First off, I have NO answer for this, so I will be keen to learn what others have experienced. For my part, I have yet to find anything that works well. That is, if you polish to mirror bright, I am still looking for a clear coat that keeps it that way without problems. All clears I have used substantially dull the look. Not saying that is awful, just saying it makes it a lot less bright. Also there is ALWAYS a corrosion problem (same as the factories have) (unless you passivate the aluminum first which (of course!) dulls the bright polish) but it depends on what you consider an acceptably lifespan. I haven't used Sharkhide either but heard good things - though the mfg claims it dulls the shine too. So for me it's either the scotch brite, a bath in the deadly chemicals and then 2K clear, or a bright polish and some not so onerous maintenance. I don't mind cleaning and polishing my bikes so much. ;D