i vote for the troll....

 

I have to disagree with some of the Chinese statements. I know a guy that has 4 chrome shops, 1 in Calif, 1 in Reno, 1 in Iowa and 1 in china which he does chrome wheels for Chrysler in china and sends them back and makes a profit. It wasnt so much the labor here in US that drove them out of here but the EPA.
I dont think the process is any less but the reason for being so cheap is they pay a bowl of rice a day and some ridiculously low wage, they probably make in one month which is less than a lot of Americans make in a day

 

This is going to sound stupid but put a wood block or piece of plywood under the kickstand...don't know how or why but it works. I live by the ocean and always had chrome issues and a buddy who works for Arlen told me to do the wood thing and it works. I don't even get that film on the chrome anymore. It may have something to do with elctrolisis with the concrete or ghosts, gremlins and trolls...don't know, don't care...freakin works.

 

I have something like this before, but it was to park your bike on a rubber mat.

 

+1 on the EPA.

The things made in China because commodities (steel, alum, etc) are cheaper, overhead is much less, equipment is cheap as well. Plus safety is not a concern so no money spent there.

Labor is an important aspect, but as a reference, from my experience, labor here in the US it is usually around 8 to 15% of the cost of a manufactured automotive component item.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjNaUHA2KrY

 

Make a simple carport out of *WOOD* (4x6 posts and 2x6 everything else), with only one side closed and the vehicles parked under it won't even hardly get any dew on them...if any at all. I know this because it's what we had at the house we moved away from last year. Been their 17 years and my truck parked under it along with a van and neither one would *ever* have moisture on them...in *any* of the seasons...except what blew in sideways from storms.

A tin roof though *will* drip during the early morning hours in certain situations, but not enough to make anything start rusting or any such thing. Just put some thermal stuff under the tin and/or between the rafters and problem taken care of.

 

My spokes look brand new after almost three years.

 

Something no one else has touched on....Get rid of the stock H-D brake pads!!!!!!
The wheels on my Heritage were showing signs of pitting after only 600 miles and it had NEVER been wet!!!!!! I got Lyndall's Z Plus pads. Absolutely ZERO brake dust.
No more pitting, rust etc.

 

Harley Davidson warranty and their customer service blows. Everyone should know that before they buy their bike. Dont waste your money on their extended warranty especially.

 

Put a placard on your bike and park it in a prominent view of the dealership, might work