Keep the bugs from ruining your view with these motorcycle windshield cleaning tips.

The more scratches and bug guts that collect on your windshield, the harder it is to see…and the worse your motorcycle looks. Cleaning your windshield requires extra care, as plastic motorcycle windshields scratch much easier than the glass windshield in your vehicle. Be careful what you use to clean your windshield. If you continually use harsh products to clean your windshield, you’ll soon find yourself in need of a new windshield. With the right care, you can keep your windshield in top condition for the life of your bike.

One of the biggest pet peeves of any meticulous motorcycle owner is a windshield full of bug guts. Once they dry, bug carcasses are difficult to remove and can easily scratch your windshield if you try to scrape them off. The easiest way to clean bug guts off is to wipe off your windshield before they have time to dry. Easier said than done…especially when the bugs are flocking to your windshield.

Even after the guts harden, it’s still possible to remove them without damaging your windshield. The trick is to soak your windshield and soften the bug guts so that they wipe off easily. Soak a soft cloth in warm water with mild dish detergent and lay the cloth over the windshield for several minutes. Wipe away the bugs and dry the windshield with another cotton cloth.

If your windshield is already scratched, use a buffing compound to remove minor scratches. Make sure your motorcycle cover includes a soft lining to protect your windshield from scratches during storage. You can also prevent scratches with a polish that contains wax, such as Pledge. The polish acts as a protective buffer against scratches on your windshield. Before applying wax polish products to your windshield, check with your manufacturer to make sure it’s safe for your particular windshield.