Motorcycle Repair: Cleaning Burnt Rubber from Chrome, honda magna, steven fry

Question
I am a new owner of a 1998 Honda Magna. I know I have seen this before, but I really don't want to take any chances on ruining my chrome pieces. Durning the process of bringing down the kickstand, I have managed to leave a number of black scuff marks on my muffler. My question is this: What is the best way to remove these marks without damaging my chrome?

thanks,
Dan

Answer
Hi Dan, Thanks for asking.
Your best bet would be to use a wax, like a turtle wax, or something like it. Apply a small amount, and rub out with a wash cloth. If the marks still wont come out, use a little more of an abrasive wax, and possibly use a buffer at a slow speed. I really dont think your going to hurt the chrome, usually the chrome on exhaust is plated several times for appearence and wont be likely to scratch easily, or damage.

Ive actually seen people use lighter fluid to remove the rubber from exhaust from their shoes, but I've never personally tried this. We used to use lighter fluid in the body shop to remove emblems and decals, stickers, etc. I've never used it on chrome, so beware.

I hope this helps,
Steven Fry
Feel free to let me know how it turns out.