[dickwol]

Ok, first post for me on this forum. Last month I picked up a 99' Vulcan 1500 Classic and have been enjoying the ride, weather permitting. I did a pretty stupid thing and now need some advice on how to correct it. The chrome tubing above the right fork must have been ever so slightly misalligned because there was a smooth, worn spot on the fork about the size of a quarter from the tube rubbing on the metal. In my infinite wisdom I thought that I could use an emory pad to roughen up the spot but it did not do much good. Then I thought maybe I could use the pad on the rest of the forks, right and left and even things out. What a mistake!! It basically looks uneven and where the forks were once a kind of matte finish on the alloy (not sure if they are aluminum) it now has ever so tiny of scratch marks. Who could I go to in order to get the original factory finish back on these forks and what kind of machine would be used?? I imagine that the forks would probably have to come off the bike in order to do this. I would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks.

 

[ZX-2R]

The answer

The answer is right on this page...on the top where it says "Discount Kawasaki Parts & Accessories" this is a direct link to Beartooth Kawasaki adn they will adjust yor cost by 10% our Forum Discount...or if you just have to speak to someone their tolll free number is posted at the bottom of the page 1-800-556-3098...they are awesome people...I'm located in Kansas but they treat me like one of their own...a very nice feeling!

 

[dickwol]

I think that maybe you meant to reply to someone else's post??
I'm not looking for discount parts. I'm looking for advice here as to the best way that the fork finish can be restored to it's glorious original condition!! Anyone out there with experience in this area? Thks.

 

[ZX-2R]

OOPS

THought you wanted factory parts...check out www.por15.com they have metal stuff of colors and refinishing and many things that we use on our bikes...sorry for not really reading, and thinking that you wanted to REPLACE them..

 

[woundwort]

Errrr. Wow. Perhaps looking around in your erea for someone that does metal polishing. This is like an entire weekend job without the right stuff , ecspecially experience....

If you want to do it yourself find a polishing wheel, a corded drill and some jewelers rouge. But you HONESTLY prolly don't want to do this. It can take hours and if you have no experience you will most likely screw it up while learning on your bike.

 

[dickwol]

Thanks for your reply. The metal on the Vulcan forks did not have any kind of paint or acrylic finish. Basically the alloy has a kind of dull matte finish, exactly like the metal parts on the top of the rear shocks. They must have some kind of factory process that uses some kind of buffer to give it that perfectly clean and even finish. I might need to stop at a custom bike shop to see what can be done or maybe my local Kawasaki dealer can direct me to someone.

 

[dickwol]

Thanks Woundwart!!
An experienced metal polishing person is probably what I need. This is a fairly small city but I will definately see what the yellow pages have to say and if that turns up nothing then I'll start calling around looking for leads. Fixing these things are best left to a professional. I've learned my lesson with this!