How To Restore Your Lower Fork Legs Easy

Well I put some elbow grease into the lower fork legs and they turned out awesome. Hopefully this video will help out anyone with the same issue I had.
Music is form the KZbin audio library

[@flounderwetspot8524]

Few years back I wet sanded my FXR forks with 600,800,1000,1500,2000 then hit it with the mothers ball in a drill with blue magic and they went from 1988 to POW. But I took the tire, fender, and calipers off just to send it. Took a little longer, I’d say about a 6 pack just for good measure lol Keep it up mayn!

[@heybruh3274]

Stumbled across this video. Well, I couldn't stand the way my forks looked so I knocked out this project. They look great!! Thanks for keeping me busy.

[@timgiles9413]

I just did my lowers and wow, nice. When I would look at them, I always thought "How would I ever get them nice again?" I washed the bike, then I used the sanding blocks (coarse first, then finer) and finished with 400 grit then 600 grit. I was afraid of ruining them but I thought "It's just aluminum, sand away" Man was I impressed at the end result. Took about an hour each. My next session I will go finer and finer then buff and cover with a wax/polish. Thank you so much for your video. Guys/gals, don't be afraid to do this to your bike. It makes a huge difference . God Bless and Ride Safe :)

[@bernbo]

That's awesome, love to hear feedback like this 🍻.

[@TH-uk6yj]

Great job. For those who buy a new bike, the key is not to let them get that way to begin with. My Road Glide is 5 years old and the forks still look like new and water is about the only thing I use. Still, this was a great video. A lot cheaper than buying new forks legs.

[@bernbo]

@TH-uk6yj exactly, that's the true real fix. Cheers

[@davidforteza1063]

Just picked up a 2006 Sportster 1200XL Custom which was sitting in a garage for 8+ years. This video will help alot. Thank you !!!!!!

[@Doug56]

Hi, I dropped the fork's out of my 1700 Roadstar Silverado, removed the top stanchion cover's then cleaned slider's up with 200 grit paper, increasing to eventually 2000 grit until I got a smooth finish , The main problem is the lacquer Yamaha coat them with in the factory, after a few years water seems to penetrate it, then the corrosion start's, anyway, after sanding I went at them on the bench polisher, they get real heavy after a while, but the result is superb, almost a chrome finish, and well worth the effort, that was over two years ago, and all I need to do now, maybe twice a year, give them a going over with some metal polish, like you would any chrome parts, takes about 10 minutes per leg. Great video's as usual, keep them coming. Regard's Doug. UK.

[@charliepatterson9321]

I pulled an 08 shadow aero out of a barn a couple of months ago . It keeps getting better every time I clean it . I looked for this video on purpose because I wasn't sure what to do with my front forks and they're about as bad as yours ( glad to see you were cleaning something that was actually bad ) . Thanks for the tip , that's my next attack . I have had many bikes but this one has plastic chrome everywhere and I couldn't bring it back to life but hey a you tube search taught me vinegar works excellent for that . It almost looks new again

[@willwarro4054]

i always wondered about that. you just gave me an answer nobody has been able to give me. the right answer to the right question. I give you a review rating of 110% and 2 thumbs up. bravo, bravo!

[@autumnstang97]

I have a 2005 HD Road King FLHPI that my wife bought me. I went in and started cleaning up the bike and then i noticed how shitty those fork legs looked. looked like garbage. A brief search brought me here to your video on polishing the fork legs. I just subscribed to you now. Thank you for helping/sharing. Now my bike will look superb.

[@johncasor9698]

Very nice with just sanding it down... WOW... That is a clear coat of sealer on those lowers from the factory sir...

[@edrussell7960]

I'm in the midst of doing this to my bike I just got and I thank you for showing me this technique. I was trying to figure out what I was doing wrong and I started with 230 grit and while it is working, it is taking a while. So I'm going to drop to a lower grit to move forward a bit faster. Then go back to the finer grit. Thanks again.

[@MrSouthofBoston]

Thanks! I wasn't sure how to clean fork lowers until now.

