Triumph T120 Bonneville, Restoring brushed alloy/aluminium engine casings back to factory!

[@RCNut57]

I bought my T120 second hand. Although it was only 6 months old it had what appeared to be ‘water stains’ on the brushed metal crank case which looked like the previous owner had not rinsed or dried the bike properly after washing. Hence the reason I went looking for this video. Since it was stains rather than scratches I used ‘Purple Polish’ which Ive used for years on the chrome of my previous motorcycles. Its the best chrome polish Ive ever found and today I discovered it works perfectly for removing ‘stains’ from the brushed metal covers on my Bonneville, bringing them back to its original finish.

[@stevenelliott5403]

I dropped my T120 the other day and got a nasty scuff in the right side cover, after much rubbing with some wet and dry I made the scuff a bit better but the finish looked awful, I followed your guide and although the scuff is still there as it's deep at least the rest of the cover looks much better now, so many thanks

[@iannightingale3363]

hello Stuart,,, I’ve had my thruxton r now for 8 month and I’ve followed your washing & waxing videos and I had no problems whatsoever , your a chap with old school ways, you keep it simple and clear with total common sense all the time. so thanks Stuart for all your work on KZbin

[@stuartfillingham]

your welcome Ian thanks for watching!

[@Rosakru]

Excellent Stuart. As you know, I've done this on my BMW rebuild, but you've explained everything so well for anyone a bit nervous about tackling this work n their own rides. Great video again. Also congratulations to all the contest winners!! (But if you're here watching regularly, you're already a winner with all the info Stuart sets out for free). Big shout out to you mate. You're helping many riders all over the globe. Cheers mate.

[@stuartfillingham]

Thank you very much matey! nice of you to say so!

[@Motoexplorer300L]

I just want to say thank you very much sir. I just bought a used thruxton R and within 4 days I had it fall on me in my gravel driveway... your advice on this video and others has allowed me to restore the scratched up engine case and exhaust to a better condition than when I took possession of the bike! Many thanks!

[@stuartfillingham]

Glad to help

[@chrisbolton2500]

Couldn't agree more.....God bless brushed aluminium. I'm sure anyone who spent hours polishing the cases to a chrome like shine, to watch all that work dissappear in five minutes will concour (and don't ask how I know!) The fact that it can be repaired as simply as you described is fantastic. Really nice demo, Stuart.......but you're a braver man than me!

[@stuartfillingham]

No problem Chris, years in the automotive refinishing trade teaches you a thing or two!

[@lucerfarul]

You sir, are a magician. I'm sooo glad I started watching your vids before I got my T120. I've been coating my engine casings with MO-94 after every wash and I haven't had any problems yet. It's the little things that add up when it comes to creating a barrier for protection!

[@stuartfillingham]

Thank you very much Zachary! will hopefully be reviewing those bits next! week

[@Richard-pe4cx]

here i am nearly 4 years later since you posted this and finally i have a T120 new to me only collected the bike last saturday and my boot is leaving a mark on what would be the primary chain case so a job for the weekend many thanks for all your postings

[@terryhaught9976]

Great instructional video Stuart, and to scratch your own primary case with a screwdriver now that's what l call going the extra mile!

[@stuartfillingham]

Thank you Terry, my cases were pristine so it was the only thing I could think of to do a demo! been waiting for a mishap but it didn't happen!

[@davidmain3]

Top Man! What a brilliantly simple idea to restore these casings. It works a treat. Thanks

[@brucemarkel7719]

I used your suggestions to rid my left case of a nasty ding on my T120. It worked beautifully.

[@zainchristopher2536]

Good on you Mr. Fillingham. I had some very deep scratches as well as corrosion pock marks on my covers for years now and was seriously considering ordering a new set. I literally was a “buy now” button away when I stumbled upon your lesson here. I was able to get everything out after a few hours of considerable effort (using scotch pads and MO94). I really appreciate your instruction. Thanks and be well.

[@DavidWing]

Nice! When restoring my Triumph Legend TT, I polished the forks because they were in such bad condition with oxidation. They are actually supposed to be a brushed finish so this video gives me a way to do that

[@stuartfillingham]

Ah glad it was useful to you David thank you for watching!

