I have some issues with my motorcycle...

[Murph]

Hi Folks,

I have a 2007 HD Sportster 1200 Custom. The bike is great. Its a bit small for me, but until I have enough money to get a road or street glide, I will have to stick with this.

Unfortunately, I have had to keep it outside since I have owned it. I have a storage unit that I keep it in the winter, New England winter are harsh as many of you know.

I have always had it covered with a HD cover. Not those cheesy ones that let the rain through. But because It does not let the rain through, I believe that when it rains, the moisture gets trapped under the cover and this is what happens. (Pictures below)

Now I will not blame it all on the rain. Until recently, I have not known what to use to detail my bike and cars. I was pretty naive about the products. i still am, but gaining knowledge constantly.

I am wondering what I can do, if anything, to fix this rust. It pains me to think that my bike looks like this. Because it puts me in a negative light and that I am lazy. I promise you I am not.

Thanks guys for your comments.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_06041.JPG

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_06051.JPG

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_06061.JPG

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_06071.JPG

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_06081.JPG



--Mike (Murph)

[Buckskincolt]

Treat with Iron x Iron X Iron Remover, CQuartz IronX, Paint Cleaner, paint decontamination (http://www.autogeek.net/carpro-iron-x-cleaner.html) then polish with Opitmum metal polish Optimum Metal Polish, chrome polish, wheel polish, aluminum polish, motorcycle polish, how to polish metal (http://www.autogeek.net/auto-metal-polish.html) then top with a good carnubia wax. I use DP Max Wax, reasonable and easy to use. DP Max Wax- Made with pure carnauba wax and advanced polymers. (http://www.autogeek.net/carnauba-car-wax.html) or a wipe on walk away sealant like BF, crystal seal. BLACKFIRE Crystal Seal Paint Sealant, best paint sealant, paint sealer (http://www.autogeek.net/blackfire-crystal-seal.html) very easy to use and get into tight spots. The chrome will keep doing this unless you store with heat to keep away the moisture.

[Murph]

I kinda thought that ironX would make an appearance. Thanks Buck, I will definitely use this to make an attempt to rectify this.

[soto]

U can also use some bronze wool on ur forks and ur chrome but not on anything aluminum it will scratch them I use the bronze wool on my bike then follow up with cg metal polish

[Murph]

Soto, I believe that my forks are aluminum.

[tguil]

You might want to check this out about IronX: "....Note: Iron X should not be used on chrome, bare metal parts, brake calipers, wheel balancing weights, or SMART paint repairs. Mask off these areas. Avoid letting Iron X dry on any surface..." Autogeek catalog

Sorry to say you are SOL in making your bike perfect again. The best you can do is polish out the rust spots with very fine bronze or stainless steel steel wool (not the cheap regular steel wool) and top with a good sealant...frequently.

Water probably did not get under the cover from the rain. Most likely it was trapped condensation because the cover did not "breathe"

By the way, you don't have to give in to "big twin" envy. I'm 6'3" and weigh 185. My 1200 Sportster fits me just fine. Don't ask why I gave in and bought a Super Glide. I guess if one Harley is good, two are better. right? Oh, I'm almost 70 and I am still not ready for "geezer glide". :D

Tom

[Murph]

tguil. Thats what I meant about the cover. Condensation. I guess that it just didn't come out right. The sportster is okay. I just want a radio, fairing, and hard bags that don't look ridiculous. So, that spells street/road glide. A friend of mine just got a 2012 CVO road glide. that thing is sweet! But the price tag wasn't so sweet. 30,000!

[Murph]

I guess that a road king would be okay too. Just no radio.

[Vegas Transplant]

Issues indeed.
Great product Buckskincolt.:xyxthumbs: Dr.G. makes a fine product IMO.
Stainless (headlamp) does not rust hand. Rust has to be introduced. And once introduced, it perpetuates.

Forks look like stainless...or are nickle/alloy plated (maybe), but definitely not aluminum.

[tguil]

... A friend of mine just got a 2012 CVO road glide. that thing is sweet! But the price tag wasn't so sweet. 30,000!

Yep, all of the CVO's are nice bikes. I actually thought about buying one but that price is well on its way to covering a bunch of the cost on a bada$$ Mustang GT.

Good luck getting your Sportster cleaned up.

Tom