Ducati Monster Forum

Moto Board => Accessories & Mods => Topic started by: uclabiker06 on March 22, 2013, 10:24:05 AM

Title: Swingarm finish S2R
Post by: uclabiker06 on March 22, 2013, 10:24:05 AM
Is there a coating over the S2R swingarm to prevent corrosion?  Just wondering.  Would it be okay to clean it with WD-40 or even Brasso every now and then?  I might get it powder coated in the future if there are too many scratches.  Probably get it the same color as now; just for protection.
Title: Re: Swingarm finish S2R
Post by: ducpainter on March 22, 2013, 10:28:40 AM
It's probably clear anodized.

I'd avoid anything abrasive.
Title: Re: Swingarm finish S2R
Post by: uclabiker06 on March 22, 2013, 11:30:29 AM
Ok, had the bike for about 6 years now and no signs of corrosion yet.  So far so good.
Title: Re: Swingarm finish S2R
Post by: ducpainter on March 22, 2013, 12:50:23 PM
Quote from: uclabiker06 on March 22, 2013, 11:30:29 AM
Ok, had the bike for about 6 years now and no signs of corrosion yet.  So far so good.
There's no corrosion on my 96 and it's anodized and has seen salt.

That's what anodizing is for.
Title: Re: Swingarm finish S2R
Post by: uclabiker06 on March 28, 2013, 11:14:47 PM
 [thumbsup]
Title: Re: Swingarm finish S2R
Post by: corey on May 01, 2013, 02:04:02 PM
anodized you say?....

well... i certainly have regrets about my cleaning methods then...
Title: Re: Swingarm finish S2R
Post by: uclabiker06 on May 01, 2013, 06:06:11 PM
Btw, I put a few coats of clear coat on the back area of the swingarm (the spot right in front of the back tire).  I've seen people put a piece of c/f vinyl in that spot.  Even seen the c/f rear fender but I don't like any of them.  Will add a few more coats.  Just sprayed on a paper towel and rubbed on.  Yes, I cleaned the area with soap,water, toothbrush, then wiped with alcohol.  Figured it would be better than nothing.  Was tempted to clearcoat the whole anodized portion of the swing arm.

I'm having a hard time cleaning the portion that is not anodized.  I used degreaser but couldn't get everything off.  Anyways, cheers to all.
Title: Re: Swingarm finish S2R
Post by: Novelo on May 01, 2013, 09:12:45 PM
The swingers on SSS Monsters are not anodized was curious after seeing this topic and tested mine for resistance.  :-\ Thinking they might have been cleared or something from the factory because they don't really corrode that I'm aware of but I'm always willing to be entertained.  [popcorn]
Title: Re: Swingarm finish S2R
Post by: uclabiker06 on May 02, 2013, 02:22:15 PM
So they are not anodized but cleared, interesting.
Title: Re: Swingarm finish S2R
Post by: ducpainter on May 02, 2013, 02:26:14 PM
Quote from: Novelo on May 01, 2013, 09:12:45 PM
The swingers on SSS Monsters are not anodized was curious after seeing this topic and tested mine for resistance.  :-\ Thinking they might have been cleared or something from the factory because they don't really corrode that I'm aware of but I'm always willing to be entertained.  [popcorn]
I find it difficult to believe they used a more expensive and also less durable method. If clear was cheaper they would do it.

What test did you do?
Title: Re: Swingarm finish S2R
Post by: Novelo on May 02, 2013, 02:39:05 PM
Resistance
Title: Re: Swingarm finish S2R
Post by: ducpainter on May 02, 2013, 03:03:24 PM
Quote from: Novelo on May 02, 2013, 02:39:05 PM
Resistance
Anodizing is an oxide of aluminum which is non conductive.

A resistance test proves nothing.
Title: Re: Swingarm finish S2R
Post by: Charlief on May 02, 2013, 05:35:16 PM
Quote from: ducpainter on May 02, 2013, 03:03:24 PM
Anodizing is an oxide of aluminum which is non conductive.

A resistance test proves nothing.

True


I was tired of cleaning mine so I pc'd it black. Now the dirt doesn't show! ;D
Title: Re: Swingarm finish S2R
Post by: Novelo on May 02, 2013, 09:16:47 PM
Quote from: ducpainter on May 02, 2013, 03:03:24 PM
Anodizing is an oxide of aluminum which is non conductive.

