It seems like everytime I wipe my bike down I get more and more fine scratches. I use alot of quick detailer and numerous microfiber towels. I havnt waxed the bike yet. ButI want to do so soon.What am I doing wrong?
What process should I do when I wax it? How about some names of products to use?

 

Just as it is with everything...all MF is not alike. MF can be tested on an old CD..if it scratches that it is not safe to use on your paint.
Do the ends curl= low quality.
MF is to be wash with only MF in warm or hot water. If using laundry detergent make sure it is free of fabric softners, fragrances, etc. If it takes a full cup for a load then use 3/4 of a cup. Do not use dryer sheets..I prefer the new dryer *****.
Remember, fabric softners are silicone. The clog the ends of fabric and make them less absorbant and can make them mar paint.

 

Hey 3DOG, You were right about the Liquid Luster wax I use. It has petroleum products in it. It says it on the back. Why did you tell me not to use wax with petroleum in it? What should I use? Any easy to get brands? Should I use ScratchX on it every time before I wax it?

 

ScratchX should only be used as needed. Polishing is smoothing. In order to smooth you are removing some clearcoat. Although is is very slight by hand there should still be a limit to how much you do.
Petroleum content can have varing amounts. Stronger amounts can remove glazes and sealants. You may never have a problem if there is nothing underneath it.
If you have tried it and like the look then I would not rush out and buy more products.

 

black is the worst for this! its the #2 reason i painted my bike purple pearl. #1 was everyone and their brother has a black harely!

i never did find anything that would stop the scratching.

 

I have had black corvettes and black has always been the hardest to keep clean and looking great. I have a friend that is a proffesional car detailer the process descibed is one that I do every six months.

If someone would explain how to add a file I will post it.

 

You are using dirty rags. I typically will go through 8 or 10 MF towels during a wash and dry. If one touches the ground I move on to another. No 5 second rule here.

 

I thought you said you hadn't waxed it yet!
*confused*

 

carnuba wax....mothers detailing products....my painter gave me some stuff called plum crazy...they use it as a final buff....takes out all the fine surface scratches and gives a deep mirror gloss ....a good wax should work fine....clean cotton cloths only!

 

You have to get the dust and dirt off it first. Otherwise you're just scraping it across the paint. If it's only dust, use a California Duster before your detailer. If it's dirt, wash it first.
By the way, I have a vivid black '92 FXRS. In a certain light. like a flashlight in the dark, you can see scratches. But in daylight, not. And after 15 years and 130,000 miles it's entitled to a few scractches.