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Every motorcycle owner knows how important it is to keep their bike clean. Many bikers consider the shine of their bike to be a point of pride, but waxing your motorcycle isn’t only about looks—it’s about ensuring that your motorcycle is at peak performance so it will last many years. Regularly waxing your motorcycle prevents corrosion and removes dirt and dust that can impair your motorcycle’s functioning.
But how do you know which type of motorcycle wax to use? With so many cleaning products available, it can be challenging to know for sure.
This article will review the best motorcycle waxes on the market, as well as providing some helpful tips and tricks for waxing your bike.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Motorcycle Waxes
- OUR TOP PICK: S100 Detail And Wax
- RUNNER-UP: S100 Carnauba Paste Wax
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Motul Wash and Wax
Comparison Chart of the Best Motorcycle Waxes
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Best Budget Option  |
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What to Look For When Buying Motorcycle Wax
In addition to the considerations above, there are a few other factors you should keep in mind while looking for motorcycle wax.
All-Purpose Cleaners or Starter Kits
Different parts of your motorcycle require different cleaning materials, so be sure that you’re purchasing a product that will clean the correct part of your bike.
There are all-purpose formulas available; however, some parts such as chains and tires require specific cleaners. If you’re cleaning your motorcycle for the first time, we recommend checking out a starter kit.
Separate Cleaners and Wax
You’ll also want to check whether you’re purchasing a cleaner, a wax, or a 2-in-1 product. While 2-in-1s are handy for bikers short on time, many agree that using a separate cleaner and wax is more effective.
Non-Toxic Materials
Lastly, pay attention to the ingredients listed on the product label, especially if you go with a synthetic wax. Avoid products with toxic or acidic materials, as these can be harmful to both you and your bike.
Review of the Best Motorcycle Waxes
We took a look at five of the best motorcycle waxes on the market to see how they compared to one another. Check out our honest ratings below.
Best Overall:
S100 Detail And Wax
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Rave reviews abound for this convenient spray cleaner. Users love how easy it is to use this product for a quick clean and report that it provides a great shine. A few people mentioned difficulty in thoroughly wiping off the product, but positive reviews vastly outweigh the negative reports.
Why It Stands Out to Us
We love that this product uses natural ingredients in a convenient all-in-1 package. You get all the high shine benefits of carnauba wax in a remarkably easy-to-use spray that you can toss in your motorcycle’s saddlebag for whenever you need a quick touch-up. You can use this product without water, making it perfect for wiping up insect residue and other messes on the go.
Bottom Line
The S100 Detail And Wax is a terrifically convenient product whenever you need to touch up your motorcycle’s surface. If you need a heavy-duty clean, you’ll want something a little more intensive, but this is a great essential product to have on hand.
Runner-up:
S100 Carnauba Paste Wax
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Like the other S100 product we reviewed above, this carnauba paste wax has overwhelmingly positive reviews from buyers. Customers report a glass-like shine that they haven’t been able to replicate with many, if any, other products—plus no streaks, marks, or powder left behind. Reviewers also seemed to agree that this paste wax is quite long-lasting, particularly for one using natural ingredients.
The few negative reviews suggested that the formula may contain a higher concentration of beeswax than carnauba, so if you’re looking for a pure carnauba wax, this might not be the product for you. It’s also a little more pricey than other products we’re reviewing here.
Why It Stands Out to Us
Carnauba and beeswax are tried-and-true natural ingredients, and this classic paste wax proves their efficacy. It’s hard to find a product that will give your motorcycle a better shine than this one, particularly on dark-colored bikes, and the fact that the formula is entirely natural lets you feel good about using it.
Natural ingredients sometimes don’t last as long as synthetic ones, but this formula will protect your bike for many months of exposure to the elements.
While some paste waxes take a lot of effort to apply, this formula is easy to put on and take off and doesn’t leave behind any powder or residue resulting from other paste waxes. Many bikers agree that this paste wax is just as easy to use as a spray or liquid.
Bottom Line
This is a fantastic product, with natural, effective ingredients and the old-school efficacy of classic paste wax. The S100 Detail and Wax, reviewed above, took our top spot for its versatility and ease of use, but this paste wax, also from S100, sure came close.
Best for the Money:
Motul Wash and Wax
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Speed is the name of the game with Motul Wash and Wax. Reviewers couldn’t get enough of how quickly you can clean a motorcycle with this convenient spray. They mentioned that it works effectively to clean all surfaces, including restoring shine to plastic parts.
Why It Stands Out to Us
We love this product for its easy-to-use aerosol delivery and extremely affordable price. Like the S100 Detail and Wax, the Motul spray gives you quality cleaning and waxing in one convenient can, without having to get out the hose or other water source. It’s incredibly versatile and works well on all surfaces, including metal, glass, and plastic.
Some bikers might not love the synthetic ingredients in this motorcycle wax, but it gets the job done for a remarkably low price.
Bottom Line
If you’re not committed to using natural ingredients and are looking for an effective 2-in-1 cleaner and wax for your motorcycle, the Motul Wash and Wax is an excellent choice.
Honorable Mention:
Maxima Speed Wax
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Like other products we’ve reviewed here, users loved how easy it was to use this comprehensive spray cleaner. Specifically, reviewers mentioned that this product increased the shine on their bikes’ metal and plastic parts, most likely owing to the spray’s configuration of color enhancing materials.