[@GrahamHazlehurst]

Great video , I've just 6 month old 2021 T120 slight stain on LH casing I was wondering how to go about trying to clean it, so glad I watched your video and didn't attempt to use polish on it.

[@kev.j.goodwin8612]

My 2018 Bonnevile's previous owner put a nasty series of scratches/gouges around the lower portion of the casing around the clutch cable entry, (about the size of a matchbox) that from a normal standing position weren't easy to see. The bike is otherwise totally unmarked so quite how the damage got there is strange given the obvious care that the previous chap took with it, but they were annoying the hell out of me after I noticed them. Your method works perfectly and after no more than twenty minutes work the marks were gone, and I've blended the repaired area into the existing surrounding brushed surface so you'd never know there had been a problem. I did have to use 120 followed by 180 wet and dry to take the worst of the deep marks out first and then work with the medium and fine Scotch pads to get a nice final brushed finish. I used a mix of white spirit and normal oil to keep the area wet as I worked on it and it did the job nicely. As you say, when wiped off and after a couple of days, the surface tends to tone down in the air and the job looks even better. Many thanks for the info.

[@hopgood007]

Great video Stuart. I remember you giving me this sage advice just after you started the channel and it's served me well ever since. Many congratulations to all the winners of some fantastic prizes.

[@stuartfillingham]

Hi Paul yes I do actually remember! as always thanks for watching!

[@robertyoung5910]

Great video, I have a slight scuff on one of my casings and I now have the solution for restoration, thanks Stuart.

[@stuartfillingham]

Glad to be of service sir!

[@brucemarkel7719]

Thank you so much for this video and for all of them actually. You are certainly a major reason I decided to purchase a T120 day before yesterday. Mine has the brushed cases. After I had inked the deal, I noticed a scratch on the left case. Needles to say, I was not very pleased. I asked that it be remedied before delivery. I received a call from the head mechanic yesterday, explaining that he had polished out the scratch. I was so afraid the cases were coated and the repair would be a mess. Now I am anxious to see how good a job he did, knowing I can finish it up if need be.

[@paulrice1301]

Yet again Stuart a good video with good advice.

[@stuartfillingham]

Thanks Paul.

[@brockett]

Amazing. As I am about to purchase a T120 this is really good information. A fix I would not have considered.

[@ostekuste3646]

Great advice. I have been watching all your vids through the winter as I put over two thousand miles on my new Street Cup since November. At your advice I have been using Mucoff products to clean and protect my bike, as they are readily available in the US. The Mucoff MO94 has done a similarly good job replacing Gt85 for all my uses and may be a good suggestion for this job. As expected my bike looks better than it did on the showroom floor! Everyone pay attention! This fellow knows his business!

[@stuartfillingham]

Hi Chad, the MO94 is an excellent choice sir, thanks for your comment and of course for watching!

[@bencannon4714]

Cracking video as usual Stuart thank you. Great timing also as my engine casing have started to 'turn'. Congratulations all those lucky enough to have been drawn to win the trekology prizes. I'm not jealous..... honest :)

[@stuartfillingham]

LOL Thank you Ben!

[@gouchorik]

I have just purchased a 2019 T120 bonnie, and the casings have never been cleaned, This tip is just what I needed thanks

[@GTsGarage]

One of the best demonstrations out there.

[@stuartfillingham]

Thank you sir!

[@michaelcatabbo5809]

Hi, great video! I was wondering if you know of any alternative spray lubricants that is similar GT85? I live in Canada and this product isn’t available here.. could WD40 do the trick? Thank you!

[@metropolitan37]

Stuart I have had this problem with my engine side covers and so went looking for scotch pads, in the event I couldn't find scotchpads but did find dial foam paint preparation pads at B&Q and they work brilliantly, you can easily cut them into more manageable sizes they come in different grades and I've used WD40 in place of the GT85. Thanks for this tip Stuart I was pulling my hair out.

[@MegaWin23]

As usual your wisdom is invaluable Stuart....great stuff.

