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Motorcycle riding season is upon us, but that also means your pride and joy is about to be attacked by the elements. Dirt, dust, grime, new pavement, and all manner of weather brutalizes your motorcycle each and every time you head out on a ride. But it doesn’t have to lead to destruction if you have the right motorcycle wax.
Like car wax, motorcycle wax ensures that you have a layer of protection between your motorcycle’s paint and bodywork and those nasty elements that want to ruin your paint and metal. But with so many on the market, where do you start in choosing the right one for your bike? You start here with The Drive.
Summary List
- Best Overall: Turtle Wax 1-Step Wax & Dry-26 oz. Double Pack
- Best Value: Armor All Ultra Shine Car Wash and Wax
- Best Ceramic Coat: Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Spray
- Best Wax Kit: Chemical Guys Banana Spray Wax with 3-Pack Microfiber Towels
Our Methodology
I’ve been riding motorcycles nearly my entire adult life, starting way back with a 1987 Kawasaki Ninja 600 when I was 17. However, I wasn’t always as meticulous with the appearance of my motorcycles as I am today. I’ve learned a lot about maintenance and why keeping my bike’s exterior clean is incredibly important. Since those early days of riding hard and putting away wet, I’ve developed a far more instructive methodology of cleaning which includes a quick wax to keep everything looking pretty. And I used that knowledge to recommend the products below.
Best Motorcycle Wax Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall
Turtle Wax 1-Step Wax & Dry-26 oz. Double Pack
Pros
- Two pack
- Inexpensive
- Name brand quality
- Microfiber Cloth
Cons
- None
Best Value
Armor All Ultra Shine Car Wash and Wax
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Carnuba-based
- Safe on host of materials
Cons
- Not a lot
- No towel included
Best Ceramic Coat
Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Spray
Pros
- Ceramic coating
- Name brand quality
- Super hydrophobic
Cons
- Application can be finicky at first
Best Kit
Chemical Guys Banana Spray Wax with 3-Pack Microfiber Towels
Pros
- Smell
- 3-pack of microfiber towels
- Quality product
Cons
- Cost
Our Verdict
Turtle Wax is one of the most well-known, well-respected brands in the game, which is why it shows up twice on this list. But the company’s 1-Step Wax & Dry double pack takes our top spot because of how much wax you get and how easy it is to use. A close runner-up was the Chemical Guys’ wax kit, but the Turtle Wax just edged it out due to price.
Types of Motorcycle Waxes
Carnauba
All-natural wax tends to be made with carnauba, a hard substance derived from plant leaves found in northeastern Brazil. For some purists, this is the only type of wax worth checking out if you want the ultimate look and durability. While others may disagree with the magical properties of carnauba, this is a good type of wax to check out if you want a high degree of durability and protection.
Synthetic
Synthetic waxes, also known as paint sealants, use man-made substances like resins and polymers. Much like home paint sealants, these waxes are designed to create a uniform barrier over the paintwork that’s easier to apply than many natural waxes. Most budget-friendly options use a synthetic formula or some kind of blend with carnauba to save money on ingredients.
Ceramic Coating
Per our own story, “True ceramic coating is a long-term nanoscopic exterior automotive paint treatment and protectant that is applied in a liquid form and cures to form a hard layer on top of the paint. Essentially, it’s the candy shell that protects the paint’s delicious chocolate center.”
Motorcycle Wax Pricing
You won’t have to spend more than $25. And at that price, you’ll get more of a kit than just the wax.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.
Honestly, it’s the same methodology as you’d have with a car. Here’s our breakdown of how you can do just that.
Buff first, then wax.
That’ll depend on a host of variables, including how often you ride, how you store your motorcycle, and if you ride through inclement weather. But if you keep it looking pretty and store it in a garage or something, it should last between two and three months.
You sure can!
