How Should I be Cleaning my Motorcycle?

[Not So Mild]

I know this is going to sound silly, and I'm definately overthinking this, BUT what is your preferred way to clean a motorcycle?

I recently purchased a 2015 R6 and being the first bike that I care about appearance, I'm not sure how I should be cleaning it. The bugs are starting to add up, and it's getting dust a dirt on it from sitting outside during the day and in the dusty garage at night. I know cleaning a car you presoak the vehicle, hit it with your preferred soapy water, rinse, dry, then wax. Then it's tire care and glass, but that's going to be the same on the bike. Chain cleaning is pretty easy. I used chain wax on my chinese 125cc so I've got that going for me.

Specifically, here are my concerns:
Should I put a wax on the bike? I don't think it's even an issue to think about, but being a sportbike, you grip the tank with your legs, so will the wax interfere with that? Maybe just wax the bike once in the beginning of the year and do a good cleaning throughout?

I've been using Plexus to clean my helmet visor. Can that be used to clean all my fairings and windscreen as well? I'm almost positive that's fine, but is there something better I could be using?

As far as cleaning the engine goes (crankcase, exhaust, etc), what should I be using if soap and water isn't enough?

I guess to tl;dr a little: my main concerns are if wax is going to make me slip off the bike when riding, and what your preferred cleaning products are.

 

[mdram]

many cruiser guys just use lemon pledge on everything except the wind screen

 

[pauldun170]

For bugs, take a cloth soaked in plain old warm water and put it over the effected area. Hold it for few and gently wipe away. Bigger the bug the longer you let it soak. Everything should come right off.
Chains - Kerosene to clean, rinse thoroughly then apply chain wax.
Bodywork - Once a year I'll take the body work off and clean and wax it piece by piece.
Engine bits - With the bodywork off Hondabrite or whatever cleaner.
Rims - Front is easy. Soap and water. Rear may need a cloth soaked in kerosene or whatever else will get rid of grease and grime.

At least that's what I try to do.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Plexus is great for cleaning windshields and visors but I prefer ProtectAll cleaner and protectant for my bikes plastics. It comes in a spray and it does a nice job of cleaning grime and dust without scratching. Still, you should actually wash your bike from time to time. I just use a car wash soap for this. Do it while the engine is cold, dry it and then go over it with the spray on protectant. Probably not a bad time to clean and adjust your chain either.

Car wax is also fine but it’s a bit more work than the spray on, wipe off products and I really don’t think they offer any more protection.

Between washings I just use the spray to clean the plastics. If you’re worried about slippery plastics where your grip the bike with your knees your can buy stick on grip pads for those areas. I highly recommend them for sport bikes. No need on cruisers as they are slow pigs anyway.

 

[Newfangle9]

Got this tip from an old sport bike riding buddy years ago. Before rinsing the bike spray all the rubber and plastic parts like hoses, lines, and plastic pieces like around the control buttons (not tires or grips) with armorall or similar rubber protectant. Let it sit for five or ten minutes and then rinse the bike and wash normally. It will keep that stuff looking good, and you don't have all the over spray everywhere like you do if you spray it on after cleaning the rest of the bike.