Now this is not gospel, but you might want to try Simichrome, a super-fine polishing compound. We used to use it to polish the races of our racing bicycle wheel bearings. I know some people use it on some of the chrome on their scooters. Hope this helps.
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My '97 
1500 engine covers were very dull gray. I did a net search for aluminum polishing and found several methods. Since I like riding a whole lot better than cleaning, I used a short cut method that worked well. Not perfect but it looks good.
I took the covers off because I replaced the clutch and they are easier to work on
Clean off the crud with 1500 wet/dry sandpaper (gently, no hard sanding). I use WD40 instead of water to keep the sandpaper clean and wash away the black crud. Now you have a clean, satin finish with very fine scratch marks.
I used Mothers polish, doing a small area at a time, and rubbing hard to eliminate the fine scratches and bring out a high polish look. I rate it about 85% as good as professional job.
Actually, it is recommended you should finish step one with 2000 wet/dry sandpaper (i couldn't find it at the store). The 2000 sandpaper will make it easier to polish.
If you are worried about what the sandpaper will do to the finish (like I was) Try it on the bottom of the engine case. Hope this helps
1500 engine covers were very dull gray. I did a net search for aluminum polishing and found several methods. Since I like riding a whole lot better than cleaning, I used a short cut method that worked well. Not perfect but it looks good.I took the covers off because I replaced the clutch and they are easier to work on
Clean off the crud with 1500 wet/dry sandpaper (gently, no hard sanding). I use WD40 instead of water to keep the sandpaper clean and wash away the black crud. Now you have a clean, satin finish with very fine scratch marks.
I used Mothers polish, doing a small area at a time, and rubbing hard to eliminate the fine scratches and bring out a high polish look. I rate it about 85% as good as professional job.
Actually, it is recommended you should finish step one with 2000 wet/dry sandpaper (i couldn't find it at the store). The 2000 sandpaper will make it easier to polish.
If you are worried about what the sandpaper will do to the finish (like I was) Try it on the bottom of the engine case. Hope this helps
Polishing
After the sanding above. use OOOO jewlers rouge, that will take out every thing, use a drill, unless you want giant arms
Finish by cleaning with soap and water, let dry and then shoot a couple of clear coats of your favorite lacquer over you work, should last just like the factory protection, about two years without polishing if your lucky ( did a good job )
Looks like chrome.
If you have the money you can gradly step up to 0000, using 00 then 000 first this should make it the easiest on you and get every last scratch out.
After the sanding above. use OOOO jewlers rouge, that will take out every thing, use a drill, unless you want giant arms
Finish by cleaning with soap and water, let dry and then shoot a couple of clear coats of your favorite lacquer over you work, should last just like the factory protection, about two years without polishing if your lucky ( did a good job )
Looks like chrome.
If you have the money you can gradly step up to 0000, using 00 then 000 first this should make it the easiest on you and get every last scratch out.
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