Cleaning the muck off

[Captain]

So, I was giving the bike a clean down earlier, ready for Sundays outing. I'm having a lot of trouble getting some muck off it.
One part is directly under the left handlebar, and has dripped down the fuel tank and sort of stained it.
I usually use a car shampoo mixture in warm water, however recently I purchased a Motogp Brand "Motorcycle cleaner", which is just spray on and wipe off with a clean cloth. This has had about as much effect on cleaning the bike as asking my cat to do it for me.

Anyway, I tried this on the area. Nothing. I put the steam cleaner on it. Nothing. I tried washing up liquid on it. Nothing.

I tried engine degrease spray on it. Nothing.

So, my question today is: How do you clean your bike? Is there an off-the-shelf product you swear by, or do you use a home made mixture?

Also, anyone got any good ideas for getting the exhaust pipe looking REALLY gleaming? All the metal polish products I've seen say not for exhausts, (or polished metal)

[billinom8s]

If the exhaust has been left to go off then it's anusol autosol and a toothbrush.

Wire wool can sometimes bring back tarnished metal.

Have you tried T cut to get the stain off?

I use Auto glym on the road Bike and spray wax on the track Bike. Doesn't make it any faster but it's only £1 a can.

[Captain]

The Exhaust is fine, I just wanted to get it REALLY shining.
I'll try the T Cut. I thought I had some, but when I found it, it turned out to be Turtle Magic.
I shall try and get some tomorrow and give it a try.

[badgerKDD]

use the turtle magic after the t'cut to bring the shine back!

Post up some pics of the stain if the T'cut doesn't work and we might have some more ideas. I use Muc Off bike cleaner, seems pretty good at getting rid of chain fling and brake dust, just best to leave it to soak for best results ;) .