I was in the last phases on bringing back a 2007 nightster and had just worked some rust on the spokes with 00 steel wool and pentrating oil. I was finishing up waxing the spokes to help protect them and thought I might as well wax the wheels on my 2013 Softail Slim (it has less than 800 miles on it). Even though it was not evident looking at them from any distance, the spokes on the Softail were also starting to rust. It really took me back to find my "new" Softail rusting since it is garage kept and I try to take very good care of it (it doesn't even get ridden in the rain). Has anyone else had this problem?
Thanks.

 

I think where you live is most of the problem. Salt air off the ocean.

 

Keep them wiped down with wd40.

 

if you plan on keeping the wheels i would invest in a set of polished stainless spokes. they are not cheap but you will be investing in them at some point and if the rust stains the outer wheel you will be paying to get that coated as well. i don't know why Harley doesn't use stainless spokes in the first place.

 

Thanks for the feedback. I plan on keeping the bike and will look into the stainless spokes. I would assume Harley does not have stainless spokes as a standard is the profit motive. Thanks again.

 

Well the painted rear fender on my 2014 started to rust. It's sat out and been places but in less then a year to start rusting? Took it back to the dealer & they warrantied it.

 

What he said. Every so often wash the bike and rinse with a lot of fresh water. Don't use steel wool on your chrome, you'll eventually ruin it. Even though it's a PITA to clean and polish spokes, the fact that you're near salt water, you need to. I use Never-Dull on the spokes on my bike. Used it for years actually. It will not only clean and polish the spokes it will remove rust and not harm anything..

 

Stock spokes are going to rust or turn a dull gray color, it is inevitable. Stainless spokes are about $150 a set, plus installation. Not cheap but it is that or go to aluminum wheels.

 

Sorry to hear that. My 2008 Crossbones wheels have over 60K miles and there isn't any rust on my spokes. It's garage kept but I ride it in EVERYTHING! The worst that I get is brake dust adhering to them which can sometimes be a hassle to get off...but no rust.

Next time you detail your bike try using some S100 corrosion prevention on them.

 

wd-40 or s100 def helps