best way to clean aluminium

[poppy1066]

hi guys just brought a xv125 virago in good condition but some of the aluminium is dull and dirty i do not pocess fancy sandblasters or anything what is the best way and cheapest way to polish and protect aluminium.

[Hetzer]

I used wet & dry and a polishing mop on a drill with aluminium-polishing paste.
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"There's the horizon! Ride hard, ride fast and cut down all who stand in your way!"

[harscot]

T cut, elbow greese, polish off with Mr Sheen, job done, have just done my car alloys this way, seems to repel the water very well and no brake dust residue, also did my down pipes on the bike, bluing, cleaned them up no end,
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First bike R reg Suzuki 125 GT twin in 1978:
2nd bike X reg Honda 650 Deauville in 2011:
Wish bike a Triumph Thunderbird: Dream bike Triumph Rocket........

[Ariel Badger]

If the aluminium has been anodised do not abrade it.
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Bikers make great organ donors, get 115 on your licence today.

[kramdra]

[MrPink]

For properly furry aluminium, I use 600 then 1200 grade wet'n'dry with soapy water, then polish with Autosol polishing paste. Gives a mirror finish.
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VFR 800 2000 (Pre-tec) daily commute of about 40 miles. Starting to get very tatty.
VTR 1000 Firestorm Bought so I can take the VFR off the road and sort it out. First impressions: Cheap, no manners and loud as hell. Fits me quite well...

[jetski]

[bodger]

autosol is the biz, although expensive, but Brasso from the pound shop is a lot cheaper and does an equally good job.

[jetski]

I use autosol for polishing airgun internals on a regular bases and a £6 tube will last me a few years. Someone who will only use its now n then on their bike t will last a lifetime. Sounds very cheap to me