08 SG cosmetic problems
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,018
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From: Front Royal, Virginia
08 SG cosmetic problems
First, I take care of my stuff!!! Now. Just went on a 1700 mile trip. When I got home my total mileage was 2997. This bike is ALWAYS garaged with heat and air. Anyway, I ran into 2 1/2 days of rain. Tonight I decided to give the bike a thorough cleaning. It has been sitting for 4 days (I washed it twice on the trip). I first notice the inside of my pipes are badly rusted. This isn't the kind of rust you wash out, it is set. Then I notice the inside of my detachable rear brackets are also rusted (about 30%). Tried to scrub it off with a stiff nylon brush. It ain't coming off. Lastly, I see that my wheels, at least the non painted area (aluminum?) is lightly pitting and badly tarnished. I worked on about six inches of the outer rim area with aluminum polish for about 5 minutes. It removed most but not all the tarnish in that small area. At this rate I will be working on the rims till my next birthday, Oct. 2008. What gives? I walked over to my 02 RKC and checked the rims good (they are chrome). I also checked the same bracket and inside pipes. There is not so much as a hint of rust and that bike has 27,000 more miles on it. Is HD just using cheaper materials now? I can't remember ever seeing a post about the SG wheels tarnishing. Is this just my bike or are others have cosmetic problems? The bike runs great but I can't live with this kind of crap going on. I should have just stayed with the 02. If I find one more thing that I know is out of the ordinary....I am going to put this bike up for sale and be content with a truly beautifully running and looking 02 RKC.
Gary
Gary
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 735
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From: australia
RE: 08 SG cosmetic problems
Did you clean your bike before storing it for winter. I never herd of chrome rusting and aliminium wheels corroding on a 3000 mile trip ?
Did you follow a acid truck on your ride.
I know late harleys have crappy chinese chrome but 3 days of bad weather. Harley should replace the wheels and chrome under waranty ? Let us know how you go
Did you follow a acid truck on your ride.
I know late harleys have crappy chinese chrome but 3 days of bad weather. Harley should replace the wheels and chrome under waranty ? Let us know how you go
Road Captain
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 654
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From: Manchester, England.
RE: 08 SG cosmetic problems
I think road salt could have something to do with it.
I watch over my bike like a baby, like most here do...
But I have now the same problem, streaks of 'water marks' and spotting on my wheels that cannot fully come off even after a lot of work, also on the center area around the hub.
Pipes I think normally tarnish like that inside, so when I wash I use WD40 inside the pipes for protection.
On the hook up points for the bags, I noticed a similar thing starting...not sure what material they are made of, looks like stainless steel...but clearly not the best quality.
I think the upshot of all this is that these bikes don't need a big excuse to rust away...even if you treat them like your child and clean after every ride...it is almost impossible to prevent this kind of problem if you live in a cold or rainy environment.
What I want to know is how come aluminium wheels or chrome parts on cars don't seem to get these same issues?
I watch over my bike like a baby, like most here do...
But I have now the same problem, streaks of 'water marks' and spotting on my wheels that cannot fully come off even after a lot of work, also on the center area around the hub.
Pipes I think normally tarnish like that inside, so when I wash I use WD40 inside the pipes for protection.
On the hook up points for the bags, I noticed a similar thing starting...not sure what material they are made of, looks like stainless steel...but clearly not the best quality.
I think the upshot of all this is that these bikes don't need a big excuse to rust away...even if you treat them like your child and clean after every ride...it is almost impossible to prevent this kind of problem if you live in a cold or rainy environment.
What I want to know is how come aluminium wheels or chrome parts on cars don't seem to get these same issues?
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,018
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From: Front Royal, Virginia
RE: 08 SG cosmetic problems
I'm as meticulous as anyone on this forum and more than most. My 2002 RKC is in perfect condition, again with an additional 27,000 miles. I'm really upset about the wheels as frankly I really like them. But no way I'm going to spend hours very week or two cleaning them. As much as I like them, they are as good as gone.
Gary
Gary
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 388
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From:
RE: 08 SG cosmetic problems
I think Harley must use different components from different makers. I have an 06 and I can let it sit filthy for a week or so, when I clean it, I'm always amazed at how the chrome cleans up without any blemishes at all. My wheels were the same, and the rear might go months without being touched. (I've just switched to chrome wheels). I've found little or no rust on my bike. This was one of my fears of owning a Harley after many years of riding BMW's. Too bad Harley doesn't take a few lessons from them on parts quality. For what we pay for these things they should clean themselves and scratch yer nuts at the same time!
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 654
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From: Manchester, England.
RE: 08 SG cosmetic problems
I disagree, how many chrome trims on cars do you see with rust...maybe if the car is 10 years old but that is all.
I think most modern vehicles put chrome effect onto plastic so that would be the main difference.
But as for aluminium alloy wheels, I have never had any salt problems with any of the cars I have owned and certainly these FLHX wheels are in worse shape and are less than 6 months old.
If it is not related to road salt then something else is at fault that is unique to HD IMO
I think most modern vehicles put chrome effect onto plastic so that would be the main difference.
But as for aluminium alloy wheels, I have never had any salt problems with any of the cars I have owned and certainly these FLHX wheels are in worse shape and are less than 6 months old.
If it is not related to road salt then something else is at fault that is unique to HD IMO
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 9,486
Likes: 4
From: Hico, TX (once home to Billy the Kid)
RE: 08 SG cosmetic problems
Most aluminum wheels on cars are clear coated. Polishing them removes the clear coat and you have to keep polishing them.
I dont think HD clear coated the wheels.
Aluminum being what it is...
If you wanted to clear coat them you would want to use a product that was tough enough:
http://www.stoprust.net/POR-15-Glist...llon-p-73.html
I dont think HD clear coated the wheels.
Aluminum being what it is...
If you wanted to clear coat them you would want to use a product that was tough enough:
http://www.stoprust.net/POR-15-Glist...llon-p-73.html
Road Captain
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 654
Likes: 0
From: Manchester, England.
RE: 08 SG cosmetic problems
Do you / have you used this product on your new bike?
I wish I had known about it before it would've been a great option.
Shame HD don't use all the technology available to them in order to support the $20K price tag! Guess they want to sell replacement parts too.
I wish I had known about it before it would've been a great option.
Shame HD don't use all the technology available to them in order to support the $20K price tag! Guess they want to sell replacement parts too.