Make sure and always use a really good shampoo and never use fairy liquid to wash it with as fairy liquid contains salt and can induce scratches while washing and corrosion if any of it isn't rinsed off properly.
Gwash is a very nice shampoo and can be diluted a lot so lasts a long time:
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/washing-and-drying/car-wash-shampoos/gtechniq-g-wash-shampoo/prod_959.htmlA small point but I do not use an ordinary sponge as sponges can be bad for inflicting tiny scratches in the paint. The reason is that a sponge just pushes the dirt over the paint so I use:
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/washing-and-drying/dodo-juice-wash-sponge/prod_831.htmlIt picks up the dirt in the microfiber around the sponge and stops it from scratching along the paint.
I would also highly recommend a Vikan brush like Mcikvp, it's amazing and I have 3 for various jobs for the car and bike. Wheels, engine etc etc. I would also use a dedicated wheel cleaner but this is not essential:
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/valet-pro-bilberry-wheel-cleaner/prod_499.htmlVikan brush:
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wheels-and-tyres/vikan-multi-brush-rim-cleaner-soft/prod_390.htmlFor the engine I use an all purpose cleaner as this helps to remove/soften/break down any dirt so less scrubbing and therefore less likely to scratch or mark anything while cleaning, if you use this then be very careful not to get it on the chain etc as it will remove any lube so you would need to relube the chain afterwards, not always a bad thing though:
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/engine-and-exterior/exterior-degreasers/meguiars-all-purpose-cleaner/prod_321.htmlFor the hard to reach places I use:
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wheels-and-tyres/valet-pro-inch-round-wheel-brush/prod_973.htmlAs Mick says once it's clean and dry then a polish for the paint work is always a good plan. I would also suggest a polish with "fillers" as these will fill any scratches without being too abrasive so will give your paint a nice shine and help hide a lot of imperfections. I would suggest Auto finesse Tripple as it has a slight abrasive so will get rid of some defects, some fillers as mentioned above and will also give the paint some protection and give some water beading:
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/pre-wax-cleaners/auto-finesse-tripple-all-in-one/prod_893.htmlTopping it all off with a good wax will give you the best finish and I am in love with my collinite 915 wax, so easy to apply and buff to a gorgeous shine, lasts for months too so gives good protection to your paint. I know it's £24 but the tin will last you forever:
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wax/collinite-915-marque-d-39-elegance/prod_281.htmlSo the process:
Good rinse all over, for the bike I only use a normal hose as there are too many things that can be damaged by a pressure washer.
Wheels with wheel cleaner,
rinse wheels,
engine with vikan brush and All purpose cleaner (APC),
rinse,
Paint work with Gwash and microfiber sponge,
rinse,
dry the bike or wait until it's dry and then polish any paintwork, frame etc.
Wax paint work etc,
get some pics up for us to see before and after
Get in touch if you want any extra info
Chris