A resistance test proves nothing.


Testing the electrical resistance of something that is know to be nonconductive doesn't prove anything? I guess if your right, your right then.
Title: Re: Swingarm finish S2R
Post by: ducpainter on May 03, 2013, 02:59:28 AM
Quote from: Novelo on May 02, 2013, 09:16:47 PM

Testing the electrical resistance of something that is know to be nonconductive doesn't prove anything? I guess if your right, your right then.
My point is paint is non conductive also. That's why you have to sand any coating off to get a good ground.

You may very well be right about them not being anodized, it's just the test you chose doesn't prove it.
Title: Re: Swingarm finish S2R
Post by: DucDucGoos on May 04, 2013, 04:54:55 PM
Idk about anodizing the swing arm.. seems like powdercoat would be a much better option, endurance wise/ fading.
I love the way they look when powdercoated frame color  ;D
Title: Re: Swingarm finish S2R
Post by: uclabiker06 on May 04, 2013, 11:07:12 PM
Speaking of fading I just removed a decal I had on the swingarm and boy has the finish browned up over the years.  The portion covered by the decal has not browned at all.  

Would it be okay to clean it with brasso?  Or would that eat away whatever coating is on the swingarm.  

On my bike, I prefer the color of the swing arm the way it is but I can see why a lot of folks like to powder it the same color as the frame...
Title: Re: Swingarm finish S2R
Post by: suzyj on May 05, 2013, 04:19:54 AM
Sodium hydroxide  [evil]

http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=55387.0 (http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=55387.0)



Title: Re: Swingarm finish S2R
Post by: uclabiker06 on May 05, 2013, 01:20:17 PM
So the OEM swingarm for the S2R is clear coated ?  Going to clean mine with brasso in a small area that is not visiable to see if it does any good for the slight discoloration/browning that I've noticed as time has gone by.  I think it should do the trick.
Title: Re: Swingarm finish S2R
Post by: ducpainter on May 06, 2013, 02:43:29 AM
Quote from: uclabiker06 on May 05, 2013, 01:20:17 PM
So the OEM swingarm for the S2R is clear coated ?  Going to clean mine with brasso in a small area that is not visiable to see if it does any good for the slight discoloration/browning that I've noticed as time has gone by.  I think it should do the trick.
If you think it's clear coated, why not use a rubbing compound?
Title: Re: Swingarm finish S2R
Post by: uclabiker06 on May 06, 2013, 10:25:20 AM
Because I didn't know any better...thanks.  Any hand rubbing compound(s) that you are particularly fond of Ducpainter?
Title: Re: Swingarm finish S2R
Post by: ducpainter on May 06, 2013, 04:35:27 PM
Quote from: uclabiker06 on May 06, 2013, 10:25:20 AM
Because I didn't know any better...thanks.  Any hand rubbing compound(s) that you are particularly fond of Ducpainter?
DuPont 606 is pretty good for hand work on clear coats.

It's more aggressive than clear coat safe compounds, and as this isn't a tank or some part where you'd destroy the gloss it should work OK.

You should be able to find something at a box store if no PBE shops are around.
Title: Re: Swingarm finish S2R
Post by: uclabiker06 on May 06, 2013, 05:34:44 PM
Thanks, what is a Boxshop? Is this industrial strength stuff?
Title: Re: Swingarm finish S2R
Post by: ducpainter on May 06, 2013, 05:49:20 PM
Quote from: uclabiker06 on May 06, 2013, 05:34:44 PM
Thanks, what is a Boxshop? Is this industrial strength stuff?
Box store=Autozone...Pepboys...etc.

It's professional machine rubbing compound for lacquer paint. It's pretty much obsolete these days because not many shops use lacquer.

Works great by hand for stuff that just needs cleaning.

I used to use it on my aluminum cans that aren't anodized because they dull out.
Title: Re: Swingarm finish S2R
Post by: uclabiker06 on May 06, 2013, 06:42:41 PM
Interesting, can't wait to try it out.  Thanks for sharing this.  It will be a while before I save up enough for a new chain and sprockets so working on the bike should keep me busy.  Thanks again.  ;)