Putting shine back into already polished motorcycle frame

[BigSilk22]

I searched high and low before posting hoping to get some advise on touching up my already polished frame and swingarm on a 01' yamaha R1

Bike purchsed a couple of years ago with frame already polished. Looks ok, until you get close to it (7 on a scale of 1 - 10) scratch marks and dull looking finish. ?? I purchased the aluminum polishing kit from Caswell and wanted to know if that is all i will need or would i need to wet sand or anything like that? Any help will be greatly appreciated.

I need to get a corded drill as well, but keep seeing in the posts that they do not have enough spin or revolutions. What drill would anyone recommend?

[fxstcguy98]

Re: Putting shine back into already polished motorcycle frame

That depends on how much you want it to be perfect, remember, if you ride it, it will get scratched. I would start with the white compound and a loose cotton and see how good it looks (in a small area). Scratches can be made less noticable with a good shine around it. Work backward to the black on a spiral if need be, then back to the white as see how that looks. If you really must have it perfect, then you will need to sand with 220 or 320 and then 400 depending on how deep the scratch, then black and white combo's. Good luck, that's a lot of work ahead of you.

[easleysp]

Re: Putting shine back into already polished motorcycle frame

If the scratches aren't deep you should be able to get by without sanding. A good way to determine this is by dragging your fingernail across the scratch, if it hangs up, you'll probably need to sand. The kit should have enough for the job. If you're looking for a drill that spins fast and has plenty of grunt, you might look at getting a 1/4" drive. I have a Dewalt that does a good job. They're a bit pricey (around $160) but if you look at the alternative of an air compressor, air tools and so on, that's not too bad. If can't go that route, a 1/2" or 3/8" drill will do the job. It'll take longer though. Good luck.

Steve

[BigSilk22]

Re: Putting shine back into already polished motorcycle frame

Thanx for the fast reply. will give the fingernail thing a try when i get home. I dont want it perfect just a nice shine.

[rides20]

Re: Putting shine back into already polished motorcycle frame

Big silk....check out the R1 on my site! (the link is in my signature)...sorry for shamelessly pimpin' my site guys!!!..If it isnt really that bad, try somw 2000 wet and some mothers!...dont kill yourself sanding if you dont have to!. Start with the simplist first!

[BigSilk22]

Re: Putting shine back into already polished motorcycle frame

Bike looks good Rides20

[rides20]

Re: Putting shine back into already polished motorcycle frame

Thanks man...how did yours work out?

[BigSilk22]

Re: Putting shine back into already polished motorcycle frame

I have only done a few parts like the frame, and will work on the swingarm this weekend. Having trouble with the pegs, getting between the ridges that keep the feet from slipping? What would you recommend?

[rides20]

Re: Putting shine back into already polished motorcycle frame

Don't sand em' It's a total pain, and not worth it. Soak it in sodium hydroxide solution, then go at it with brown on a vented flap..then hwite on loose and you're golden....

[grommit]

Re: Putting shine back into already polished motorcycle frame

hello m8, just looked at your R1 and its made me get off my backside and do my R1,that has to be one of the best shines i've seen.
the advice on start simple and work back is the best advice i've had.
thanks again.
grommit