After a long ride, your motorcycle might look like it was in a dust storm and a bug apocalypse. If you’ve had the same windshield for a while, you may notice signs of wear and visible scratches. The best way to make your windshield look great is by cleaning it.
Motorcycle windshield cleaners are specially designed to clean windshields and to maintain their appearance. Today, we’re examining several motorcycle windshield cleaners that can make your bike’s windshield look like new.
The Best Motorcycle Windshield Cleaner
If you’re looking at this cleaner and thinking, “Isn’t this for cars?,” you are right. However, it also has the right formula to clean motorcycle windshields. For the best results, mix one ounce with one or two gallons of warm water. The mixture will be enough to clean your entire bike, including the windshield. Wipe your windshield down with a microfibre cloth, and the soapy solution won’t leave any streaks behind.
If you just want to clean the windshield and not the entire motorcycle, make a smaller mixture. Optimum No Rinse Wash and Shine is an excellent eliminator of dirt and grime. It is gentle on your hands, and you don’t need a lot of water to rinse it off.
- Comes in a 32-ounce bottle
- Self-lubricating polymers
- Available in different size containers
- Bubblegum scent
- Brand Optimum
- Model NR2010Q
- Weight 2.3 pounds
Can premix it with water and put it into a spray can
Gentle on paint
Friendly to the environment
Need water to dilute it
May leave streaks if you don’t wipe it off immediately
Your motorcycle’s windshield and helmet visor need a little TLC. That’s where Plexus plastic cleaner comes in. This cleaner was developed for the aviation industry, but you can use it to give your motorcycle’s windshield a new lease on life. The convenient aerosol spray ensures the right amount of cleaner is dispensed and that there’s no spillage.
This cleaner can get rid of oily smudges, bug splatter, dust, and minor scratches. It will also make your motorcycle’s yellowing headlights look better. It seals pores in plastic surfaces with shiny, protective wax, making them resistant to oil, debris, scratches, and yellowing.
- Comes in a 13-ounce can
-
- Convenient aerosol applicator
-
- Anti-static
- Brand Plexus
- Model 20214
- Weight One pound
Leaves a protective film that protects the windshield from dust and dirt
No coagulation at the tip
Only need a small amount
Quite small
More expensive than similar products
How your bike looks says a lot about how you take care of it. If you want it to serve you well, you need to take very good care of it. One way you can do that is by keeping the windshield, and the other parts, clean. Slipstreamer can help you to fulfil this mission. Simply spray it on your bike’s windshield, and then wipe it down with a microfiber cloth. It will leave no streaks and get rid of minor scratches.
As you wipe your windshield with a microfiber cloth after applying this cleaner, you’ll notice that the cloth doesn’t grind and streak against the windshield. Instead, it just glides. The cleaner leaves no smudges, and your windshield won’t be foggy. It can clean and polish all plastics. It works best on surfaces that are susceptible to bugs.
- Comes in a 7-ounce bottle
- Aerosol spray
- Highly concentrated cream
- Cleans all plastics
- Brand Slipstreamer
- Model TRTB3256
- Weight 9.6 ounces
Works on OEM motorcycle windshields
Gets rid of small scratches on the windshield
Anti-fog and anti-static
Comes in a small size
Doesn’t enhance the appearance of yellowing headlights
The Rolite cleaner makes cleaning your acrylic or polycarbonate windshield and visor easy. Spray some of the fluid on a clean cloth, wipe the windshield, and then use a microfiber cloth to dry it. Your windshield will be sparkling clean. You can use the cleaner on different materials, from plastic to aluminum.
If you’re using this cleaner to clean dirtier surfaces, spritz it on and let it sit for a few minutes. It is water based and contains neither ammonia nor alcohol. It repels dust and protects your bike’s windshield from scratches. It has no nasty odors, and you can apply it in the comfort of your garage. You can use this to clean the windshield on your boat or RV. It doesn’t leave streaks.
