What are the mirrors, front fender, and exhausts made of?

[Guest]

Aluminum? Stainless? Chrome-plated something-or-other? The mirrors, fender, and exhaust pipes show rust and pitting, and I'd like to get rid of it. However, before I launch full-bore into a project, I'd like to know what I'm dealing with, before I ruin something. I've made some progress with the front forks with just sandpaper (pictures to follow), giving, in my opinion, a vastly improved look.


Before: https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/256689074293702658/688914426082099207/20200315_175057.jpg
After: https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/256689074293702658/688914427394654222/20200315_184545.jpg

 

[LAB3]

Nice job on cleaning to fork lowers! You can safely the push the rubber dust wipers upward toward the steering neck to clean that last little bit.

As to the rest, there's no need to overthink it. This stuff is $3 a bottle at Walmart and does a great job, no reason to spend more.

https://www.turtlewax.com/our-products/renew-restore/turtle-wax-chrome-polish-rust-remover/

 

[Rich82GS750TZ]

Your going to have a much easier time getting all the way around your forks if you at remove the fender. That will also help when you polish the fender. As LAB3 said, push those boots up and get all of it. On the aluminum fork lowers, you can follow up your highest sand paper pass with this:

Warning: Once you start polishing, it becomes an addiction, and you won't want to stop.

The fender is chromed Steel I believe. Do not attack the chrome with sandpaper, just clean and wax. I've read about using aluminum foil and Coke to clean up rusty/pitted chrome but have never tried it.

You're doing great. Any closer to having a running bike?

 

[Guest]

Your going to have a much easier time getting all the way around your forks if you at remove the fender. That will also help when you polish the fender. As LAB3 said, push those boots up and get all of it. On the aluminum fork lowers, you can follow up your highest sand paper pass with this:

Warning: Once you start polishing, it becomes an addiction, and you won't want to stop.

The fender is chromed Steel I believe. Do not attack the chrome with sandpaper, just clean and wax. I've read about using aluminum foil and Coke to clean up rusty/pitted chrome but have never tried it.

You're doing great. Any closer to having a running bike?

I did take the fender off, and do the other fork since that picture was taken. Those boots need to be replaced, as they're cracked, but I didn't know I could push them up.
I was doing the cleaning with some little sandpaper discs that came with an Amazon backing pad, but I may have to buy more sheets and do it manually.
And yes I am. I've enlisted the aid of an expert to dislodge the mixture screws, just waiting to get my carburetor back in the mail. I've also got new tires, but our air compressor doesn't seem to have enough power to pop the sidewalls into place (it's one of those little ones with a red tank). I thought of going to a shop nearby and asking if they could inflate it with their larger compressor. In the meantime, I figures I'd take advantage of the empty space between the forks, and clean them up a bit.

 

[LAB3]

Those boots need to be replaced, as they're cracked, but I didn't know I could push them up.

The bottoms of the dust wipers are probably sitting in a groove so you may need to insert a small screwdriver under the bottom while pushing upward to get them started. Those boots being cracked won't stop you from riding it, the seals themselves are in the top of the fork leg.

Chances are the seals are old and if they haven't cracked yet they probably will soon enough. I'd wait on changing them for the time being, get your bike on the road and enjoy it. You'll know they need to be replaced when you see oil on the fork tubes. Fork seals and dust wipers can be bought as a set and it's usually cheaper to but them together that separately. All Balls Racing makes them for a good price, no need to buy genuine Suzuki parts.

What you should consider doing is changing the oil in the forks before going too far. Most people overlook changing it and the ride quality suffers for it. Change the oil then wait to see if the seals fail, that'll give you a little bit less money to spend to get you on the road.

 

[gustovh]

Use Brasso on pipes and chrome, shines up. removes rust bleed and protects all in one. Does take some work and a toothbrush is your friend.

V