Jimp,
Sounds like we got a lot in common. I ride mines but also like it to look like it just came off the showroom floor. When I got back from Laconia, first thing I did after unpacking the bike was wash/detail it. The bike was filthy after getting caught in rain several times on trip, and wife's comment was "You'll never get that bike clean like it was". You know that was all the incentive/challenge any red-blooded male would need to get the job done [smiley=laugh.gif]. Well after getting out my motorcycle jack, bag-r-rests (speaking of which if any of you have never seen these or familiar with them they are great for taking bags off bike for washing/detailing. go here:
http://www.hangemhighcycleproducts.com). After washing it several times and then detailing I believe I was at it for three + hours, anyway by the time the better half got back home needless to say she was impressed. Matter of fact she commented that it may have even looked better then before the trip.
What I Use:
Zip Wax Car Wash
Harley-Davidson Wheel Cleaner
Bike Brite Cleaner/Degreaser
Gunk (On the trouble spot between the motor and transmission that shows that seepage/film of oil. Where I've been told there is no gasket, becuase there is not supposed to be anything in there to leak out [smiley=confused.gif])
Leaf Blower (For majority of water removal)
Bike Dryer (Small hand held device similar to leaf blower, but has a rubber nozzle. Best for tight spaces and when you want to be careful around painted surfaces)
Absorber
Old T-Shirts (great for getting water spots off chrome)
Mothers Chrome Polish
Easy-Off Paste Wax
Black Magic Tire Dressing (Then spray tires with window cleaner after to aid in drying. A friend gave me this tip, the ammonia will evoporate the tire dressing to keep it from being thrown back on fenders. I do wipe all excess off, and avoid getting tire dressing on wheels and treads)
I also wipe bike down (with Absorber) after each ride to remove bugs, and use a California Duster (small dash one) to keep the dust film to minimum.
Nothing like being at stop lights and feel someone checking your bike out. [smiley=7.gif] Especially when it's a couple and you look in the females eyes and you can tell she would rather be on the bike with you with her hair in the wind. [smiley=huepfenjump3.gif]