Vintage Dirt Bike Q & A

Hi, the upper fork tubes on my 79 CR250R have an exposed area that is smaller in diameter between the two fork clamps of the steering head assembly. The problem is that this indented area has surface rust all over it. The rest of the fork tube is really nice except for this one part. So, what should I do to restore them to like new condition? I have though about rechroming but this sound expensive. My other idea is to sand the area down with progressively finer sand paper and then polish and clear coat. Is my thinking right, or am I all wet? Thanks, Joe

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Joe

72 Yamaha CT2

Joe - I have the same problem with a couple of stone chips causing some minor surface rust on my fork tubes. Rather than go full hog into sandpaper I tried some cream paste cleanser - which removed most and then only had to touch up a couple of smaller areas. What was left was not noticeable so then went over with clear coat to keep from further exposure to air. I do have another set there that I will repair next that has actually been painted another colour in the area that you refer to. Depends upon how cosmetically correct you want to be.

regards

Rossco

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1974 Yamaha YZ360B
1977 Suzuki RM370B
1980 Honda CR250RA

Sand off the surface rust. Treat the remaining spots with some form of neutralizing agent. Polish. I would avoid clear coat if you plan on riding or racing, because it may get chipped itself and look worse. Same applies for the lower fork legs. Just a thought.

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Michael Stiles
1979 Honda CR250R Elsinore | 2006 Husqvarna SM510R | 2007 Service Honda CR500R-AF