Dawn detergent here too... ya I know... Maybe I'll pick up a car wash soap next time I swing by the auto parts place. Then Meguiar's Cleaner Wax, after drying it thoroughly with a chamois. I tried The Absorber, $8 for the damn thing and it doesn't work quite right. I used a chamois my friend gave me, it's getting dirty and raggedy but the clean parts on it still work great. I'll have to ask him where he got it and throw out my Absorber crap.
Then comes the WD40 and chain lube - the WD40 goes into any moving metal parts that were exposed to the water (even though I wash with a bucket and microfibre sponge), such as the ignition keyhole, gas cap keyhole, shift pedal parts, and the springs that help control the rear brake pedal. I get done with everything in one hour. I also used some Amsoil metal protectant (also my friend's) on parts like the brake calipers, heel guards, swing arm, forks, and passenger pegs and that has worked a treat.
But my bike is not a toy nor a hobby, it's my workhorse (no car here) so I don't treat it as well as I should. It gets exposed to rain a lot (especially lately :rolleyes ) and all kinds of road grime. She would probably hate me if it weren't because I ride her everyday :banana