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Motorcycle windshields are made of plastic, which is easier to scratch than glass. Unlike car windshields that are made of glass, motorcycle ones are more prone to damage because they’re plastic.
For this reason, you should consider using a windshield cleaner. These products are designed specifically to maintain your vehicle but also protect the plastic from damage.
It’s to ensure the clearest view while riding. However, there are many options on the market which tends to be a bit overwhelming and confusing.
We’ve reviewed the top motorcycle windshield cleaners and included a little buyer’s guide to help you pick one from our list.
(…and for the top windshields, click here!)
5 Highest Rated Motorcycle Windshield Cleaner Reviews
| PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|
Plexus  | Plexus Features: Convenient aerosol applicator, for all plastic surfaces Size: 13, 26, 39, 52, 156 oz. | Check Price |
Meguiar’s  | Meguiar’s Features: No scrubbing needed, restores optical clarity Size: 6 oz. | Check Price |
Honda  | Honda Features: For different surfaces, three cans included Size: 12 oz. | Check Price |
Rolite  | Rolite Features: Protects against scratches, alcohol-free, water-based Size: 4, 8, 16 oz. | Check Price |
Slipstreamer  | Slipstreamer Features: Antistatic and anti-fog, prevents scratches Size: 8 oz. | Check Price |
Plexus – Convenient to Use
Plexus is an ideal choice for all plastic surfaces, sealing the pores and creating a micro-thin layer of protective wax. The wax is shiny and resistant to scratches, yellowing, oils, and debris.
The formula was developed for use in the aviation industry. It’s meant to clean and protect aircraft windshields and all painted surfaces.
You can use it on mirrors, hatch covers, vinyl windows, eyewear, computer screens, laminated surfaces, and other areas you usually clean with a plastic cleaner.
One of the best things about it is its convenient packaging. The aerosol applicator makes it easy to use, preventing leaking, dripping, coagulating, and evaporating as well.
Apart from protecting your windshield, this one can make it appear virtually transparent. If you use it on a colored plastic surface, it will enhance the color even more.
PROS
- For all plastic surfaces
- Convenient aerosol applicator
- Comes in a variety of sizes
CONS
- A bit expensive
Meguiar’s – Water Resistant
This is both a cleaner and a polish designed for all plastic surfaces of your motorcycle. It’s gentle, removing fine defects while restoring the optical clarity in a few minutes.
The best thing about Meguiar’s is that it’s highly water-resistant. This makes it ideal if you often ride in the rain as it won’t rinse. Instead, it offers durable protection in all weather conditions.
It’s among the best options for removing fine scratches, contaminants, and surface stains. It can also remove light oxidation thanks to the micro-abrasive technology it was created with.
Also, this one contains vital conditioning oils that help to treat the plastic, restoring its optical clarity that’s essential for safe riding.
Keep in mind that this cleaner/polish is meant for all uncoated helmet visors and windscreens.
PROS
- No scrubbing needed
- Restores optical clarity
- Easy to apply
CONS
- Small bottle
Honda – Quick Effect
This Honda cleaner is a good option if you have more than one motorbike, or you usually go through these products quickly. It comes in a pack of three, allowing you to go longer before you have to purchase a windscreen cleaner again.
It’s a genuine pro Honda aerosol spray cleaner and polish, containing unique chemicals that clean even the most persistent stains on your windscreen.
It acts quickly, cleaning and polishing all chrome, plastic, painted, and aluminum surfaces. It’s used to remove road grime, bugs, grease and whatever else sticks to your windscreen.
The best part is that you don’t have to use any water to rinse the product. This means you can use it on the go, cleaning these surfaces wherever you are.
PROS
- Three cans included
- For different surfaces
- Easy to use a spray bottle
CONS
- A bit hard to clean off
Rolite – Antistatic
Rolite is a plastic and acrylic cleaner that comes in a traditional spray bottle. It cleans, protects, and shines your windscreen thanks to its unique formula for nonporous surfaces.
This one is meant for plastic, Plexiglas, acrylic, Lexan, polycarbonate, aluminum, Mylar, carbon fiber, fiberglass, chrome, stainless steel, get coats, and much more.
It’s important to note that Rolite repels dust and prevents scratches and fingertips from transferring to the surface. It doesn’t contain alcohol or ammonia and is streak-free and non-flammable.