[@ronaldtrump7370]

I used the sponges (maybe 400 grit) and they work GREAT. Never thought they could look that good with little effort. Thanks for the tips.

[@dakidsbac777]

All you used was the 400 grit sponge and that was it?

[@EllisBurton3339]

Just bought a street bob 2006 with Gators fitted , lifted the rubbers up and descovered a grizzly mess on the forks urrrgh so i am going to attempt to clean them as you have done , you may have saved me a fortune , thanks from West Yorks England .

[@donaldquick8462]

I was just trying to figure out on how to restore that on my bike I'm glad I came across your video.

[@ronripley9197]

Hey - Just came across your video a couple of days ago. Picked up a 1998 Road King Classic not long ago and the fork legs were a mess. Started with 220, then 400, 600, 1000 grit and finished with Autosol metal polish. Only thing I did differently was I wet sanded. They now look like chrome!! Thanks so much for the video! Didn't even realize this could be done!!

[@bernbo]

That's AWESOME Ron, the finished project is as good as the time you put into it. Wet sanding them would do an Incredible finish. Mine is a real quick and dirty job with little effort. Thank you for the feedback bro, ride safe out there.

[@teecee3918]

Another vote for Autosol here 👍

[@jerzeyvermont]

Well done man. Was concerned about dealing with the same problem. Now I’m fully prepared and ready to go. Thanks for the video.

[@stubblehunter1]

Brilliant and just what I was looking for! . John in Gloucester UK 👏👏👏

[@richmarracino5977]

Great effort! Thought about buying and installing new chrome lowers but you saved me the money! For some reason I never thought about using the sandpaper and sanding "sponges". Good idea!

[@michaelpatenaude7995]

Thanks for making my day, I was pricing out lower covers, you saved me a lot of cash. Thanks again

[@sandralongworth4406]

Did this today, one fork down, one to go, looks good so far.

[@firstdaywithnewbrain2504]

My father passed away last year and I inherited his 07 Ultra Classic. His bike has the same problem. I’m glad I came across your video 👍. Now if I can just get up the nerve to take the cover off it and get it going. 🙏

[@bernbo]

Sorry to hear about your father. I understand, lost my dad yrs ago and there are still things I have a hard time with. Do it for your oldman he would love that. Cheers 👍

[@binggo2787]

YOUR AWESOME. THANKS FOR THE TIPS.

[@MrHobbs-lm8jn]

I did this on my 2005 FXD, it worked great. Thanks for the tip. Looks like new. Super cool

[@1JUSTGOTLUCKY1]

Great video!! I was looking for a way to clean-up my lower forks!! Thanks!!

[@nixworld767]

I've been scratching my head over the best way to do this. Had been watching videos in which guys are refurbishing their mag wheels using industrial strength buffing machines, dremel tools, various polishing compounds, paint....and so on. I have, of all things, a Yamaha VStar 650, that has forks looking almost exactly like yours did. Tomorrow, I will follow your guidance to a T. I have every reason to believe it'll come out like yours. Thanks for the video.

[@bernbo]

Right on , have fun with the project. Cheers

[@nixworld767]

Follow up to my original post: 1. I did what you did. 2. I got the same results you did. (they look great!) Thanks again for the video!

[@musicfreaksmith5817]

Thanks for that...This whole time I thought there's way no easy way to fix the forks....

[@BMG131]

You just saved me a lot of money! I almost bought new lowers 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@redwolf2826]

Me too. I was looking at buying the chrome lowers for almost $500. Think I’ll just do this.

[@ridermotorman1320]

I had a same problem with my bike and it cost me 20 dollars for both lower forks Took me 1 hour now looks like new Thank you for your video brother 👍👍👍

[@bernbo]

That's awesome, cheers bro!

[@harrykcoons]

thank just polished my forks in two hours they look incredible.

[@velokid1]

Great little helpful vid. And you know what, buddy- you receive kind comments because that's what you put out into the world... gentleness and kindness. Clearly. Thanks for that!

