Starting to like polished aluminum more than chrome.

[ChrisK1969]

I have had my K-9 almost a year now and I just wanted to give my thoughts on the polished aluminum and chrome parts of the bike. Overall I think chrome looks a little better as long as there is no damage to it. Once you get a scratch on chrome, it wont come out. Luckily there are no scratches yet, but I'm sure its just a matter of time. I did however get a few scratches and blemishes on the hand and foot controls. I tried some of the "Wizards metal polish" that looks like little pieces of cotton candy and holy cow after a little amount of buffing and work, not only did the scratches come out completely, but the aluminum actually shined a little better than it originally did. It was a great feeling to see this. I'm positive this information is not new to anyone, but I just wanted to share the experience because it was the first time I ever polished the aluminum on the bike. The bike has been running like a champ after the new plugs and my solar powered trickle charger has enabled the bike to fire up every time, even on really cold mornings. SALUTE !

 

[Fibersnake]

Good to hear. Yes Chrome if very nice and easy to clean, but once it chips, scratches, etc, never right. The billet bare alimunum is a major PITA, but as long as you take care of it and get up close and personnal with the dog every now and then, it will look amazing and never flake, scratches can be polished out and with enough tender loving care, the billet can be as bright and shinny as even the best of chrome.

Biggest thing is to keep it some what clean with a good cleaning and avoid lettin salt of corrsion set in, then it can be very nasty to get out, but unless a total basket case, even then can be restored.

I love the billet, though I will admit I do not love the time one has to spend to keep it as shinny as chrome, but hey, not planning on any show entries and with my limited time, rather ride-that is were chrome is very good.

 

[Nukeranger]

Thanks for sharing. I agree with everything you said about Chrome and Aluminum. I once walked up to a BD rider and complimented him on his Chrome wheels once only to find out they were aluminum.

 

[PA Chopper]

I have the chrome package on my K-9 which I'm thankful for. Polishing aluminum is not one of my favorites. One of the few polished parts I have to keep after is the triple trees and I can't get those damn things to shine nice for nothing. Tried many products and can get a pretty good shine but there are always the fine scratches that makes it look cloudy. Would like to chrome them in the future. I had an American Ironhorse that had real nice polished aluminum that I could get a chrome-like shine. Must have been harder aluminum or something.

 

[Mickeetwo]

I also use the Wizards polish and the mist and shine......good stuff

 

[makithapn]

mothers billet polish not mag wheel polish the stuff works great, auto zone or value tech in the forum.