Plus, this one is water-based, so it’s safe to use on all sporting goods. It’s designed for motorcycles, as well as cars and boats. You can use it to clean all windows, mirrors, countertops, and other similar surfaces.
It comes in a 16 fl oz. trigger spray bottle, although packs of two and six are also available.
PROS
- For all kinds of surfaces
- Protects against scratches
- Alcohol-free, water-based
CONS
- Doesn’t remove existing scratches
Slipstreamer – Polish
Slipstreamer is an efficient windscreen polish for plastic and plexiglass. It cleans and polishes the surface, acting as a protective coating.
It’s important to note that it’s pretty simple to use. Although it’s a rather small bottle, it will last you a long time even with regular use.
The coating acts as a barrier between the shield and bugs, debris, and other stuff that can damage and scratch the surface.
It will minimize the appearance of scratches, preventing them from getting to the actual windshield. However, you should use a microfiber cloth to apply it or an old cotton T-shirt. It’s the best way of applying the product without streaking.
Apart from being antistatic, this one is also anti-fog. It makes it easier to ride in different weather conditions as it keeps the windshield clear.
PROS
- Antistatic and anti-fog
- Prevents scratches
- Easy to use
CONS
- More expensive than the most
What to Consider in Buying a Windshield Cleaner
Size
Size is important for several reasons. In most cases, going for a larger container will save you some money because bigger packs are usually cheaper.
Keep this in mind if you’re going to use the cleaner frequently. The last thing you want is to have to repurchase it every few weeks.
However, smaller bottles are easier to carry. Make sure to get a smaller one if you intend to carry it around when on the road.
Convenience
Another thing to focus on is the overall convenience of the product. This usually depends on the package size and type.
For example, many people find spray bottles more convenient than paste. Also, smaller packaging is more convenient if you want to carry it around to trips.
It also depends on the formula itself. Some products require rinsing, which is rather inconvenient when you’re traveling.
Make sure to keep your needs and preferences in mind when looking for the most convenient product.
Ingredients
Look for a cleaner that doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals. These are the safest for you as well as the environment.
On the other hand, it’s equally as important to make sure that the ingredients are safe to use on windscreens.
For example, abrasive cleaners could damage the surface. Also, formulas that have petroleum, ammonia, and kerosene should also be avoided.
It’s always recommended to check the list of ingredients to make sure that they’re safe to use on your motorcycle windshield.
Multi-surface
As you probably noticed, many of these products are meant for more than just windshields. Some are safe to use on other parts of your motorbike as well.
It all depends on the ingredients, but multi-surface products are usually listed as such. These are ideal for windows, stainless steel and chrome parts, as well as other surfaces.
Going for a multi-surface product is a great way of saving some money as you can use the same bottle to clean all areas of your bike.
More Reading: How to Wash Your Motorcycle
Cleaning Materials and Accessories
In most cases, you’ll need more than just a windshield cleaner. You’ll need a cloth to wipe it with as well.
Some cleaners come with specially designed cloths to use for this purpose. If you don’t get one, you can simply use a microfiber cloth or your old cotton T-shirt.
Paper towels should be avoided because they’re too abrasive. Shop rags aren’t the best choice either because they usually hide lots of scratchy stuff that you don’t see.
Efficiency
It’s somewhat tricky to figure out whether or not a cleaner is efficient by just reading about its ingredients. For this reason, you should take the time to read customer reviews and reports as well.
People often talk about efficiency in these reports, which can help you figure out whether or not a product is worth trying.
Those that we reviewed are among the most efficient options, but make sure to consider your own needs and preferences before making the final decision.
Pricing
You should always have a budget in mind so that you don’t waste time reading about products that don’t fit within the numbers.
Some cleaners are more expensive than others which you’ve probably noticed. In most cases, it depends on the brand because some are more popular than others.
Keep the price in mind, but try not to focus on it too much. Instead, pay attention to other factors such as efficiency and ease of use.
Safety
As we mentioned, you should always read the back of the bottle where the ingredients are listed. Some ingredients like ammonia and alcohol aren’t safe to use on plastic windshields and should be avoided.
Some products are more versatile than others and are meant for all kinds of surfaces. It also depends on the type of surface you’re cleaning.
For example, polycarbonate is quite sturdy and also abrasion-resistant. It can handle stronger cleaners without showing any signs of damage.
Cleaner Types
All-purpose
All-purpose cleaners are meant for a vast number of materials, including plastic and glass. It’s a versatile type that’s meant for maintaining and cleaning windscreens on ATVs, motorbikes, trucks, cars, and other similar vehicles.
