Not everyone has the time, equipment or experience to do profesional level detailing. My main reason for getting the ceramic coating is for the ease of cleaning, how it stays clean longer, and protection against light scratches as it is harder than the clear coat. A large portion of what I paid for was the profesional level detailing, paint correction for the improper washing the dealership did prior to me purchasing the truck, and polishing of the paint. This is not cheap when you have someone else do it. If you have the time, equipment, ability and skill set to do this yourself and have to repeat it at sometime in the future, it’s not a big deal I guess. For the rest of us, we want to make it last as long as possible. I prefer to spend more time riding and less time detailing. I also want my vehicles to look good. Only time I have to spend on my bikes is weekends and vacation time. I don’t want to be spending hours of the little time I have detailing.
One thing I didn’t mention was that my truck had been rained on one day. And been in the snow a couple of days later and had not been washed prior to the video I posted. Despite this, there isn’t a single water spot on it. Mostly because the water will not sit on it. Water not only beads up the way it does with wax, it rolls completely off the paint leaving it instantly dry.
One of the reasons I am considering ceramic on my bikes, mainly the M109 and Magnum, is because ceramic coatings can be applied to chrome an heat does not effect it. It can be applied to the chrome exhaust sealing in the polishing once it is done. That is something neither wax nor vinyl can do.
I may try the clear bra to the front of the Concours and then ceramic coat over it. I still want the hydrophobic properties ceramic offers for the ease of cleaning.
When I said that clear bras have to be removed and replaced periodically, I was referring to the fact that they are taking the beating from rocks and debris. Also, envirmental contaminants will get down into the films surface similarly to the way it does waxes and clear coat if left exposed. I have no doubt it provides better protection than ceramic coatings. After all, that was the sole purpose it was originally designed for!
Ceramic coatings are not the same as the “paint protectants” dealers would apply and upcharge for in the past, or the Teflon coatings of the recent past. Both of which was a way for dealers to mark up the price of new vehicles. Ceramic actually works and lasts. Just make sure you know what it’s intended purpose is before you have it done.
Bottom line is that there are options out there for protecting the finish on your cars, trucks, and bikes. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages. You have to research it and pick the one that is best for your application, and budget.