I use a few methods. Most of the time I'm in a huge hurry and use this stuff called Best Overall Method. You can use it on everything and it's a waterless wash. I've been using it since 2003 and I love the stuff. I will even take a small spray bottle with me on trips to clean up the bike. I've gotten so many friends hooked on the stuff. They make some other products as well, but I stick with the wash. The guys at OCC even use it. I'm not sure that's a good plug, but for what it's worth. I just sent a bottle to my dad so he can clean his cars quicker. Do a search for the stuff, I can't recommed it enough. I also use it on my car. The site looks like a little bit of "as seen on TV," but he has a free offer for a small bottle and cloths. Give it a shot.
Sometimes for a really quick clean-up I'll use Plexus and a microfiber cloth, but it seems the price of Plexus is getting crazy so I may just start using the Pledge method.
Today was the first water wash. I use S100 for spots I can't get to really well like the swingarm, the suspension linkage, and the brake calipers. I'll also use it a little on the wheels. Then some spray on the engine because I love the smell. For soap I used Zaino's car wash. I love Zaino's. Your car will never look like as good as when you use their products. Recently, I've stopped using it because it's very labor intensive if you want it to look incredible and the prices of the stuff. For Zaino's to really look its best you'll need multiple coats. I would do five. Also the wax isn't as lasting as other brands. This is fine because the products are mainly geared toward show vehicles so they don't see as much as the elements as a daily driver. If you want to see how good it can looks I'll post a picture of a black vehicle I owned right after I went through the whole process.
I just bought some products called Optimum. They make a bunch of stuff. I just waxed my bike with it and it seems to do a very good job. So far I like it because it's just spray on and wipe off. I have some of their other products I bought in a kit. If it works well I may end up a customer. I haven't used any of it enough to form an opinion yet.
Every single one of my vehicles look brand new. I'm pretty anal about the whole thing. Most of my bikes have been high mileage and I can ALWAYS count on somebody, somewhere asking me if my bike is new.
