Sorting out my passenger handles

[Nick Calne]

I mean like funky powder coating ...

Like this: http://www.hmgpowdercoatings.com/powder-coating/signature-finish-collection (http://www.hmgpowdercoatings.com/powder-coating/signature-finish-collection)

[ghulst]

Looks like its Hammer(ite) time....

TA da da da, tada, tada!




All of this still leaves me wondering what the OEM finish was. How did they do that?


Oh, and new they seem to be £155 a piece!!!

[blacktiger]

All of this still leaves me wondering what the OEM finish was. How did they do that?


Oh, and new they seem to be £155 a piece!!!

Paint and lacquer.

[Sin_Tiger]

Silver would look standard and won't fade.

I beg to disagree with you on that point from personal experience 

[ghulst]

I beg to disagree with you on that point from personal experience 

Explain :)

[Sin_Tiger]

You can only dye solid colours, the anodic layer created during the will not absorb metallic particles. The way "silver" is achieved in paints or powder coating is by addition of a metallic element, usually aluminium based. To achieve the illusion of "Silver" in anodising, small amounts of black and white are added.

I had flakey powder coated grab handles on a Honda that I had "Hard" anodised, I should explain that this does not make the the anodised layer any harder than standard anodising but it does increase the layer thickness by up to 30% more than the standard 2-3 microns by forcing a higher current during the electrolytic process. Within 6 months or so I could clearly see, not scratches but an even wear in the area where I gripped to pull the bike onto the main stand or push it around, within a year the unworn areas had a definite yellow cast. I discussed this with the metallurgy specialists that I had been dealing with and they explained that the yellowing was normal due to atmospheric contaminants and UV and the thicker the layer the more noticeable it would be.

That's why I wouldn't suggest it for the application you are intending. No I didn't have leather jackets fitted after that, just painted.

[blacktiger]

I beg to disagree with you on that point from personal experience 

Well, my experience is with the silver alloy Renthal Handlebars that I've had since 2009. First fitted to the Scrambler I had back then and then transferred to my first and then my second and current 800. So, they've been around the block several times, covering about 90000 miles on the three bikes. They're still silver and show no signs of yellowing.

[Bixxer Bob]

Funny you should say that Phil, I was about to mention that Hammerite silver smooth is an uncannily good match for a lot if early Hinkley silver grey parts.

I'm watching with interest because the handles on my Explorer are looking a bit used although my greater concern is the black powder coating that is beginning to peel off the shaft drive housing

[blacktiger]

my greater concern is the black powder coating that is beginning to peel off the shaft drive housing

Worth trying a warranty claim.

[Sin_Tiger]

Well, my experience is with the silver alloy Renthal Handlebars that I've had since 2009. First fitted to the Scrambler I had back then and then transferred to my first and then my second and current 800. So, they've been around the block several times, covering about 90000 miles on the three bikes. They're still silver and show no signs of yellowing.

I can't comment on those as I don't know what finish was applied to those particular bars 

[blacktiger]

I can't comment on those as I don't know what finish was applied to those particular bars 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Renthal-615-01-SI-03-219-Silver-Aluminum-Handlebar/dp/B000GU0824
which says:- A 15 step anodizing process forms an integral coating giving protection against corrosion and a laser etched positioning grid helps with precise adjustments

[ghulst]

Honestly, they just look terrible. Does anyone have a picture of them new?

[Sin_Tiger]

Lower was straight out of the crate from the factory 2012 model, upper was after about a year and 10k kms

I don't have a shot from the same angle as your image unfortunately.

[blacktiger]

Honestly, they just look terrible. Does anyone have a picture of them new?

Blimey that looks like someone has attacked them with a Brillo pad. How on Earth......? Take 'em off and get them to a metal finisher and ask what they recommend.

[ghulst]

I don't know what they did to them, but they are still on.
Anyway, I have just sold the Mini, so the Tiger is now my second vehicle, which I am confined to when my wife needs a car as well. Which means I rode it through a strong gale today, with wind gusts up to 70Mph. Not funny when they come from the side, I can tell you that. Hopefully it is going to be better tomorrow.