Chances are, if you ride a motorcycle, it’s your pride and joy. You want it to be looking shiny and sleek at all times, of course, and for that, you need aluminum polish… but which will leave it glowing the brightest?
Thousands of dollars were spent on this bike, so you can’t just use any polish. What if the product you use tarnishes the aluminum, instead of polishing it up? It could leave your motorcycle looking worse than when you started!
Never fear – we’re here with five of our favorite products, sure to leave your cycle sparkling like the day you brought it home brand new. Just scroll down, choose your favorite, and voila! A perfectly polished bike is now just one delivery away.
Also the best polishes for motorcycle exhausts.
Best Aluminum Polish for Motorcycle
Flitz Multi-Purpose Polish and Cleaner Paste
Developed in Germany but proudly manufactured in the USA, Flitz Metal Polish is the perfect polish for giving your bike’s aluminum its shine back. Safe enough to use indoors and without ventilation, there’s no need to get specialist equipment!
Being non-abrasive, non-toxic and non-flammable, it’s a safe and secure polish that only works to clean up your bike, not leave scratches and scuffs. Plus, because it’s acid and solvent free, it doesn’t leave a residue and it won’t dry out in the tube.
Promising to easily remove any tarnish, rust, water stains, oxidation, discoloration, tar, oil, fingerprints, streaks and scuffs, dye and more, there’s very little that Flitz polish can’t get rid of, so it’s fantastic to have around just in case.
An innovative anti-tarnish formula works incredibly quickly to restore that lost shine and restore paint to its former glory, but it can also last for up to six months before you’ll need to polish again. Now that’s a super shine!
Available in a small 1.76 ounce tube, only the tiniest blob is required per area being polished – plus, if you invest in a three, six or ten pack (there are larger packs available for commercial use) you’ll always have enough to finish your job!
Pros:
- Removes rust, water stains, tarnish and more, without an abrasive formula
- Not just for aluminum – has countless possible applications, versatile
- Durable: gives your bike increased protection from oxidation
- Proudly made right here in the USA
Cons:
- Only comes in a small tube, though you can get a multipack
- MULTI-PURPOSE CLEANER: Has the industrial strength cleaning power to protect and polish metal, plastic, fiberglass, aluminum and chrome; Even removes rust, graffiti and can restore headlights, yet gentle enough to use every day for kitchen and bathroom.
- EASILY REMOVES: Tarnish, Rust, Water Stains, Chalking, Lime Deposits, Heat Discoloration, Lead & Powder Residue, Oxidation, Bugs, Tar, Oil, Fingerprints, Tree Sap, Bird Droppings, Graffiti, Dyes, Black Streaks/Scuff Marks.
- USE ON: Brass, Copper, Silver-plate, Sterling Silver, Chrome, Stainless Steel, Nickel, Bronze, Solid Gold, Aluminum, Anodized Aluminum, Beryllium, Magnesium, Platinum, Pewter, Factory Hot Gun Bluing, Painted Surfaces, Formica, Cultured Marble and more.
- MAXIMUM SAFETY: Non-toxic, non-abrasive, non-flammable. Flits is even safe to use on food preparation surfaces; Safe enough to use in the kitchen or the bathroom, strong enough to use in the garage.
- MADE IN THE USA: This polish is developed in Germany with advanced German ingredients and proudly made at our headquarters in Wisconsin; Flitz is a third generation family owned company.
Last update on 2022-10-19 at 11:35 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Mothers 05101 Mag & Aluminum Polish
With its legendary secret formula, Mothers Aluminum polish brings brilliant shine and a supremely easy cleaning process that gets to work in seconds. Enough to put a sparkle back into the saddest, rustiest vehicles, but gentle enough to use regularly.
With just a clean cloth and some elbow grease, you’ll be surprised at what you can achieve; Mothers polish doesn’t have the same pungent smell of most aluminum polishes, either, so it’s a far more pleasant job to undertake!