A few reviews mentioned that they received spray cans with defective nozzles, but these issues were seemingly resolved through customer service.
Why It Stands Out to Us
What we love about this spray wax is its combination of natural and synthetic materials. It gives you the brilliant glitter of carnauba wax along with the superior protection of synthetic polymers, plus unique color enhancers that will make your bike stand out.
Similar to the other aerosol products we’ve gone over, the Maxima Speed Wax is super easy to use and works on every part of your motorcycle. It’s also extremely affordable. The number of defective nozzles reported in reviews made us put it lower on our list than other comparable products, but it’s still a solid choice.
Bottom Line
This is another excellent comprehensive spray motorcycle wax that stands out for its combination of natural and synthetic ingredients. It’s super versatile but might not be the best product for very heavy cleaning jobs.
Editor’s Pick:
Lucas Oil Slick Mist Speed Wax
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This last pick has similar reviews to other spray motorcycle waxes we’ve reviewed here—users love how easy it is to apply and remove. The non-aerosol spray can slow down the process a little, but you’re much less likely to find a broken nozzle or otherwise defective package. Bikers specifically raved about what this product does for paint, with many users reporting results worthy of a showroom.
Why It Stands Out to Us
This is an excellent product at a remarkably low price. We love its high-quality spray bottle, which prevents frustrating defects you might see in aerosol cans. It provides a brilliant, long-lasting shine to all colors and surfaces, plus durable protection.
It is worth noting that this formula contains ingredients that are considered hazardous, so you can’t have it shipped outside the continental United States. If using products with potentially dangerous synthetic materials makes you nervous, you’ll want to look for an alternative.
Bottom Line
Lucas Oil Slick Mist Speed Wax is a useful product available for a great price. Use it to spruce up your motorcycle so it’s looking its best—but be careful of potentially dangerous ingredients.
Is All Wax The Same?
There are three main types of motorcycle wax: Liquid, spray and paste. While any of these will get the job done, each style has its own pros and cons. Liquid waxes are the most durable, but they can be tricky to apply if you don’t know how. Sprays are easier to use, but they don’t last as long as liquid waxes. And paste waxes are long-lasting but take effort to apply and may leave streaks or other marks.
Another consideration is whether to use natural or synthetic motorcycle wax. Carnauba is a natural wax that provides an incredible shine and is often combined with beeswax or polymers to protect against water, dust, and bird droppings. Meanwhile, synthetic waxes, also called paint sealants, also create a barrier against the elements.
Whether you use natural or synthetic wax is mostly a matter of personal preference. Many old-school bikers swear by carnauba; however, artificial waxes last longer and won’t need to be replaced as frequently.
How to Wax a Motorcycle
You should always thoroughly wash and dry your motorcycle before you put on any wax (if you use a product that is an all-in-one cleaner and wax, you don’t need to worry about this).
Afterward, use a soft microfiber cloth to apply the wax. It’s important to use soft microfiber because using another tool could damage or scratch your motorcycle. Microfiber cloths will also disperse the product evenly.
When waxing your motorcycle, it’s best to tackle it one section at a time. Apply and then completely remove the wax to an area before moving on to the next section. This makes it easier to achieve an even application. We also recommend that you don’t wax your motorcycle in direct sunlight—some products are safe to use in extreme conditions, but it’s best to be safe.
You can check out this video for an in-depth example of how to thoroughly wash and wax your motorcycle.
Conclusion
As with any vehicle, it’s essential to take good care of your motorcycle so that it will run properly for many years, which includes cleaning and waxing it regularly. Not only will waxing your bike make it look great, but it will also protect it from the elements and ensure its correct function for years to come.
There are lots of different motorcycle waxes available today. When choosing one, you should consider whether it’s a liquid, spray, or paste, as well as if it contains natural or synthetic materials. We recommend any of the products included in this article for a great motorcycle wax.
People Also Ask
There’s still lots to learn about proper motorcycle maintenance. Check out our answers below to some of the most common questions about waxing your motorcycle.
How Can I Tell If a Wax Will Be Harmful on My Motorcycle or Not?
Before you use wax or any other product on your motorcycle, review the label carefully to see if it was intended for the part of the motorcycle in question. If you’re uncertain about some of the ingredients in wax, you can test it out by applying a small amount to an object made of similar materials as your motorcycle—for instance, certain hardware tools. For extra security, stick to natural ingredients such as carnauba and beeswax.
Should I Wash My Motorcycle Before Waxing?
Yes, you should always completely wash and dry your motorcycle before applying wax. However, if you’re using an all-in-one product, such as a spray that is a cleaner and a wax, you don’t need to worry about washing it separately before you use it. Simply apply the spray with a gentle microfiber cloth, let it sit for a few moments, and remove.
How Do You Get a Deep Shine on the Bike?
How shiny your bike looks depends on the products you use on it. Typically, paste waxes will provide the highest shine, particularly natural waxes such as carnauba. However, some synthetic sprays include paint enhancers that give your motorcycle a remarkable shine.
How Often Should I Wax My Motorcycle?
You should always wax your motorcycle after getting it wet, either from washing it or being out in the rain. It’s also a good idea to wax your motorcycle after taking it on a long trip. The more often you wax your motorcycle, the longer it will run and the better it will function overall.
