What's a good polish for the aluminum on my bike?

Question

I have an 86 Honda and the aluminum is not really that bad, but there is 22 years of dirt and dull on the aluminum. What's a good polish that'll really clean it good and make it shine good as well?

Answer 1

I use simichrome.   Great stuff.  A little goes a long way.  

But wash your bike first, regular way. After that you may want to take some mineral spirits and remove the dirt if it is really built up first.  Mineral spirits will also remove any rust spots.

for the final touch use the simichrome.  I promise you won't be disappointed.

Answer 2

i use bar keepers friend you can find it in any supermarket for $3 something... mothers is good but i find this one very good try on small spot then let me know....

Answer 3

Autosol is brilliant on aluminum.

I use  on really bad  ally fine flatting paper to remove scratches and  use autosol to polish up.

Answer 4

My best results have been with Never-Dull and Mothers Aluminum Polish. Both require alot of effort, but the more you polish with clean cloth the brighter the shine.I use both on my '58 Harley.

Answer 5

Simichrome works wonders on polished aluminum, but beware it takes lots of "elbow grease" though.  Do *NOT* use simichrome on chrome though as it is mildly abrasive and *WILL* scratch chrome.

Answer 6

Simichrome works well and quickly. If you are a real fanatic jewelers rouge is the best.

Answer 7

Looks like those that know have spoken.  Simichrome  and Mother's are both great.  I use Turtle Wax paste as a final buff, after lots of polishing.