleaner (pump spray), which puts out a very fine mist.  A single bottle of Novus will last a whole season this way, and the one oz bottle stays in the bike.

You obviously don't deal with love bugs.  When those critters make their twice yearly appearances, I put a soaking wet towel on the windshield and let it sit for a couple of hours.  I also put sopping wet paper towels on the light lenses.  Let them sit for a couple hours then remove them and wipe everything off with a microfiber towels.

Marty

[scoot]

http://www.joes-juice.com/

 

[Steve K (IA)]

  NEVER-NEVER-use rain-x - or -windex--- all I use is ---Honda cleaner and polish-it even works on shower doors -my 2--

Same here, Honda polish.

[Ben]

PLEDGE  is "identical to plexus formular" (flight engineer on Navy P-2 harpoon ,GIANT plexiglass nose}

[Rosie]

I keep a small bottle of hydrogen peroxide with me ,just spray it on ,wait a few minutes and wipe off.

[Michael K (Az.)]

I keep a small bottle of hydrogen peroxide with me ,just spray it on ,wait a few minutes and wipe off.

Yep, bubbles the bugs away! No scratches.

[T.P.]

I have used the Honda spray for a few years, but don't like to carry the large can on trips. Minnesota member "SWARTZY" Just came out with a GREAT new product for use on the whole motorcycle. that is what I will use from now on,  GREAT stuff!
http://www.corycare.com/auto-care-products/cycle-super-polish.html?SID=22p5ji61591ees3l7n648m3ro3

[nerider2]

Only use Sparkle glass cleaner.  Do not use any thing with ammonia.

http://www.glasscleaner.com/

[mhallock]

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions and advice......I am sure that removing the bugs first (warm water or warm water with dishwashing liquid) using micro fibre cloth, and suggested cleaners (Plexus seems to be widely used) I can keep the "New" look for another 10 years!! Thanks again!!

Mark

[michaelyoung254]

Don't use ammonia, and never ever use any type of paper towel products because they will scratch up your windshield over a period of time.

[Gangman036]

I have a Memphis Shades windshield..........3 yrs and all I use is Dollar General furniture polish. Eats bugs right off with no streaks.

[OverdueBill]

I've been using Plexus and Honda spray cleaner for a couple years.  Thinking about going to the Daniel Meyer method. 

[BigAl]

Mild Soap and Plenty of Water is usually what a manufacturer will always reccomend.

Anything else you are taking a chance.

I use plexus when on the road.( Propellants in the can,, Is what usually causes problems)

When at home I prefer soap and water.

AL