Getting a warranty on paint is rare because it will only cover defects like bubbling or orange peel.. I dont think rust is covered because it can be prevented by washing the bike regularity. Im sure you read the manual thoroughly and there are a lot of warnings in the first couple of pages that covers the whole entire bike. But like you mentioned, cracked tanks, and fenders are covered under warranty.

If you look under your fender it is bare metal and not even primered. You can probably see some overspray also. That is one way harley cuts down cost by only covering what is exposed and be seen.

 

Sounds like a care issue to me. If you're not putting some sort of protectant on chrome, bare steel, paint etc it's going to deteriorate. Your environment just speeds the process up, and it sounds like you're slacking. I've seen two year old trucks here in the Midwest with rusted out fenders and bumpers, usually dirty and can be and its easy to see the neglect. I've also seen plenty of pitted chrome and rusted up bikes here too, And frankly they don't get cared for. My bike has a few rock chips just from riding and they're not rusty and I drive my bike year round. But I also keep it quite clean and take the steps to protect it with paint sealant and such.

 

Why not? Most cars hold up fine in heavy salt environments for a good ten years without much corrosion. Good factory corrosion protection ain't rocket science.

And as the OP mentioned, his jap bikes held up fine.

 

Yes. My second Harley, both rust. Others held up fine...

 

I bet I wash my bike more than most. No I'm not spitshining it and polishing the chrome once a week, but I use soap and water. If it doesn't rain I can go for a couple of weeks without washing it, but if the weather keeps changing, I have no problem washing my bike a couple of times a week.

I'm thinking probably washing it might be part of the issue, since it sees a lot more water than most, but in my head an outdoor vehicle should handle getting wet....

 

Are you serious? Never noticed that. But if that's the case, no wonder it's peeling/rusting ar the tip of the fender. I'll have a closer look at it tomorrow...

 

Of course I'm aware that the enviroment where I live is harsher than other places, but cars and other bikebrands hold up fine. There are other brands which also rust/corrode faster than they should. I for instance would never buy an Italian bike, cos I've seen how they look after a couple of months on the road up here. My local BMW-dealer on the other hand keep a whole bunch of brand spanking new bikes outside, in the front of the store all season. No issues there....

 

Chrome can not and does not "rust" only ferrous metals rust.

 

True, but not really applicable. Cheap chrome won't adequately protect the metal underneath from rusting, so you get "rusty chrome".

 

Let me summarize this to what I am perceiving...you had a Harley but were disappointed with rusting and paint quality, bought another one and are complaining about rusting and paint quality...You live in a harsh region, I assume pretty close to the sea, an area with an abundance of precipitation and all the headaches that come with that, you park outside, and it is idle for the winter...

I am curious here...if you were not happy with your first Harely, then WTF did you go and get another one?? We have an old saying over here that goes, "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."

Then I am curious as to why you would go on a rant about minor issues that need constant attention and that you should already be aware of since you are a previous Harley owner?

Finally, it would seem to me that since you are a previous Harley owner and are very much aware of the need to stay on top of corrosion issues in places like chipped paint and spoke rims (ALL freakin' bikes with spoke wheels will rust if not religiously cared for...). Cleaning, polishing, and just basic general preventative maintenance practices are necessary to keep your ride looking great, ESPECIALLY if you are living in an environment like Norway and park outside 24/7, and if you are not prepared to stay on top of these things, then don't blame HD when rust and faded paint happens...

my dos centavos