Gary_in_NJ wrote on 12/21/20 at 10:21:27: To my surprise, I polish the bike once a season. My bike is garage kept and I don't ride in the rain, so there is little opportunity for the polish to loose its luster.
I have pretty much the same routine as Gary.....I ride when it is sunny and try to avoid rain. I polish once or twice a year.
I used Aircraft stripper to remove the original clearcoat, then started with #360 wet sandpaper, then #400, #600, #1000 - then used a buffing wheel.
I have tried lots of polish, and the Griots Garage polish seems to protect the best.
If it was a bike I rode in all weather, was stored outside or I just wanted something maintenance free - I would consider either coating them with a 2K clear or getting them powder coated clear......or maybe a silver or black color of powder.