Motorcycle Repair: Rust removal, chrome polishes, suzuki tu250

Question
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Followup To
Question -
I just bought a 1996 suzuki TU250. The previous owner looked after it mechanically very well but du to student living arrangments often left it outside in the rain. There are quite a few rust spots on the blak painted frame, most about 5mm (1/4 inch) in diameter. How can I remove the rust ant prevent more rust from acumlulating. Thanks so much for any help. Regards, Nicholas.
Answer -
Hi Nicholas.
 Rust removal on the frame is a real nuisance.  It is, however repairable and preventable.

1)  Remove all of the components of the bike that you can (seat, tank, body panels, rear fender, etc) that are near any of rusted areas.

2)  Sand the rusted areas with 400grit sandpaper (till rust is gone) and wipe with a clean cloth.  Repeat with 1000grit sandpaper to smooth the surface a bit for paint.

3)  Mask off anything that you do not want primed/painted.

4)  Using the thickest laying primer, prime the surface.

5)  Using the thickest spray paint for metal surfaces (Rustoleum is good), spray the freshly repaired surfaces.  Follow drying instructions for multiple coats and repeat for about 3 - 5 coats.

6)  Do not store the bike out in the weather if at all possible.

7)  In the future, use the best protecting cleaners and waxes for the entire bike.

Easy enough to do, but time consuming.
Good luck.
FALCON

Thanks so much for the above advice, I'm going to get to work on it straight away! I would love if you could tell me how to remove the tiny rust spots on the chrome parts of the bike without scratching the chrome. Also do you know a good household cleaner that would work on the mould and dirt build up on the vynil seat?

Answer
Hi Nicholas.
 As far as the rust on the chrome, there are a few chrome polishes out there that also have rust remover in them.  Turtlewax Chrome polish is one that I have had success with in the past.  Used with a Dremel and polishing wheel, it should work.  If not, then you may just have to replace or rechrome the rusted parts.  For the po;lishes and cleaners, check the local auto parts store for the same stuff that the show car guys use.  They generally pick the best stuff on the market for the job.

For the dirt on a vynil seat, just use a good wash, just like the rest of the bike.  To get rid of mold and mildew, just use some Lysol or similar cleaner on it.

Remember that just because it isn't designed specifically for bikes, doesn't mean that you can't use it on your bike.
That hold most true for cleaners and polishes.

Most importantly; NEVER use Armorall on your seat or tires.  It will cause a dangerous situation if you do.  Armorall makes the seat and tire treads slick as ice.

Good luck.
FALCON