Front fork paint damage - advice please......

[PaulB]

Has any one got any good advice or tips as to how to deal with the numerous stone paint chips on the leading edge of my front forks? The bike is 4 years old and very clean and tidy, but the front forks are looking tired.

For some reason, the right hand fork seems worse?

Thanks, Paul

See:

[Croc]

Paul

My bike is exactly the same as is that of a mate. Also the front suspension strut (I think) ie the wishbone shaped one that connects to the steering, has discoloured althouth the paint has not chipped.
I dont believe the forks are stone-chipped - just a very poor suface coating in the first place. There cannot be that many stones on Brit roads.

Any advice would be most welcomed.

Croc

[gregor]

After cleaning all the bugs off my '02 R1150R I honestly can not see any damage to the 'forks'. I thought it was just unpainted metal- the finish is like a casting.

Give them a clean with white spirit or Autoglym bike cleaner, using a stiff brush if the finish is rough like mine. If there is truly damage and you want a painted finish, smooth Hammerite might be the answer.

[PaulB]

Ok, thanks for that ~ but I've used a proper tar/bug remover spray which doesn't remove them. These def look like chips in the paint. Another reason why I think it's chipped paint is because it's only on the front leading edge.... if it was a paint defect, it would be general all over the fork? Paul

[gregor]

Mine appear to be in their original cast state with maybe a hard anodised finish. No chipping or corrosion visible. Never seen this effect -even on a GS used off road.

All I can think of is to use one of these foam backed sanding blocks or fine wet and dry paper to clean them up.Maybe a fine wire brush as well?
Then spray or brush with silver smooth Hammerite.Obviously, this may chip again.

[dnat928]

How about some spray paint? I have done this simple task in numerous places on cars and bikes over the years. I will likely do just that in the areas you have noted. Just use some masking tape and newspaper to cover all non paint areas, give it a light spray with some silver colored paint - it will look better than new. Probably a good idea to give it a light rub with some scotchbrite, then wipe with alcohol (no, not beer, isopropyl). Save the beer for after you finish, and are admiring a job well done.

[PaulB]

Ok guys, thanks for the advice. Summers arrived now, so maybe this is a project for next winter?