FuzzyWuzHe
New member
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 ... :AGGHH:.
All in all, both are very usable and since I have a new can of each now, I'm set for awhile.
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 ... :AGGHH:.
All in all, both are very usable and since I have a new can of each now, I'm set for awhile.
