Forks restoration
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 121
Likes: 58
From: NYC
Forks restoration
I am thinking about buying a 2001 RK. Before going to see the bike I asked more pics to the seller and he told me that the lower part of the forks is in very bad aesthetic condition, something like it was treated with something wrong which made them matte and with some stains. I dont expect to bring themes back to mint condition but is there a way I could give them a better look? Here attached a pic even if not very clear.
thanks!
thanks!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,984
Likes: 5,220
From: Michigan
I've used the "chrome front-end" on my wife's last two Heritages, her RK, my Tri-Glide and they're OEM on my CVO Ultra.
Little pricey but they look very nice and they're much easier to maintain.
Little pricey but they look very nice and they're much easier to maintain.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 12,258
Likes: 4,947
From: England
Although it is not hard it is time consuming to get a very good finish.
I rubbed down the lowers on a Sportster using 600 through to 2000 grit paper and then polished them up to a pretty good shine.
After that I put a good coat of wax on them so that I can continue to improve the shine as and when the fancy takes me.
Attachment 616164
Attachment 616165
I rubbed down the lowers on a Sportster using 600 through to 2000 grit paper and then polished them up to a pretty good shine.
After that I put a good coat of wax on them so that I can continue to improve the shine as and when the fancy takes me.
Attachment 616164
Attachment 616165
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 809
Likes: 1,143
From: West Texas
I bought a Fat Boy a few years back that had pretty rough lower legs. I pulled them off and had them powder coated silver. They don't look like chrome, but they look 100% better and look fine. Pretty much zero maintenance now. Just wash them.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,332
Likes: 3,873
From: Upstate New York
The clear coat deteriorates and the aluminum corrodes. As has been said, I sand off the clear coat and polish using progressively finer grades of sandpaper. You can buff them to a shiny finish or leave them brushed depending on where you stop with the sandpaper. If youre careful, you can do thus without removing the wheel or fender.
Afterward, stop by the Harley-Davidson dealer and pick up some aluminum wheel protectant which is sold in a wet wipe and wipe it on the forks to keep the corrosion from returning.
Afterward, stop by the Harley-Davidson dealer and pick up some aluminum wheel protectant which is sold in a wet wipe and wipe it on the forks to keep the corrosion from returning.
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 762
Likes: 435
From: NE Oklahoma
My front forks where in the same condition - most likely because the bike was originally purchased and ridden up in your area with those salty roads. They can be polished up as mentioned and come out very good. Strip the clear-coat and have at it.
I attempted that but got frustrated (impatient really) and opted for *****-Shiny. Even better - chromed and simply wipe off and an occasional wax coat.
If you have patience and time, have at it and you'll be satisfied with your efforts.
I attempted that but got frustrated (impatient really) and opted for *****-Shiny. Even better - chromed and simply wipe off and an occasional wax coat.
If you have patience and time, have at it and you'll be satisfied with your efforts.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2015
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From: anywhere
forks
Although it is not hard it is time consuming to get a very good finish.
I rubbed down the lowers on a Sportster using 600 through to 2000 grit paper and then polished them up to a pretty good shine.
After that I put a good coat of wax on them so that I can continue to improve the shine as and when the fancy takes me.
I rubbed down the lowers on a Sportster using 600 through to 2000 grit paper and then polished them up to a pretty good shine.
After that I put a good coat of wax on them so that I can continue to improve the shine as and when the fancy takes me.
Last edited by gerald martin; May 7, 2020 at 08:59 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 12,258
Likes: 4,947
From: England
Thank you.
The components to make the trike came from a UK company. It rides very well. It is very heavy as the iron monger used for the conversion is suited to any motorcycle but it still goes very well.
This is an independent suspension setup not a rigid axle like Frankenstein. IMO IRS is much better.
The front tyre is the HD Dunlop 401. It came with the wheel. This is a Custom and started with a 21" spoked wheel.
The components to make the trike came from a UK company. It rides very well. It is very heavy as the iron monger used for the conversion is suited to any motorcycle but it still goes very well.
This is an independent suspension setup not a rigid axle like Frankenstein. IMO IRS is much better.
The front tyre is the HD Dunlop 401. It came with the wheel. This is a Custom and started with a 21" spoked wheel.