[@bernbo]

velokid1 Well thank you very much for that. I don’t know what else to say but thank you for your kind comments lol. Cheers!

[@ALFONZO784]

Just got a “new to me “ 09 softail heritage in pretty pristine condition very beautiful bike the only thing bad was the oxidation on the forks I’ve always seen people just buy new forks but you sir saved me some money bout to do this ASAP !!!

[@jponyboyace]

Me also just bout a 08 heritage softail...wow

[@gear323]

My 2006 Night Train is starting to look like this. Not nearly as bad as your bike was. About to give it a go now! Thanks

[@geraldwest3428]

Killer job man and thanks big time for showing how its done. Just picked up a bike that needs this treatment!

[@seanjoseph6106]

😂😂love it that was hilarious how you made your hand look like an electric sander

[@bradsmith2386]

DAAAAAAAAAAMN!!!! I've always been too lazy to clean my forks up but I think it's my project today!! Thanks Bernbo!!!

[@bernbo]

Have fun with it brad, I'd say it's a 2 beer job. Takeiteass!

[@bradsmith2386]

Cheers! Thanks for leading the way!

[@anthonygasparini2161]

Nice.

[@Azariah287]

That was awesome! Thank you. Thought I would have to restore my forks by shelling out a lot if $, now my forks look great, for less then $5. Thanks bro! Awesome video.

[@bernbo]

That's awesome to hear the video helped you out. Thank you for your feedback. Cheers bro!

[@davebuchanan1412]

Thx man. Best video by FAR. Couple hours of detail work saved $100s and $100s for me as I was leaning to replacing with chrome. No need anymore.

[@douglander2533]

Did mine by removing fender and brake caliper, then used jell paint stripper. Rinsed with hose. Once dry light sanding job and semi-chrome polish. Came out mint.

[@harleybigdadbiker9503]

Just got a street bob,been sitting a few years,gonna get right on this,thanks!

[@maxwolf6285]

Awesome 👍 thank you brother. I'm going to do this to my Road King. My forks look just like yours did. Nice job.

[@bernbo]

Thanks Brad, good luck with the project. Big payoff for not a lot of work. Cheers bro

[@afelle1]

Have a 2007 VStar and noticed I might have found my people 😂 This is great!

[@craigeby8016]

Wow I was looking at hot to remove n replace mine cause they look like crap....now I know what I'm doing my next rainy day off...awesome glad this video found me...

[@7awrence]

This is fantastic. I was going to paint my forks but I would much rather do this. Getting a sanding sponge tomorrow. Thanks a lot!!

[@bernbo]

Lol that's exactly what I was going to do, paint them black but I figured I would give this a shot, if it didn't work out paint them. It worked out 😁 Cheers Bro

[@7awrence]

@@bernbo I found a sanding sponge and literally sanded them after watching your video. Looks awesome! Took 30min. Lifesaver!

[@bernbo]

@@7awrence That's Awesome!

[@richardpolk9405]

Great video, saved me $500 + for chromed lowers

[@DavidTorres-jq7oe]

Big thank you. I was considering replacing my fork slider on my 2011 HD SG, $500 for the set. This will do for now!

[@erichaagen9973]

i was thinking the same thing until I saw his video .

[@brianevans1776]

You have made my day. My Ultra Limited is 2.5 years old and just suddenly went. I think it was not helped by the crap/salt we get on UK roads over winter.

[@bernbo]

That's awesome Brian, your exactly right, the salt eats the clear coat then starts etching the aluminum. Just a heads up on them now, they still look great and all I do is a quick polish every 3 to 4 months. Cheers bro

[@rfbatman]

Thanks. You made it look easy. And it is. Just bought a Street Glide and thought I'd have to live with the pitting. Looks new now.

[@bernbo]

Richard Diver Awesome man. And Congrats on the new Street Glide.Cheers!

[@gumundurgumundsson113]

Thanks a lot for this advice, I have a dragstar 2005 with the same problem Thanks again

[@tomar3]

You have a very cool way of presenting the information in this video. Made a mundane task quite fun to watch. bravo

[@bernbo]

Thanks tomar. Cheers!

