What is wrong with chrome
#271
11-07-2022, 02:44 PM
You're doing it wrong then...
Wash it just like painted parts, wipe it dry just like painted parts.
Detail it just like painted parts.
Do this and it lasts longer than painted parts.
I never understood why folks claim it's hard to clean. It's easier than any other finish on your bike to keep looking nice. Been doing it for almost years.
Wash it just like painted parts, wipe it dry just like painted parts.
Detail it just like painted parts.
Do this and it lasts longer than painted parts.
I never understood why folks claim it's hard to clean. It's easier than any other finish on your bike to keep looking nice. Been doing it for almost years.
Hopefully no one minds what this old thread has morphed into… it’s what came up when I Googled rust resistant rides. Moving on, I’m not saying bikes should be built from titanium, but HD seems to have an affinity for using more rust prone parts than others. The reasoning appears to be that steel is simply stronger (when not corroded) and I’m not sure on this next point but, I think they’ve actually banned plastics from their bikes.
Titanium bikes are rust proof. Just expensive. Spokes can be made of stainless steel rather than regular steel, rims are made of anodized aluminum, as are seatposts and handlebars. Carbon fibre bikes, wheels and parts don't rust either, but that too seems extreme.I’m just looking for a way of combining my like for the HD ride and my dislike having to polish after every ride or every weekend… we don’t all live in Arizona.
Titanium bikes are rust proof. Just expensive. Spokes can be made of stainless steel rather than regular steel, rims are made of anodized aluminum, as are seatposts and handlebars. Carbon fibre bikes, wheels and parts don't rust either, but that too seems extreme.I’m just looking for a way of combining my like for the HD ride and my dislike having to polish after every ride or every weekend… we don’t all live in Arizona.
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#272
11-07-2022, 03:44 PM
Road Captain
Apparently expressing an opinion that doesn’t favour HD is deemed arguing? My intent was to open the discussion into any direction… confirming HD is for weekend polishers only, HD has rust resistant bikes… maybe blacked out, or perhaps suggesting some form of less intense or contracted out maintenance?
Many older Harley riders are content with a putt around town on Sunday for breakfast on their chromed out bike. Not all of us can fly down the Interstate at 90 on new bikes anymore. For some of us the enjoyment may be an afternoon with a good cigar, chrome polish, and some elbow grease to make that chrome sparkle.
Chrome and Harley are synonymous
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#274
11-07-2022, 07:27 PM
Grand HDF Member
your frame was chrome????
so I have no clue how it effects folks that live close enough to feel the ocean breeze
so I'll ask...
how long has your Beemer (if that's what you replaced your RK with) been under the same carport and cover next to the ocean?
Got two years on it yet?
..L.T.A.
#275
11-07-2022, 07:33 PM
Not a Moderator!
…. You’re right, the chrome is expensive BECAUSE IT RUSTS!
I bought my first HD, a Road King, and had to give it up after just 2 years because of rust. I live just off the beach/ocean and stored my year round ride under a carport and cover. I would weekly wash the bike, but not bother polishing the chrome and the bike frame started to rust on me.
I didn’t buy a bike to polish it weekly so sold it for a BMW that’s well protected from rusting.
I bought my first HD, a Road King, and had to give it up after just 2 years because of rust. I live just off the beach/ocean and stored my year round ride under a carport and cover. I would weekly wash the bike, but not bother polishing the chrome and the bike frame started to rust on me.
I didn’t buy a bike to polish it weekly so sold it for a BMW that’s well protected from rusting.
You say you stored your bike under a cover; maybe you used a cover that doesn't breathe, thereby trapping moisture inside?
In any event there are things that you COULD have done to prevent the problem but apparently you didn't make the effort. I wouldn't blame the motorcycle.
#276
11-07-2022, 07:40 PM
Grand HDF Member
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#277
11-07-2022, 07:41 PM
Stellar HDF Member
Lived at the beach, salt is ALWAYS there & in the air & will destroy a bike
Even kept in a garage/shed, the air has salt
You need to wash it a lot more
Foggy misty nite the power lines would be sparking/making noise
2 neighbors had to have their breaker panels replaced, one had the whole feed to the cottage replaced
Other person should have, stuff corrodes real fast
I like the looks of all, Blacked out thru Chromed out
I am in the middle, my engine guard will be black to blend in w/frame, sissy bar will be chrome
Will see on other items, leaving the switches black
Even kept in a garage/shed, the air has salt
You need to wash it a lot more
Foggy misty nite the power lines would be sparking/making noise
2 neighbors had to have their breaker panels replaced, one had the whole feed to the cottage replaced
Other person should have, stuff corrodes real fast
I like the looks of all, Blacked out thru Chromed out
I am in the middle, my engine guard will be black to blend in w/frame, sissy bar will be chrome
Will see on other items, leaving the switches black
#278
11-07-2022, 09:13 PM
Grand HDF Member
.
I live inland far enough to avoid it but ride the PCH 101 often and that always requires a bath when she gets home.
#279
11-07-2022, 09:38 PM
Road Warrior
After years of friends teasing me telling me my chrome was yuppie it was rewarding when one of their blackout sportsters was broke on the side of the road.. everyone standing around to figure what was wrong. It was the perfect time to say “Apparently Chrome DOES get you home”
With the factory pushing blackout on everything I feel like a rebel stickin it to them with my chrome lol.
Last edited by Rains2much; 11-07-2022 at 09:40 PM.
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#280
11-08-2022, 08:01 AM
Outstanding HDF Member
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