- Comes in a 16-ounce bottle
- Anti-static and repels dust
- Contains no ammonia or alcohol Water-based
- Brand Rolite
- Model RPAC16z
- Weight One pound
Ergonomic spray handle makes application easy
Gets rid of minor scratches, bugs, tar, and fingerprints
Can be used on different materials
Might not eliminate big scratches
Can’t be used on leather or fabric
Novus understands that one product may not be enough to clean your motorcycle’s windshield, so that’s why it sells three. Using the kit, you can get rid of scratches on your bike’s windshield and make it sparkling clean. You can also use it to clean and restore your car’s headlamps, and it can be used on acrylic products.
The kit consists of three separate bottles you can use independently. They can fit in your glove compartment, carrying case, or saddlebag. The scratch eliminators do a great job of rectifying major and minor scratches. They don’t fill in scratches—they remove them. The polish gives your windshield a shiny finish.
- Kit consists of three separate bottles
- Cleans and removes scratches
- Can be used in various applications
- Brand Novus
- Model 7100
- Weight 2 pounds
Small amount goes a long way
Each product can be used independently
Cream formula makes it easy to measure portions during application
Not ideal for coated plastics
Bottle Number 3 contains abrasives
Best Motorcycle Windshield Cleaner Buying Guide & FAQs
Your Honda or Harley-Davidson is a big investment that you didn’t buy as an afterthought. But how well you maintain it will determine how long it lasts. While you may take good care of the engine, the brakes, the tires, and the other parts, you should never neglect the windshield.
A windshield is always right in front of you and is susceptible to dirt, bugs, rocks, and other components. After a few rides, it can start to look like it’s been through a battle. If you want your motorcycle to look as good as new, you have to keep the windshield clean. We’ve included this section to help you choose the best motorcycle windshield cleaner.
It also addresses the key factors you need to look at to get a high-quality product that improves your motorcycle’s visual appeal. We’ll give you pointers on how to buy, how to use, and the benefits you’ll get from a windshield cleaner.
Why You Need a Motorcycle Windshield Cleaner
A motorcycle’s windshield has two main functions. First, it prevents weather elements like rain and cold air from striking your body and robbing it of heat. Secondly, it prevents insects and road debris from hitting your face, head, and body. But to function optimally, it has to be in good condition.
A motorcycle windshield cleaner can be a vital component in the maintenance of your motorcycle. It can make your windshield sparkle before you hit the open road. Cleaning the windshield regularly improves its lifespan and may also keep scratches at bay.
Motorcycle windshield cleaners are affordable and can serve you for a long time if used well. They are easy to use: All you need to do is spray the cleaner then wipe your windshield using a soft cloth. Here are a few more reasons why you need a motorcycle windshield cleaner.
- It gets rid of dust, dirt, bug residue, and smudges.
- It can be used to clean other parts of a motorcycle.
- Some motorcycle windshield cleaners remove scratches.
The Different Kinds of Motorcycle Windshield Cleaners
If you want to keep your motorcycle in good shape, getting a windshield cleaner is a must. However, there are so many products on the market that picking the right one can be an uphill task. Motorcycle windshield cleaners are categorized into different types for easy identification. Let’s look at them.
- Aerosol Sprays
Spray cleaners are used for many cleaning and maintenance projects. They are pre-mixed and don’t require measuring, unlike some motorcycle windshield cleaners. They also tend to stick to surfaces for longer, cleaning them better. When using an aerosol spray to clean your motorbike’s windshield, you simply spray a small amount on the windshield then use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the surface.
Aerosol sprays can be sprayed directly on polycarbonate or acrylic windshields. They cut down costs since you can control how many times you spray a specific area. The cans are easy to use and portable. You can keep one in the glove compartment or in a saddlebag.
- Creams
Although they are not very common, creams are some of the most effective windshield cleaners around. This is because they have powerful formulas, so you only need to use small dollops at a time. Some creams are designed to get rid of scratches and do a wonderful job. They do not leave any residue on windshields.
Creams come in small portable bottles that have caps to allow for targeted application. They don’t leave a mess and don’t require rinsing. Some are friendly to the environment and ideal for daily cleaning. However, creams might dry up and become rock-solid if they stay unused for too long.
- Non-Spray Liquids
These come in bottles with regular caps. They are a bit harder to use than other motorcycle windshield cleaners. To clean your windshield, you have to pour the solution on a cloth and then wipe. However, it may not be easy to control how much of the solution you pour and you may end up using a lot. You are more likely to overuse this type of windshield cleaner, so it is recommended that you use the cap for measuring.
