Anodizing front forks query

[Pyro]

Hi Buell XB
I'm told that anodizing the front forks weakens them. Is there any truth to this?
I have a XB12Ss and am keen to change my forks to black but a local fork service company advised against it due to weakening the structural integrity.
Any advice much appreciated. Thanks.

 

[50dro]

I call BS! I'm not sure what the clear (or black) coating is on the Buells but if you've ever seen gold forks on sport bikes, dirt bikes etc., they are anodized. I'm pretty sure that netty2424 did his in gold not too long ago. There was a thread about it. A lot of people powder coat them which is a good solution. You just have to watch the dimensional buildup. You can scratch them slipping them back into the triples if you're not careful.

Keep in mind that the shiny tube has to remain as is and the bottom cast part where the wheel mounts to must be painted or powder coated. Good luck!

 

[Pyro]

Thanks.

 

[50dro]

You're welcome!

My bad...he had them powdered gold. netty2424

...but I know someone on here has anodized them.

 

[user_deleted]

pyro: what 50dro said. the big-name suspension manufacturers anodize various suspension parts including top tupe caps, outer tubes, hardware, etc all the time. doubt they would be doing it if anodization process weakened any of the parts. the liability from that would have put them out of business ions ago.

 

[vve are the end]

Anodizing would actually strengthen them. The exterior at least.

 

[Got jack 7]

[up] 50dro why does the shinny part has to stay as is? Can't u anodize them as well? Or is it a seal issue that u can't?

 

[50dro]

why does the shinny part has to stay as is? Can't u anodize them as well? Or is it a seal issue that u can't?

I believe it is a seal issue. Furthermore, I believe they are stainless so therefore you can't anodize them...and coating them would definitely affect the seal.

 

[user_deleted]

^^^again what dro said. on all XB's the slider portion is what's clamped in the upper and lower triple clamps. it is stationary of course. the fork "tube" is what you're calling the shiny portion. the tubes compress and telescope from within the sliders on "upside down" cartridge forks which all XB's have from Showa. the sliders contain the fork seals. the tubes are high nickel stainless with a micro finish that is swirled to give compatibility between the moving steel surface and the fork seals. without that swirling type finish or if they were anodized they would leak like a sieve.

 

[Got jack 7]

[up] thanks guys.

 

[Pyro]

All good guys. Thanks very much. Anodizing it is then. Leaning toward black but considering gold.

 

[50dro]

One thing I failed to mention before...Anodizing is more prone to fading than powder is...Something to consider. You're not going to want to (hopefully ever) pull your forks to freshen the color up due to fading.

 

[reebis]

I've seen someone on here DLC coat the shiny part and it turned out pretty decent. I think that's the only real option given that part has to interact with the fork seals.

 

[LightningLevi]

I would personally powdercoat them if it were me. Like 50dro said, anodizing can fade. I have a set of mirrors and a bar clamp that are anodized and started out black. Both faded in about 6-10 months. The bar clamp turned kinda grayish and the mirrors turned friggen orange [confused] . And it only sat in the sun when I was at work. It lives in the garage when at home. Well, unless that shop can guarantee that it won't fade. My stuff could've just had a cheap finish on it.