[@allantetreault5312]

Am restoring a 1968 Triumph Bonneville and was thinking should I paint or polish the forks. Thanks for helping me with my decision to polish them brother, CHEERS!

[@bernbo]

Right on Allan, have fun with the project. Cheers!

[@aronbechiom565]

Been using Blue Magic for 15 years.... best stuff ever. Polish dull fiberglass boat hulls, and even faded headlight lenses.

[@hansz3180]

i did not know you could do that. I was just about to order new ones for my XL50.. thanks alot man.. saved me some $$.. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@rayurlich]

Wow! That awesome! Gonna get to work on my 2006 Deluxe. Thank you so much from New Zealand. Ride safe my man!

[@chenner12345]

Brilliant! I was going to take the forks off & do it by machine but after seeing this I’m going to have a go! Many thanks!

[@franzvolpi]

Good idea! In addition, I can't help but think if you remove the fender and front wheel, you could really get at all of the fork leg, plus reduce the chance of damaging, scratching them. I'm going to try this with my Road King. I think I'll start with a slightly finer grit sandpaper though. Still, awesome. Nicely produced video too.Thank you!

[@bernbo]

Franz Volpi thank you. It would make it less of a chance for scratching the fender for sure. I did manage to get all the way around them though with some patience lol. Cheers bro!

[@brentgrubbs8146]

Exactly

[@Road_Rash]

Awesome job on that! I know what my Road King is getting next!👌🏿😎👍🏿

[@allenmicheal8134]

Nice. Looks great. Now for me to get some sand paper grits, and some elbow grease. Thanks.

[@Rabbiglenn]

Okay, now I'm totally geeked to restore the lower (aluminum) forks on my just-purchased bike! Inspiring!!!

[@bernbo]

Right on Glenn, have fun with the project.

[@stephenkellar8886]

Always looking for a better way to do things and your film was very informative. Found that there are differences between the forks and the bare aluminum wheels. Since this is the slow season, I'll be doing this in very short order. Thanks for the video.

[@douglynch8791]

Thanks! I did it and was amazed at the results. I had the forks off the bike and disassembled, so it was even easier to do it.

[@bernbo]

Right on man, that's awesome.

[@buddhons]

I am trying this one after watching your video and it's coming out nice. It's a lot of work but better than replacing them.

[@bernbo]

That's cool, happy to hear its coming out nice.🍻

[@imaverick2000]

if you have a compressor, and a 1/4" die grinder, use jewelers rouge on a cotton wheel (3") and hit it, will shine like chrome in short order, ( I like the white compound) only problem after you remove the laminate, you have to keep polishing it. I did the whole top end on my shovel head, covers and forks. looks amazing!

[@bernbo]

Great tip, thanks man.

[@79SctDriver]

Awesome. I was just wondering how to tackle the same job with my bike. Much needed info!

[@robertrussellmusicministri4975]

I’m doing this to my 2006 Suzuki Boulevard s40 right now, good job!

[@flyerscout2]

Man thanks. I have two bikes that I bought used and the forks look like that. I was wondering how to clean them up. Now I know. Thanks for the advice.

[@bernbo]

Right on James, hope it all goes well. Cheers

[@flyerscout2]

Did it today. It looks great. And I skipped a few grits. Lol.

[@flyerscout2]

The blue magic is awesome.

[@bernbo]

@@flyerscout2 Awesome James, love hearing the feedback. Lol skip some grits eh whatever works bro that's what I say. If it looks great at the end you did it right. Cheers🍻 brother

[@bearbpm]

That's again!!! Just got a '99 Kawasaki Voyager XII that needs this done. It's the replacement for my old Honda 1100 Shadow that I totaled when the deer ran out in front of me. I had made some really cool floorboards for it thanks to your vid. Stay safe out there.