Only a tiny little blob from the tub can go a long way – and speaking of the tub, this formula isn’t going to dry up and leave you disappointed next time you open it up. It should keep your aluminum polished to perfection for years to come!
Given its water-based properties, clean up is easy, though be sure to tape off the area that you’re working on with painter’s tape to avoid any damage to your paintwork, as this polish is strictly for metals.
Not only is it great at restoring former shine, but it will also take away surface scratches, nicks, and scuffs, to reveal a near-perfect finish! By removing the very top layer of the metal, it’s as if the aluminum has been reborn, all for under twenty bucks!
Pros:
- 10 ounce tub is more than enough for years of projects
- Gentle enough to be used regularly
- Easy to apply and stay within desired amount
- Top secret formula that’s strong and actually protects your aluminum!
Cons:
- Used to be fine to use on any metals, but now rebranded for automotives only
- Apply with a clean cloth and a little elbow grease for a shine
- Gentle enough to use on a regular basis
- Regular use provides a long lasting benefit to your vehicle
- Easy to apply
Last update on 2022-10-19 at 11:35 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Chemical Guys SPI_402_16 Heavy Metal Polish Restorer and Protectant
Ideal for aluminum, stainless steel and chrome, this Heavy Metal Polish from Chemical Guys promises to clean and restore the majority of all metal surfaces, no matter how heavily oxidized it has become.
Formulated using specialty cleaners, it works to remove imperfections and eradicate any contaminants, whilst restoring your shine to its former glory with a new-found gloss and clarity, even for metal that is hundreds of years old.
All you need to do is apply a drop or two to an appropriate cloth – preferably the microfiber applicator pad that Chemical Guys recommend – and gently work it into the affected area to cut through any oxidation and reveal that lustrous shine.
When paired up with their patented Ball Buster System, a specialist cleaning device, you can get even faster results from this expertly made polish. That said, an old t-shirt will also work if you’re on a budget, so don’t sweat it.
Thanks to an advanced polymer sealant, once your metalwork has been treated with this restorative cream, it will be additionally protected from rusting and other tarnishing as a result of the elements. It polishes and protects!
Pros:
- Can be applied using your hands or an electrical tool
- Advanced protective polymers remove stains and contaminants that would otherwise dull your finish
- Works on a variety of metals, not just aluminum
- Removes any tarnishing and prevents future oxidation
Cons:
- Cream formula is easy to waste – be careful not to use too much
- Heavy Metal Polish cleans and restores all metal surfaces
- Great for chrome bumpers, stainless steel exhaust tips and aluminum trim
- Removes light rust stains and oxidation from metal surfaces including billet wheels.
- Cleans and brightens diamond plate metal work
- Works well when topped with Chemical Guys Light Metal Polish to protect your metal's shine
Last update on 2022-10-19 at 11:35 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Renegade Products USA Rebel Pro Red Liquid Metal Polish
Formulated specifically for heavy duty polishing, Rebel Pro metal polish from Renegade Products USA is an excellent choice, more than capable of removing oxidation to leave behind a beautiful, natural shine.
In between those professional, expensive polishes, this works as an excellent intermediary: it won’t deeply penetrate to remove any pitting, but it removes surface blemishes in order to maintain that beautiful sparkle.
Formulated by some of the biggest names in metal polishing, made by experts for experts, this solution is able to achieve a phenomenal luster, whilst also removing any surface scratching or oxidation as a result of adverse weather conditions.
Not only that, but it also contains sealant that in combination with providing a polish, will protect your metal surfaces from future tarnishing and ensure that shine is held in place for as long as possible until you can get time to polish again.
You won’t believe your eyes as it starts to get to work moments after you’ve applied a dot or two of the formula to the afflicted area. Whether you’re hand polishing or using a buffing attachment for your drill, you’ll still achieve astonishing results.
