S100 12500S Total Cycle Cleaner Review: A 16.9 oz Spray for Motorcycle Grime
The S100 12500S Total Cycle Cleaner comes in a 16.9 oz spray bottle, and it’s aimed squarely at motorcycle owners who want a quick way to wash their bike without dragging out a hose and bucket. It’s a waterless or low-water cleaner that you spray on and wipe off, which sounds convenient, but the real question is how well it handles the specific messes that accumulate on a motorcycle—road grime, bugs, chain lube splatter, and brake dust. I’ve seen this product used in a few different contexts, from garage queens to daily commuters, and the results vary depending on the condition of the bike.
In practice, you spray the cleaner onto a cool, dry surface, let it sit for a minute or two, then wipe it off with a microfiber cloth. For light dust and minor road film, it works reasonably well—the spray loosens dirt, and the cloth picks it up without leaving streaks. The key functional feature here is its ability to break down oily residues, which is a common issue on motorcycles because of chain lubricant and engine oil seepage. It does a decent job on these areas, though you may need a second pass on heavy buildup. The formula also doesn’t seem to harm painted surfaces or clear coats, which is important for those with custom or factory finishes.
However, there are trade-offs. For one, the 16.9 oz bottle doesn’t go very far if you’re cleaning a large touring bike or an ADV with lots of plastic bodywork. You’ll use a significant amount of spray per panel, and for a heavily grime-covered bike, you might empty the bottle in a single session. Also, it’s not great on caked-on mud or dried bug splatter—you’ll need to pre-soak and let it sit longer, and even then, you might have to scrub gently, which defeats the purpose of a spray-and-wipe product. Another limitation: it’s not a substitute for a proper degreaser on the chain or sprockets; it can clean the chain guard but won’t penetrate heavy grease.
Compared to a traditional car wash soap or a dedicated motorcycle wash like Muc-Off, the S100 cleaner is more about convenience than deep cleaning. A bucket wash with a mild detergent will likely be more effective on heavy dirt and more economical for larger bikes. But for quick touch-ups between full washes, or for bikes that are stored indoors and only see light use, this spray is a practical alternative. It also works on non-motorcycle items like bicycles or small engines, though the price per ounce is higher than general-purpose cleaners.
Who is this for? It’s suitable for riders who keep their bikes relatively clean and want a quick, no-fuss option for weekly or bi-weekly maintenance. It’s also good for those who cannot easily access a water supply, such as apartment dwellers or track day attendees. On the other hand, it is not ideal for off-road riders who deal with thick mud, or for anyone who expects a single product to replace a full wash routine. Also, if you have a bike with matte paint or delicate decals, test it on a small area first—while it’s generally safe, some matte finishes can show streaks or gloss spots over time.
Overall, the S100 12500S Total Cycle Cleaner does what it promises for light to moderate cleaning, but it’s not a miracle in a bottle. The convenience factor is real, but the cost and limited coverage per bottle mean it’s best used as a supplement to, rather than a replacement for, a more thorough cleaning method. For the price, expect a decent product that handles everyday grime, but keep your expectations realistic for heavier messes.