The scratch-sealing power of non-spray liquids does not match that of other cleaners. But on the bright side, you can put them in smaller containers with sprayers for quick cleaning. Most non-spray liquids are water-based and some require dilution before application. Some brands pack cleaning cloths with their cleaners.
What to Look for When Buying Motorcycle Windshield Cleaners
If you ride your bike often, grime, bugs, and scratches will appear on the windshield. Sure, you can clean the dirt, but did you know that if you properly maintain the windshield, you can prolong its lifespan? In this section, we look at some of the important features that should guide your buying decision. So, what should you look at when buying a windshield cleaner?
- Components
You don’t need to go through the entire list of ingredients to know if you are getting the right window cleaner. However, you do need to know the components that work best for your windshield. Some cleaners might be abrasive and mess up the bike’s bodywork or the windshield.
Ammonia, petroleum, and some petroleum byproducts can damage other sections of your bike. If you notice that the windshield cleaner you want to buy has any of these components, you should reconsider your purchase. It is safer to choose a windshield cleaner specifically made for the material you’re cleaning.
- Product Size
If you’re trying to cut costs, bigger may seem better. However, it is important to remember that sometimes you may need to clean your windshield on the go. You can get a motorcycle windshield cleaner in an aerosol can and put it in the glove compartment of your bike. If your windshield gathers a lot of grime and dirt, you can quickly clean it wherever you are.
Most manufacturers will give you a good deal if you buy a larger-quantity cleaner. If you often clean your bike on weekends, you can get a 5-liter cleaner and store it in your garage.
- Effectiveness
Windshield cleaning needs to be quick and hassle-free. Choose a product that allows you to clean your windshield fast. It shouldn’t leave any residue on your windshield. Additionally, it must be easy to wipe off. A runny cleaner is not recommended as it might leave a mess every time you clean.
The cleaner should also be effective, and you should see a big difference after cleaning. Some windshield cleaners leave a protective coat to safeguard the windshield. Avoid cleaners that must be diluted with water and those that need rinsing as they will inconvenience you.
Tips for Buying and Using Motorcycle Windshield Cleaner
Do not use the same cleaner you use on your car’s glass windshield to clean your motorcycle’s windshield. Your bike’s windshield is not as scratch-resistant and if you don’t take good care of it, it will soon become hazy.
If your bike’s windshield cleaner does not come with a cleaning cloth, you can buy soft cotton rags or use old T-shirts. Flannel cloths, terry cloths, and microfiber cloths are great at cleaning windshields. Avoid items that can hide small fragments of abrasive material.
Paper towels are not suitable for cleaning motorcycle windshields as they can damage acrylic and polycarbonate. Also avoid using force when cleaning the windshield as you may scratch it. Follow these tips when cleaning your windshield.
- Use a soft cloth to wipe down a washed windshield.
- Don’t apply force when cleaning the windshield.
- To prevent bugs and dirt from sticking to the windshield, use a polish containing wax after cleaning.
- If there’s dried up gunk on the windshield, place a wet cloth on it, leave it for a while, and then rinse off with water.
- Don’t use the squeegees at the gas station to clean your windshield, as they will leave streaks.
Best Motorcycle Windshield Cleaner FAQs
In the process of looking for the best motorcycle windshield cleaner, you may have a few questions. When you have these questions answered, you can buy the best cleaner for your windshield. This section covers the questions and answers that people have about motorcycle windshield cleaners.
Yes, you can use a windshield cleaner to clean other surfaces, such as the visor on your helmet and your RV’s windshield.
No. Glass cleaners like Windex may contain ammonia or alcohol, which can wreak havoc on your motorcycle’s plastic windshield.
After cleaning the windshield, always apply a polish with wax. Also, cover the motorcycle when it’s not in use.
Our Top Pick
The best motorcycle windshield cleaner is, without a doubt, the Optimum No Rinse Wash and Shine. A little goes a long way as you can dilute it with water. You can also use it to clean the entire motorcycle. It leaves a lovely smell and eliminates heavy layers of dust and grime.