Wax and polish on a motorcycle: where they help and where they hurt

Wax protects paint and plastic from dirt and road chemicals, and autumn, with its damp and first road treatments, is a good time to apply it. But on brakes, tyres and the seat these products are dangerous.

• Wash the bike thoroughly and dry it completely first: wax over dirt just grinds abrasive grit into the clear coat.
• Apply wax or polish only to painted parts and glossy plastic, in a thin layer, in the shade and with the metal cool.
• Let it dry as the product label says, then buff off the residue with a clean, soft microfibre cloth without heavy pressure.
• Keep it away from brake discs, pads, tyres, pegs, pedals, grips and the seat: any slippery film there can put you on the ground.
• Do not polish matte paint or matte plastic, it leaves shiny patches. Use only products that are explicitly made for matte finishes.
• If product gets on a disc or pad, do not take a chance: take the bike to a workshop, because brakes are no place for experiments.