01-06-2019, 10:25 AM
(12-31-2018, 08:04 AM)pekingduck_imp Wrote: The US market 2013, 2014 DLX, and 2017 fork legs are polished aluminum with a clear powdercoat over them. They hold up pretty well, but over time, they can get pits and chips from rocks, etc., and oxidation will attack the silver aluminum surface from underneath. This is also true of the engine case covers.
The clearcoat will yellow over time by oxidation and sun (compare the outer sides to the backsides of the forks to see), especially if not waxed. The clearcoat needs to be kept clean and waxed, not just wiped off.
We've all seen plenty of cars that have the clearcoat peeling on the top surfaces that haven't been kept cleaned and polished. Powdercoating and clearcoats makes it easier to keep clean, but they still benefit from a protective coat of wax.
Is it possible some clear coats are better than others at defending against oxidation due to UV exposure?