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About once a month good hand wash (bags, seat and shield off) followed by polish & wax. Then between rides, lemon pledge on the painted parts, seat & lid covers & "invisible glass" foaming glass cleaner on the chrome, shield, lenses & rims.
Lots easier & less time keeping it clean that route.
That's what happens wit ha Black bike. They look really great when clean and shiny. They sure are tough keeping them that way. I found that out with my Vivid Black Road King Classic.
I carry cleaning supplies while traveling. It's best not to let the bugs dry for a long time. They are a bit hard to get off some times without scratching the clear coat.
I wash and polish mine at least 2 times a week. I keep the cover on it while in the garage.
I like bronze wool vs. steel wool to get small spots of road tar and such off the mufflers and exhaust heat sheilds. It is softer than the steel stuff. It will sort of "crumble" as you go. Never tried it on the other chrome though...
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