[@bernbo]

Dam, hit a deer, hope you didn't get hurt on that. That's cool you made floorboards for it. Had a close call with o deer just a couple of weeks ago, we have tons of them around here. Congrats on the Voyager XII. Ride safe

[@BOR1776]

Thank you!! Been looking for weeks since I bought this motorcycle how to clean these damn forks best video I have found

[@dylang3998]

Used this on my bike, awesome result. Now for my family's mountain bikes!

[@ocsoundavsolutions1273]

Which number of sand you use.

[@hamishsb]

Awesome video man. Brilliant. Just what I needed to know to tidy up the pitted forks on my CBF

[@gettingpast4391]

Hey thanks for sharing this. Restoring a 94 XR250L and the forks we as bad as yours... was not sure if sanding was the right solution but you proved it is!

[@bernbo]

Right on, cheers!

[@markm2265]

It works, I just did one side on my Vulcan 500. I started with 120 sand paper in place of 80, and like you say, the sanding sponges are key, down to the finest one, I tried to go in one direction the whole time. Aluminum foil and water work for rust stains, small pits on the pipes to get started. Got one side pipes and lower forks, about 3 hours, but I'm slow. Thanks for the video, I didn't know quite exactly how I would get rid of the bad look on the forks. I would like to know what kind of reaction that is to the Aluminum Fork ends. Thumbs Up Dude! Great Video, Thanks.

[@bernbo]

That's Awesome Mark, Happy to hear the vid helped out. Cheers bro

[@shizuokaBLUES]

Thanks a LOT for this. I just got my Dyna last week and the forks are exactly like yours were. Since I’m in japan I don’t really have the language skills to ask some bike shop about this. Instead you provided the answer and with a great video. Can’t wait to start tomorrow. Cheers from Shizuoka !!

[@bernbo]

Very happy to hear that the video helped you out, have fun with the project. Cheers

[@PrinceKlutz]

Way cool. I bought a bike years ago from the Inland Empire that had pristine forks. Brought it home to Seal Beach, CA, and within six weeks the forks were noticeably corroded by the salt air at the beach. I cleaned them up with a flapper wheel in a cordless drill and chrome polish and had to keep after it ever after.

[@bernbo]

Yah I think that may be the case here as well, the salt air can really do a number on this stuff. Cheers!

[@DominicJToedt]

This was so helpful, time to get to sanding! Thank you so much for this video!!

[@aocbarbarian3692]

I have to do that this winter.was dreading it.but eh...you gave me the inspiration.dont look so bad. Thanks

[@joesmo6962]

I sanded for an hour without stopping. looking great. daylight and dark between the other side. now for some 600 grit and blue magic. thanks Bernbo

[@bernbo]

That's great man, happy to hear it. Cheers!

[@brianolehy5213]

Thanks. Had the same idea for my 08 FLHX and glad to find your video.

[@SuperThunder911]

Awesome my brother, thanks ✌️

[@tommytutone2584]

Great job dude! I just wish my 67 yr old hands could move as quick as yours! 😂

[@bernbo]

🤣

[@martinking4476]

Never forget seeing this for the first time and was so pleased with my results and Blue magic is still the best polish i have ever used but would never have known about it had i not seen this video just a shame its $18 with shipping in the UK only $7 in USA thanks again

[@bernbo]

That's AWESOME Martin, thanks for the feedback bro. Cheers

[@gene2200]

They look good! Gonna do the same to my clear coated fxdl asap, go with highest possible grit or 3m scotch pads, my friend is a bodyman, he prefers them when possible, I found White Diamond to be easiest to use on aluminum and chrome, melts oxidation with little to no effort then I use my buffer and clearcoat wax. Almost gets a chrome finish. Luckily I have an auto paint store 5 min away with guys that really know what works on what!

[@porkchopspapi5757]

White diamond what?

[@gene2200]

@@porkchopspapi5757 chrome cleaner

[@joemcglothlin1058]

Nice! I got two bikes to do! Thanks for the video.

[@RideEpic]

thank you! polishing the fork without putting the wheel and fork off.. yeah!

[@donmaclean5149]

Perfect! I was thinking about buying tube covers. This saves me $200...tks

[@calwyndecoster6964]

Really good video man. Well done! You've given me the confidence to take mine on now. Thanks for that.

