This topic has been covered a few times with removing yellowing of clear, but I've got some other kind of weird stain in clear. I took a bit out using gentle rubbing with a more aggressive compound (Mothers), but ... surely there must be a better/easier/safer way? I'm afraid to dig much deeper into the clear.

Paint truly is my weak spot on bikes. I can deal with metal, rusty bits, mechanics, but I can't get the wicked luster out of paint I see other people doing. It's pretty frustrating. Stuff like what you see in the red box here kills me (note: that's clay in the lug seam, not rust)

Meguiars cleaner wax, or Try magic eraser on the underside first, don't rub hard. But I used it to remove yellowing.

I have sort of the same problem.

I used a rubber strip around a ST to help hold a clamp-on tail light, and not mar the paint.
It didn't mar the paint. It stained it, leaving a yellowish band around the ST, which is white.

I've tried rubbing compound, bleach, mineral spirits, WD40, no success.
I assume it stained the clear coat.

I was going to suggest Magic Eraser- just seeing what it does with the clear over decals is amazing.

Challenger. It works miracles on paint.

Are you talking about this stuff? Challenger® Cleaner/Degreaser - JC Licht

If yes, what kind of dilution would you use?

magic eraser.
Rub it too long and it will dull the paint, but itll also remove stains and rub transfers. I have used it to remove yellowing around joints a lot. Ive found that more water = less abrasion and chance of dulling since there is less friction.

If nothing else works:

2000 grit wet/dry. Get it wet, keep the paper wet, check progress frequently, polish out with Meguiar's. Go gently.

I have an ancient Delta bandsaw that had some strange 'stains' in a few places. They resisted removal by everything I tried, until, for some strange reason, I tried Never-Dull. They came right off. I've tried NeverDull several times since in a similar situation and it didn't do a thing.

Speaking of things used not as originally intended... Mothers mag & wheel polish actually works really well on clear if you rub in with fingers so you can control pressure. Follow up with a good wax, I've gotten excellent luster out of dull paint, and even removes stains really well. Didn't even put a dent in that stain up there ^^

I buy it in the spray bottle. Lasts a long time.

5000 grit wet sandpaper, light strokes plenty wet and watch alot of stains and scuffs dissappear. and then a good buff and polish works wonder

I'll have to try that. Thanks!

Hello,
I would be interested in seeing the final result....from the photo I can't tell if it is on surface(clear-coat) or if it is below on the color painted surface. If this is the case it would be rust and that will not be removed by polishing because it is coming through the paint.
I hope its on the top coat...keep us posted.
Ben