Looking to recondition my fork stanchions on my XL1200 Sportster. They have pitted with age and need to either be replaced or re chromed. I would like to recondition to keep the bike as original as possible. Can anybody help on this?

 

Hi from the UK and welcome to HDF. Unfortunately the chrome on fork tubes is hard chrome, not decorative chrome, so isn't as easy to get replaced. You need a supplier who can do that type of replating. Hopefully someone will call by with some suggestions of where you can try.

The alternative is indeed to replace them, which you should be able to do quite quickly. They are around 85 dollars each. You will also need bushings and seals, to do a fresh build, but that will be so whichever choice you make.

 

Hi there, thank you for your information! I realise it is hard chroming, i have been searching the internet and found a company that can rechrome both my fork tubes for £139 and also rebuild too. http://www.brooksuspension.co.uk/services.html They sound like they have a good reputation. I called them to double check prices and also turn around, 2-3 weeks turn around assuming no problems. Quite happy with the price, what do you think?

 

I didn't realise which Birmingham you're in old chap! That's a good deal cheaper than a new pair. You can look at list prices by using the Jersey H-D parts website here, which gives UK prices, before VAT (for our foreign friends that is our local purchase tax). If you buy from them you won't pay VAT, just postage. I get many of my parts from them.