[@richardness4469]

May 15 , well Stuart I pick up my new T120 gloss black today! I didn’t think I would need the results of your well done video this soon ! The plastic collar on my cheap boots melted to the left side case, bummer!! So thank you for this very informative video. Cheers from Whidbey Island, Washington State Richard (Dick)

[@stuartfillingham]

First of all Richard congratulation on your new bike! and secondly thats a new one I hadn't come across before! plenty have melted things on their exhaust but this is the first instance ive heard with the casings. just clean off as much as you can before going at it with the scotch pad, with something reasonably soft like a wooden spatula! take your time and good luck with it sir!

[@daveyoude2828]

Nice vid Stu..... great camera shots..... thx for sharing ....🏍

[@stuartfillingham]

Your welcome Dave, and congratulations!

[@daveyoude2828]

stuart fillingham ... super... thx Stu..... I was writing the review as the vid was playing enjoying the content only noticed I'd won after posting.... thx again, I dropped you a note in messenger.....

[@toby7738]

Thanks again for another great video Stewart. Gradually working my way through all of them. My favourite are your cleaning and preventative maintenance videos which I find myself watching again and again.

[@stuartfillingham]

Your very welcome Nick. Thank you for watching!

[@scothunter3221]

Very timely as I have several scratches from my boots I've been trying to address. As for the drawing, I would have entered but your video's on these products were so compelling I've already obtained them (and persuaded a fellow rider to do the same!)

[@TheMpollock11]

Hi there - I recently dropped my GT650 while parking, going 0 KPH. I have a few scratches on the right side of the engine case as well as on an aftermarket exhaust (brushed stainless - AEW exhaust). I suspect they are a little bit deeper than in this video, but I'm wondering if you think I'd still be able to get em out using this method (I'd be happy to supply you with pics). Would love your input. thanks so much!

[@leegingerninja]

Congrats to all the winners!! 👍👍 Great vid as usual! 😎

[@stuartfillingham]

cheers Lee!

[@MegaKei1]

You saved me a ton of money there mate! Thanks for the info!

[@tinks43]

Great restore & congrats to the winners!

[@rogermtes]

Hi Stuart, with a one year old T120 Bud Ekins I was disturbed that my lack of care was being reflected in its condition. In search of fixes I came across your KZbin channel and now know how to clean it, wash it, fix it, protect it .. and what a satisfying job it is too ! Thank you for your careful and informative videos. In your video to treat cleaned chrome exhausts you advise a coating of silkolene pro prep maintenance spray which is a synthetic. Can this be used instead of the GT85 or do I need that oil based one ? TIA. Keep the videos coming please.

[@vraimondi]

Great stuff Stuart!

[@paulaus]

I like to wear my boot polished areas like a badge of pride ;)

[@terrytreloar4325]

Thanks for that it’s a big help

[@MRTPR]

Hello Mate. Great Channel. I ride an old Honda Hornet 900 in Adelaide South Australia. I ride with my Mate who rides a T120. Fabulous looking and sounding bike stock. I would love one if I had the $$. Glad I found your Channel.

[@stuartfillingham]

Thank you very much sir, Welcome aboard!

[@berniebne8243]

Stuart you've forgotten more about automotive finishing than I'll ever know

[@stuartfillingham]

Nice of you to say so Bernie! thanks for watching!

[@sait33]

Useful and helpful tutorial 👍❤️🙏

[@FredWilbury]

Just watched this Stuart , I was interested what you say about the powder coated casings .... I’m doubting my purchase of the new speed twin which has these.... something I’ll have to keep an eye on .... would muc off Mo 94 help I wonder ..... regards as always .. Fred..... just the vid your bobber black ....

[@Rajvirdee]

Thanks thats very informative

[@chrisheggie952]

Informative as usual, thanks and well done the winners. You mentioned briefly the acid based alloy wheel cleaner. Do you recommend it for alloy wheels and if not what do you suggest? I have a few water marks on mine and they've proven quite impervious to elbow grease! The bike now doesn't go out in dubious weather, an advantage of having another more modern bike in the garage...

[@stuartfillingham]

Hi Chris thank you! personally i wouldn't recommend alloy wheel cleaner as it is quite harsh, I use MUC OFF motorcycle cleaner I did two cleaning video last summer, a method which im told has now become known as the "full fillingham" water marks are usually a product of not drying the bike off properly in hot or warm weather, but a good quality wax goes a long way to preventing it from happening. Either way it is not permanent and will go eventually, I hope this helps.