Pros:
- Great for aluminum, chrome, stainless steel and other shiny metals
- Formulated by professionals to be a slightly more aggressive formula, without marring the surface of your metal further
- Works to not only polish to a shine, but seal in that shine afterward
- Doesn’t require intense elbow grease or machinery to achieve a quality finish
Cons:
- On the pricey side of the products we’ve listed, but still relatively inexpensive
- HEAVY CUT - This formulation of our Rebel series liquid metal polish is meant for heavy duty polishing. This will get off light surface oxidation on your aluminum or stainless surface and will leave your surface with a beautiful shine.
- MAINTENANCE POLISH - In between professional high-speed polishing this liquid polish is the perfect option for maintaining a working shine. This product is not meant to remove pitting but will take off any surface blemishes.
- PROFESSIONALLY FORMULATED - This product was professionally formulated by the top metal polishers in the world to give a great luster while also working through some of the scratches and surface oxidation that can occur from extreme weather conditions or long periods of going without a polish.
- SEALANT - This product is formulated in combination with a sealant to keep your polished surface looking bright for a long time!
- SATISFACTION GUARANTEED - This product is similar in cut to the Zephyr Pro 40, however it will leave you with a brighter luster. We stand by our high quality and ensure you will love this product 100% of the time.
Last update on 2022-10-19 at 11:35 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Meguiar’s MC20406 Motorcycle All Metal Polish
Want the ultimate mirror-like shine on your motorcycle? Look no further than this all metal polish from Meguiar, specifically designed for buffing up your bike and bringing it back to its former glory, without the use of hazardous chemicals.
The polishing oils in this patented formula work to cut through oxidation and clouding quickly, without scratching, leading to an incredibly reflective bike – prepare for plenty of people to be asking what polishing product you use!
Containing a natural polymer blend, not only will this baby clean up your motorcycle significantly, but it will also protect it from any future staining or damage, and all without the same strong odor as competing products.
Applying with ease and not at all difficult to take off again afterward, whether you’re scrubbing up aluminum, chrome or stainless steel (basically anything not brushed!) then you’ll be astonished at the amazing results revealed.
Quickly and safely removing those tricky and difficult to budge patches of rust, as long as you’re working with an uncoated metal (including chrome and polished aluminum) then the shine you’ll get is unrivaled. At this price, it’s worth a shot!
Pros:
- Free of nasty chemicals and no strong, unpleasant smells whilst in use
- Designed specifically for polishing your motorbike – no possibility of stripping away paintwork or making the issue worse
- Polymer blend and polishing oils polish and then PROTECT motorcycles from adverse weather conditions
- Works quickly, doesn’t need to be left on for long periods of time
Cons:
- Tubs are on the small side and cannot be bought in multipacks
- Motorcycle metal polish safely and effectively cleans all uncoated metals including chrome and polished aluminum
- Polishing oils cut quickly without scratching, leaving a brilliant mirror-like shine for an impressively reflective bike
- Quickly and easily removes oxidation, giving your bike’s metal surfaces a bright, smooth clarity
- This metal polish contains a polymer blend that keeps the surface brighter longer
- Features easy application and amazing results without the use of hazardous chemicals or odors
Last update on 2022-10-19 at 11:35 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Buyer’s Guide
Picking The Perfect Polish – Features To Consider
Non-Abrasive Formula
You want to protect the shiny parts of your motorcycle, not scuff them up! Polishes that are more abrasive could strip away the surface of whatever you’re buffing, causing the opposite effect of your intentions.
It sounds obvious, but avoiding any polish that cannot promise to be non-abrasive is in your best interest. Sure, it might scrub away any dirt, but it could also take off your paintwork, and that’s thousands of dollars of damage!
Cream, Liquid, or Paste?
When it comes to polish, there are three variants available.
A paste formula is ideal for treating small spots on your bike, but being stronger than average it shouldn’t be used to coat the entire motorcycle – for completely uncorroded aluminum, it’s unnecessarily strong!
Liquid polish is great, because a tiny drop is plenty for buffing, but oftentimes newbies can overestimate how much is necessary and end up using an entire bottle where a tiny splash would have been perfectly fine.
