I like Honda a bit better
I have been using
For touch up waxing
First off, I do own a Harley, but, have been a huge fan of Honda Spray Cleaner Polish for years and have owned many Gold Wings (See the signature), so I think I can remain neutral.
Being a new again Harley owner I purchase a can of the "new", at least I've never noticed it before, Spray Cleaner and Polish ($7.95)
and went to work on my Vivid Black Ultra Limited.
I had just washed the bike and really just wanted to get rid of the water spots I missed when drying it. I read the directions and followed the "in the shade" instructions. When done the bike looked good and I put it away in the garage.
The next day I went for a ride and there was a "film" on the bike, like if I waxed it and didn't get all the wax off. I swiped a finger on it and it felt almost greasy, but, did come off.
I then decided that I would get a can of the Honda Spray Cleaner and Polish (Old Faithful) ($6.25)
and do it right. Again, I read the directions and did the quick shine procedure. To my chagrin, my tried and true "Honda Magic" left a very similar film.
I re-read both sets of instructions to ensure I was doing it right.
The Harley instructions specifically said to use a microfiber towel to apply, the Honda one just said a rag.
So Here's what I figured out after scratching my head and fuming a tad. Having similar results with both products, using a micro fiber towel, I decided to try something new. I broke out a new "diaper" (rags I buy at Fastenal, a little pricey, but, clean up nice and hold up to pool chemicals).
I split the batwing in half and did one side with the Honda stuff and one side with the Harley stuff. both shined nicely and left no film, while the diaper got a little dirty. So being a tad annal and analytical, I did both sides of the bike like the batwing and went inside leaving the bike in the garage. I changed the diaper once on each side as it did get a little dirty.
After about an hour, I went to see if there was any film. Nada ... no film anywhere. So here's my side by side.
Honda:
Pros: Easy to use, no film if you don't use micro fiber, reasonably priced ($6.25), and leaves a nice shine, If you allow it to dry to a haze and then buff it off, it leaves a "more durable shine" according the instructions, water will bead if you pour some on.
Cons: Gotta ride your Harley to the Honda dealer to get it.
Harley:
Pros: Easy to use, no film if you don't use micro fiber, reasonably priced ($7.95), and leaves a nice shine, water will bead if you pour some on, You don't have to ride to the Honda Dealer to get it, My GPS has Harley dealers listed as poi's ... LOL.
Cons: Little more pricey ($1.75 per can before tax), I don't recommend a microfiber towel, use a clean rag and change it as it gets dirty so as to not scratch the paint.
Summary:
Are they the same product? I don't think so. Very different ingredients and I'm sure neither company makes their stuff, rather, they contract some one to make it for them. They do act differently when used, so I doubt they are the same. Both do a really good job making the Vivid Black shine and both are good at removing water spots and bugs. Both work on the plastic and chrome. The Honda stuff says not to use it on seats, grips, foot pegs or tires. I'm guessing it's the alcohol in it that makes those things dry out. The Harley stuff doesn't give that limitation. It does also contain some alcohol, so I wouldn't use it on those things, not to mention, I don't think I want my grips or seat to be slick ... .
All in all, both are very usable and since I have a new can of each now, I'm set for awhile.
I like Honda a bit better
I have been using
For touch up waxing
Nuff Said," Were Burnin Daylight, Lets Ride"(Sober 37 years)
Current ride : 2021 FREEWHEELER M8, oldest ride 1960 FL
I had noticed the film using the Honda spray myself. In fact it caused me to go to Slick Mist instead. Side benefit with Slick Mist is bugs com off better. Nothing is perfect though.
The only reason some people are still alive is it's illegal to shoot them.
American Legion Rider
I use the orange version of pledge. I don't want it smelling like a lemon!
I use both Honda and Harley spray shine. I don't particularly care for the Honda's spray odor. Have been a user of the Honda spray since my 1200 and 1500 GW days. Both attract dust to the ABS/fiberglass parts on the bikes though. I use microfiber cloths and they do seem too smear the spray some. Requires a little more effort.
Jim Murphy
EX-Lehman & Champion Dealer Owner Operator
Iron Butt Rider 2001
WHEN HELP IS OFFERED, A SIMPLE "THANK YOU" IS APPRECIATED.
2012 Triglide Piaggio MP3 500 to get groceries 1991 FLHS as back up
"Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it !"
Tiffany, Olive, Daisy, “The Three Musketeers” together again.
This is the original Honda polish! Honda changed vendors several years ago. The current Honda polish is not as good! IMHO.
Christian Motorcyclist Association #64488
Patriot Guard
Volunteer Fire/Rescue/EMT/Captain
Was a LEO
Part time Corrections Officer
Yep - Original Bike Spirits is the one. It sits right next to the Honda cleaner on the floor display. The parts people at my local Honda dealer call this "The Good Stuff".
As noted, microfiber cloths seem to leave a film behind. Plus, if they have a nap on them they pick up dirt, bug parts and other junk and don't let it go, possibly scratching the surface. I like a nice clean new terry cloth rag or new soft diaper for cleaning and polishing our ride.
Don - 2004 GL1800 Champion trike, 2018 Can Am Spyder RT Limited
2 wheeler: 2013 Triumph Bonneville T100
FORR Local 11, AMA, MRF, Mid-South MILE Committee