A reasonably easy way to bring back a 'new' look on my footpegs

[xno.06]

Hello,

The footpegs on my 2017 CB500X are not too bad, but I suppose they could still look better, and I would rather look into this before I put a coat of ACF-50 on the bike...



Is there a reasonably easy way to make them look like new again?  I tried some wheel cleaner that is specialised for aluminum rims, but this didn't help at all.  I didn't dare try an acid such as Harpic Power Plus max 10...

I found https://www.flight-mechanic.com/corrosion-control-part-seven-corrosion-of-aluminumaluminum-alloys/, but I don't really know what exactly the footpegs are made of.  Aluminum? Aluminum alloy? Alclad? Anodised aluminum?

Thanks!

[AJC500]

I just use a synthetic car polish on mine - I do everything with it (Turtle Wax Ice) as it treats paint, chrome, black plastic parts, screen etc., without leaving any of the white residue normal polish leaves.  I only spray the engine cases with an ACF50 type treatment, but then I'm a bit of a fair weather rider, so that's just to keep the engine bolts shiny!

You could maybe try some 'Muc Off' type cleaner first, or a very lightly abrasive car polish or compound if there is surface staining....

[xno.06]

Thanks. Is this the Turtle Wax polish you were referring to? https://www.turtlewax.com/our-products/ice/turtle-wax-ice-black-polish/

Since this morning, I found that Harpic on the footpegs is definitely not a good idea. It contains hydrochloric acid, and that reacts badly with aluminum:

And I also found that metal polish and elbow grease is the way to go according to https://www.autogeek.net/how-to-clean-aluminum-wheels.html. But I'm not sure if the footpegs are supposed to be shiny as wheel rims. I will have to check at the dealer, because I don't think so...

[AJC500]

This product may have changed format or name (!) - this is what I have, but you use so little, I've had it for years!!  I also have a similar Dr.Bike product, which I think is sold by J&S Motorcycle Accessories.

Had a look at my (2017) rear hangers and front footpeg plates - they are not a shiny finish, more a satin, very slightly 'grained' finish, and both are slightly different, the front being more textured..... 

[Cal]

I use that turtle wax on my older scratched windshields, it makes them quite nice for a few days or so. Been using it on my 2012 V strom for years

[KennyV]

Just another idea, do you have a local electric motor rebuild shop? An electric motor shop probably has low presure adrasive blasting using crushed walnut shells or dry ice blasting that would leave a clean cast aluminum finish like new. Just a thought

[johnthebigadv]

Originally Posted by xno.06

Hello,

The footpegs on my 2017 CB500X are not too bad, but I suppose they could still look better, and I would rather look into this before I put a coat of ACF-50 on the bike...



Is there a reasonably easy way to make them look like new again?  I tried some wheel cleaner that is specialised for aluminum rims, but this didn't help at all.  I didn't dare try an acid such as Harpic Power Plus max 10...

I found https://www.flight-mechanic.com/corrosion-control-part-seven-corrosion-of-aluminumaluminum-alloys/, but I don't really know what exactly the footpegs are made of.  Aluminum? Aluminum alloy? Alclad? Anodised aluminum?

Thanks!

I've always used Autosol Solvol Chrome Polish Aluminium & Metal Paste Polish Car Motorcycle, have used it for for donkey's years.

[AJC500]

Ahhhh, good old Autosol polish - I have a tube here somewhere, from the days when I had my Royal Enfield engine cases to polish!!

Could be a good solution to cleaning up those hangers.....   

[johnthebigadv]

Originally Posted by AJC500

Ahhhh, good old Autosol polish - I have a tube here somewhere, from the days when I had my Royal Enfield engine cases to polish!!

Could be a good solution to cleaning up those hangers.....   

And also excellent for chrome pipes.

[motorboy]

I agree with the wax people but before you try any kind of metal polish test a small section on the rear reason is I'm pretty sure they are not bare aluminium but painted