shiny aluminum parts

[Gene]

I think most Japanese motorcycles have some kind of finish on most aluminum parts. (Not including cylinder fins on air-cooled bikes) It's not quite shiny, but not buffed or polished) I'm not sure if it's anodized or?

Anyone know?

[mollusc]

Freshly polished aluminium is nice and shiny, but it oxidises naturally to a dull finish.  There is usually a clearcoat from the factory to slow the process, but it breaks down over time and other chemical processes also affect the surface.
Anodising usually changes the colour completely.

[Pete in PA]

If you regularly wax the clearcoated aluminum right along with the paint it will be fine.