Cream is a good in-between for paste and liquid polish: allowing a little amount to stretch extremely far, with less of a chance for accidentally squirting out too much. It’s probably going to cost a little extra, but it’ll be worth it in the long run.
The formula you use is up to you – neither is best at polishing, it’s just about whether you find a thicker cream or paste easier to use over a liquid polish. Not sure which will work best for you? Try all three in a process of trial and error!
Value For Money
If you’re a regular rider, one tiny tub of polish isn’t going to cut it. A little goes a long way, yes, but if you want the best bang for your buck, investing in a bigger bottle (or however it’s presented) is more helpful in the long run.
Think about it: you’ve been shining up your cycle afternoon, and you’re just about to do the last and most important bit – the rims – when you realize… you’ve run out of polish! Avoid that situation and stock up in advance.
Non-Toxic and Environmentally Friendly
Come on, you’re already contributing enough to global warming by riding around on your motorbike! It’s important to shop sustainably – stay away from aerosols, non-biodegradable products and anything harmful to the environment generally.
At the end of the day, this isn’t an imperative but it’s one tiny way you can contribute to treating the earth a little better. We realize you probably don’t care, but somebody has to, and it’s only a tiny change!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you polish aluminum on a motorcycle?
A basic polish requires only a handful of things: a soft cloth, some baby wipes, an old t-shirt or towel, and some aluminum polish. First, you’re going to clean off any surfaces ready for polishing, removing any built up grease and grime with a wipe.
These are nice and gentle, preparing your bike without causing any scratches or scrapes. Then you want to mentally divide your bike into small areas and work on them one at a time, applying a tiny spot of aluminum and then wiping in small circles.
Use one cloth/t-shirt/towel for buffing, then go in with a fresh one over the top to grab any leftover residue so that the polish dries cleanly and free of streaks. Keep those two cloths/towels/-shirts separate and don’t get them confused while you work!
If you want to be extra fancy, you could get some finishing treatment like Harley Davidson’s Preserve, which ensures that the bike stays shiny for longer, as well as providing a further protective layer against any future oxidation.
How can I make aluminum shine again?
Whip up an acid-based cleaning solution! While we don’t recommend risking home remedies on an expensive item, if you can’t get your aluminum to glow the way it used to using polish, it could be worth trying something else to see if that works.
Either buy yourself an acidic cleaner that’s designed to eradicate the oxidation coating that’s causing your aluminum to dull, or make your own. Good household items that work as acids include lemons, limes and even tomatoes!
First things first, give the aluminum a clean with a baby wipe or damp cloth, to clear away any surface dirt; a non-abrasive sponge or pad would be best if there are any stubborn stains, as this will get rid of them without causing any aesthetic damage.
Mix up a solution that is one part lemon juice to one part baking soda, and with the fizzy paste that is created as a result, coat any stubborn spots and let the mixture sit there for at least ten minutes, before wiping down with a clean damp cloth.
How do you make aluminum shine without polishing it?
According to an old wives’ tale, vinegar is PERFECT for this. Mixing equal parts white vinegar with fresh clean water in a spray bottle and then misting whatever aluminum surface you’re trying to polish up is great for achieving an instant shine.
Remember to wipe it up thoroughly using a soft, clean cloth. Though, if you’re asking the experts, you might as well just take the time to polish it! Especially when we’re talking about an expensive vehicle or prized family heirloom, for instance.
Can you polish aluminum with vinegar?
Yes! Although it won’t be as effective as some specifically purchased motorcycle polish, it’s been proven that a mixture of white vinegar and water, sprayed onto aluminum, is great at bringing out the metal’s natural shine.
This would be because of vinegar’s acidic content, which works to strip away at any rusting or oxidation. Do be aware that your motorcycle will probably smell like fish and chips for the foreseeable future, if you decide to follow this method.
Again, this is only a short term solution – it’s great as a stopgap if you’re on a budget, but eventually, you’re going to need something stronger to cut through the grease and grime. As you’ll see above, you can get a good polish for less than ten dollars!