[@chrisheggie952]

The bike spent a few weeks under a good quality bike cover before I could clear space in the garage for it... Unfortunately it rained and splashed up under the cover where I couldn't see it, and yes it was hot weather!

[@brianwilson1681]

very informative I will put this to practice. brian wilson

[@WayneWoodruff]

Awesome technique, thanks for sharing. I recently bought a 1982 BMW R65LS that has aluminum cases, but they are not brushed. Any ideas for cleaning those up?

[@stuartfillingham]

Hi Wayne im very familiar with these ive had a few pars myself. dealer ships selling them on with a bike generally use the same method to tidy them up as they are a pain to keep looking good! However you could vinyl wrap them. this has become a common practice in recent years.due to the ease with which they scratch. there are all kinds of finishes available even brushed aluminium!

[@felipemvm]

amazing!. how can I eliminate melted shoe from the exhaust? I find the stand lever almost imposible not to put down without accidentally touching the exhaust and it is all blacked out now.

[@stephenmcgonigal4122]

Thanks for this Stuart, I used Cobra degreaser and cleaner and it left streaks on my 2022 T120s casings (week old - eek!). Local garage suggested what you did (but never mentioned using GT85) and it worked fairly well. Garage assumed casing coated with a lacquer and that was what had streaked so they told me to go carefully in case I removed all the lacquer. I take it that's not the case, ie the casings are brushed aluminium and have not coating? Is there anything I should put on the casings when I have finished your steps? Many thanks for your vid, I can sleep a bit easier tonight.

[@metropolitan37]

I have bought a 2016 T120 with only 1600 miles, the price I paid was really very good, but I bought it with the knowledge that the brushed engine cases were marked all over with a sort of mark that appears to be in the alloy, I was told that some of the early T120 were like this. Have you heard of this, and do you think your method of restoring aluminium engine cases would get rid of these marks. Many thanks

[@warwickdahlberg2555]

Very helpful Thankyou

[@gregwood7901]

Great demo Stuart. I admire your confidence in scratching your pride & joy to demonstrate your technique. I'm having trouble with the cast wheels of my 2010 Bonnie SE - milky marks all over, worse on the back than the front. Are the wheels finished in the same way as the engine case on your T120? I thought they might be lacquered and it was the lacquer that was discoloured or perhaps had worn away exposing the metal beneath, which in turn had discoloured. Either way, would your technique work on the wheels? I've been tempted to try Maguire's rim cleaner or solvol autosol but have resisted so far. Any advice appreciated. Thanks a lot & keep up the great work.

[@stuartfillingham]

Im not sure without seeing it Greg, can you take some pics and post them on my facebook page?

[@gregwood7901]

stuart fillingham ok Stuart. Not too au fair with social media but I'll try to do as you suggest. Cheers!

[@tarnand6376]

Thank you for very good video. I was wondering while looking at the badge with a Triumph name on it - is there a way to somehow achieve such bright circular scratch pattern? Thank you.

[@rodz7910]

Great vid, what kind of boots are you wearing? Like that added leather across the front for shifting.

[@stuartfillingham]

They are the Triumph waterproof boots on brown RODZ.

[@federicoricci4499]

Dear Stuart I had a disaster with my aluminium engine cover corroded by an acid during a washing May I send you some photo to have an advise about how to (try to )recover them Best regards Federico

[@stuartfillingham]

BY all means!

[@federicoricci4499]

@@stuartfillingham where I can send photos?

[@TheReverb1]

Hello; time ago I bough a Thruxton R a used one and have 2 spots that seem like stains. I do not think that I can remove them sanding but may be any of you tried another method with success? Thanks

[@chrisjpeltz]

They dont sell GT85 in the States. What alternative would you recommend?

[@johnsonya3401]

Thanks for the video Stuart. I'm in Australia and I've never seen GT85 on sale here. However, I do have MO94 from Muc Off. I'm assuming MO94 will work in the same way GT85 does. Can you confirm that please. Thanks!

[@stuartfillingham]

Yes MO94 will work just fine!

[@cvonp]

Great tips, Stuart. Good looking boots - what brand are they?