[@ericrhinehart5434]

Good Job! I went with 3M pads (two different grits) then 00 steel wool with Flitz polish. It polishes and leaves a protective coating.

[@bernbo]

Nice

[@cerleywood]

Look brand spanking new. Need to clean mine too and it never occurred to me to use sand paper. Thanks for the video 😎

[@Peohagan]

Forks look amazing. I did something similar didn’t come out as well. You’ve inspired me to give it another shot. Thanks.

[@vf12497439]

And go finer and finer... then onto a high speed buffer. I use a dremal with polish bit for the tight spots and I end up with a chrome finish on my fork lowers. If you go that far any scratch shows and you may need to sand the scratch out finer and finer until you polish again. It can be a job but the results are show quality mirror chrome finish.

[@bernbo]

vf12497439 that's the beauty of working with aluminum, you can come up with a variety of looks. Like you said it's how for do you want to take it. Cheers!

[@chefmike8888]

Nice, thank you. This is what I’m planning on doing to my forks this weekend. 👍🏻

[@buddywilson104]

Good video for the uninitiated.......with enough elbow grease one can make aluminum look like chrome.....good job....

[@bernbo]

Thanks Bill. This is the look I was going for. I have other vids up that I go full on chrome look. Cheers!

[@denisdrainville8143]

Thanks....I now know what to do on my Heritage....Awesome idea!!

[@paul.i3606]

Champion works a treat thanks mate! Great video!!

[@valienterf]

So glad found this video my are in bad shap so, you hqve shown me the light, going to get sand paper. Thansk

[@jponyboyace]

Excellent work...and I was told u could not get this off....thanks

[@mikecarter218]

i was ready to spend hundreds of dollars on new forks! till i came a cross this vid!,awesome video! thank you

[@bernbo]

Mike Carter right on Mike. Thank you for watching. Cheers

[@johnpaulgalvan3233]

I wish I could just keep smashing the like icon, damn good show Big Homie

[@bernbo]

Thanks John, much appreciated. Cheers bro

[@martinking4476]

Finished my forks they look amazing thanks again for saving me a ton of money

[@bernbo]

Awesome Martin, love to hear feedback like this, 🍻bro.

[@garychandler4296]

NONONONOooo...I kept thinking thru this about polishing ANY METAL, and the worst NOOB mistake would .be to SKIP a grit...and you just skipped TEN, leaving you with an, at best, satiny finish. No doubt this was time & labor effective, but by going thru the mill...let's say, 80, 100, 220, 320, 600, 800, 1000, and 2000 before hitting the metal polish ( a good choice btw), your forks would have that deep alumnum shine (NOT the surface flash of chrome), that actually compliments chrome so well, and be a little easier to maintain, once the work was done. There are some limitations to the Harley metal ( like my Fatboy rims) that may keep you from finding gold, but ALL efforts will show results in the end. I an NOT dissing you,. just sharing MY way of looking at it. I still enjoyed the video. BTW, ALL of you should drain a drop of oil from both forks and inspect it: Harley's recommended maintenance interval may have you scratching your head, as you find a thin black ink coming out instead of some nice caramel colored oil....CHANGE IT!!!

[@bernbo]

Gary Chandler thanks Gary. So true with the grits. But I am very happy with the finished product. I may go back one day and do the full meal deal. Thanks for watching the video bro. Cheers!

[@7316bobe]

@@bernbo Enjoyed the video and the result was great. I think that you used the proper grits as the resultant finish is so nice. It is hard to polish around these parts but once it is done it is easy to maintain. I find that polishing alloy is better than having that clear paint from the factory left on it. That clear when it starts to go goes in patches leaving some areas shiny and some areas just looking corroded and bad. Great video as usual Bernbo and easy to see how to do the job properly.

[@bernbo]

@@7316bobe I know I could have taken it a lot further, but this really was all I was looking for, just a clean up. Did not want to take it to that chrome look. It was a big pay off with not a lot of work. Ride safe, Cheers!