These contain all kinds of ingredients but are generally safe to use on polycarbonate as well. However, make sure to check the ingredients if you’re going to use an all-purpose cleaner on acrylic because harsh chemicals can damage the surface.
Plastic
Most motorcycle windscreen cleaners are designed specifically for plastic. These contain no abrasive ingredients, fuels, or any other chemicals that could damage the delicate surface.
A plastic cleaner is ideal for acrylic, polycarbonate, and other similar materials that are more prone to damages.
However, you’ll notice that your plastic cleaner does a poor job at cleaning glass. These aren’t designed to clean sturdy materials, so they’re not suitable for cars, SUVs, and trucks.
Popular Brands
Novus
Novus was founded by Dr. Werner in the 1970s. He came up with a solution for how to repair broken windshields, and his method quickly became very popular.
The company slowly developed into one of the best manufacturers. It’s now based in Brisbane, Australia, and produces car and motorcycle care products.
Rolite
Rolite is based in Hartland, Wisconsin and was founded in 1976. It specializes in polishing products for motorcycles, cars, boats, RVs, and other similar vehicles.
Today, the company is among the most popular family-owned businesses. It offers plenty of different products for motorcycle maintenance.
Meguiar’s
Meguiar’s is based in Irvine, California, and was founded in 1901. Due to the fact that’s been around for more than 100 years makes this company among the most recognized names.
It produces some of the best care products for car and motorbike maintenance. The experience the company has is often why people go for its products.
What are the Benefits of Using a Windshield Cleaner?
Chemical-free
The best windshield cleaner doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals and is safe to use on all windshields. Polycarbonate and acrylic windshields aren’t as strong as those made of glass.
And it’s because plastic is prone to damage that these products lack chemicals that could break the material.
Protection
Protection is probably the main reason why most people buy motorcycle windshield cleaners. These cleaners are specifically made to resolve dust, dirt, water spots, and debris that are on most windscreens.
Once you apply the cleaner, it leaves a protective layer that stands between the plastic and road and weather elements.
Easy to Use
Windscreens can sometimes be tricky to clean because they’re made of fragile materials. This is why these cleaners are made to be easy to use so that you don’t have to apply too much force.
The right type of cleaner will allow you to remove even the most persistent stains without any rubbing or rinsing.
Top Tips for How to Clean
The first thing you should remember is to avoid using glass cleaners on motorcycle windshields. As we said, polycarbonate and acrylic aren’t as sturdy as glass and may end up damaged by some of the harsh chemicals in these products.
Also, try not to wash your bike under the direct sunlight. Direct sunlight will soften the plastic, and you’ll end up with streaks and marks before you can polish the windscreen.
Don’t forget to rinse the product unless it’s specified that you don’t have to.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use to clean my windshield if I don’t have a cleaner?
The best substitute for a windscreen cleaner is a combination of mild soap and water. The result might not be as impressive or last as long as when using a professional cleaner, but you’d still get rid of some stains.
Avoid using toothpaste, alcohol, and other similarly abrasive products.
Can it help prevent scratches on a Harley-Davidson?
Proper maintenance of your windshield can prevent scratches. However, this means regular use of motorcycle care products such as cleaners and polishes.
One thing to keep in mind is that these products can’t remove existing scratches. They simply fill them and make them less noticeable.
How can I clean a foggy or cloudy windshield?
All you have to do is find a cleaner that’s suitable for your windscreen and apply it with a clean microfiber cloth.
Apply it as instructed, usually with side-to-side motions. Use a new cloth to go over the surface again to remove any residue.
How do I remove scratches from the windshield?
The first thing you have to do is clean your windshield using a specially made cleaning product. Once you do that, you can go ahead and buff it with a fine-grade buffing compound.
Slow and gentle buffing should get rid of most scratches. Apply the polish of your choice and allow everything to dry.
Conclusion
At this point, you probably understand the importance of having the greatest motorcycle windshield cleaner. These are specially-made products that are designed to clean different types of windscreens.
One thing to keep in mind is whether the cleaner of your choice is compatible with your windshield. It should be safe to use on the particular material your shield is made from.
Also, look for a product that’s easy to use. The last thing you want is hassling with a tricky-to-use bottle, especially during a long-distance trip.
Go over our buyer’s guide one more time to choose the best from our list if you haven’t already.
