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Rank: Administration
Groups: Administrators
Joined: 16/01/2010
Posts: 39
Points: 117
Location: Haywards Heath
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I am looking to clean up my bike and put my nicer exhaust back on it. Are there any great tricks to cleaning up the chrome as best as can??
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 09/02/2010 Posts: 39 Points: 123 Location: Haywards Heath
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I use Solvol Autosol (comes in a black and gold tube like toothpatse)but it is a fine abrasive so beware. It is good for recovering dull or discoloured chrome but probably not for repeated use for general polishing. Works well on stainless and ali though as you dont need to worry about wearing away the plating.
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Rank: Administration  Groups: Administrators
Joined: 03/12/2009 Posts: 327 Points: 971
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Can this also be used on front forks or do they need to be lubcricated?
I want to go faster, I want to go faster..
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 09/02/2010 Posts: 39 Points: 123 Location: Haywards Heath
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That all depends what and where you are talking about.
I assume you are talking about the slider (slides inside the body when the forks are compressed and usually chrome or some other hi-tech coating)
I would divide the slider into 3 areas.
Top area, around the top and bottom yokes often hidden behind the fairing. Solvol fine for this cosmetic area but remember repeated usage will reduce the plating thickness.
Middle area, between the top and bottom area usually easier to get at so more likely to get cleaned occasionally. Again Solvol is Ok with caution.
Bottom area, the two or three inches (usually shiny) just above the dust seals where the slider goes into the body. I say usually shiny because during riding the dust seal and the oil seal (hiding underneath the dust seal)slide over this area with every bump and give it a good polish. For that reason I would say it does not need polishing. Give it a wipe with a clean cloth and a bit of WD40 if you must. That should remove any traces of dirt and leave a little lubrication that will not react with the rubber seals. If you need to do more than this you have got other worries. If little rust spots have developed these will abrade the seals every time the fork moves and will result in leaking forks eventually. If you catch it early enough the corrosion can be removed with a little solvol or scraping with something soft like a piece of aluminium and then cleaning with WD40. Risk is that the corrosion will have eaten through the chrome and left a little pit. This will also damage the seals eventually and cause leaks.
Preventive tip: If you are not riding for a few days apply a little WD40 to the bottom area to prevent corrosion particularly during salty winters.
Good luck and hope it is not the pits for you!
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