[@stuartfillingham]

Triumph waterproof boots sir!

[@cvonp]

Thanks, mate! =)

[@Kyle_S88]

Would this work for light oxidation as well?

[@bullthrush]

Next week, how to remove a ball peen hammer dent from your fuel tank. :))

[@stuartfillingham]

No problem sir! would you like the address to send your tank?

[@sanyamathew6444]

Can acf50 be used instead of gt85? Or wd40 silicone based ?

[@fantomas8483]

Hi Stuart, in Austria I can´t get hands on GT85 or MO94. Would Sonax SX90 or some kind of WD40 (which one?) also work? Would really appreciate an answer. Thanks.

[@mikeabbott7591]

Big fan of your KZbin videos. I live in the U.S. and thus far cannot find GT85. I can order it from the UK, but I’m having problems ordering through eBay. You mentioned that WD40 is not as effective. WD40 has another product called SPECIALIST which is described as a water resistant silicone lubricant. Are you familiar with this product and if so, would it be preferable to the regular WD40?

[@funguseater40]

I normally use ACF50 on the engine. Do you reckon this would work like gt85 does ? Cheers

[@stuartfillingham]

No I wouldn't advise it. it will be too thick and sticky and will make the job harder. any oil based maintenance spray will do the job!

[@funguseater40]

stuart fillingham ok thanks for the heads up mate !

[@virgin26]

I had a loan bike from the dealer, the all black t120, now when I bought mine I wanted the chrome version after nearly a year it looks awful, such hard work to stay on top, any bit of water on the road and the exhaust is covered in crap, how hard is it to de-chrome

[@stuartfillingham]

If you de chrome it Dave. what would you replace the chrome with?

[@RichmondBJJAcademy]

Hello Stuart! Thanks for the great video. Question: can I use Muc Off MO-94 instead of GT85? Thanks!

[@stuartfillingham]

Yes you can!

[@RichmondBJJAcademy]

stuart fillingham thank you kindly, sir!

[@victordunn6490]

Hi Stuart, I can’t believe I’ve won, I’m so excited and for a old man that’s not healthy. I’ve looked on your page and pressed “about” but there is no link to you, or am I just thick?

[@stuartfillingham]

Hi Victor, it should be somewhere up on the top right hand side if not at the left toward the bottom there is the facility to obtain my email address where you can email me directly! congratulations!

[@victordunn6490]

Hi Stuart, I’ve turned your “about” page upside down, inside out but can’t find your email address! Is it just me or are the other prize winners having the same trouble?

[@stuartfillingham]

nice to hear from you victor, no others have been in touch. if you press on the email link and fill out the captcha box you can even email me directly!

[@victordunn6490]

Yes it’s good to hear from you too. I enjoy all your videos I find them very informative and entertaining. I never really expected to win a prize but it was nice to hear my name over the internet. However, I’m not at all good with computers and I can’t find your email address anywhere. I asked a friend to look but, he couldn’t find it either. You can give my prize to charity I have no problem sitting on the wet grass while I watch your show 😃

[@stuartfillingham7011]

Victor Dunn hi again victor. It hasnt come to that yet. Do you or anyone you know use facebook?

[@Rosakru]

Stop fussin' about, your hair is fine... 😂😂 (0:10-0:15).... Ok, sorry mate. I'll get back to watching the rest now. 👍

[@stuartfillingham]

I couldn't see!

[@craigkearney3976]

Hi Stuart, I’ve just come back from a few weeks away and there’s some pitting forming on my casing, do you think this will work on it?

[@stuartfillingham]

well its really the only option Craig, it certainly cant do any harm, as long as you follow my instructions!

[@craigkearney3976]

Worked perfectly Stuart, I think it’s going to be an ongoing battle but at least it’s easy to sort! Thanks for the video!!

[@fernandocarrilho9350]

Hi Stuart, I wonder if i can aplly standard WB-40? Thanks for the video!

[@stuartfillingham]

WD40 isn't as effective as other maintenance sprays Fernando, but if its all you have available you could give it a try.

[@fernandocarrilho9350]

Thanks for your attention Stuart, I guess I can find MO94 from Muc-Off here in Portugal, i'll forget the WD40