CT forks -so why is the chrome so "weak"?

[bazza950]

I took my fork sliders in to Maxton today -Honda want the old ones back as part of the new being supplied under warranty. I took the opportunity to gain some knowledge which is summarized at follows
 good forks are hard chromed with a thickness of 8-10 microns
 CT forks are "flash chromed" maybe 1/2 micron thick- hence our troubles.
most damage occurs from stone chips
the metal"tubes" that are the sliders are very specialized to produce -all different lengths and widths.Only 2 firms make them in the UK and others from  Italy and Poland are sold here
I put it to Maxton that if Honda hadn't honoured the guarantee -what would the best solution be?
I was told that providing the damage wasn't too deep, a proper thick re chrome was the best option BUT occasionally the wheel attachment area ( sorry don't know its proper name) cannot be removed without damage -apparently a grub screw attaches it but its a special one! If it gets damaged a new slider is the only solution.
I asked about fork socks.Rear shocks should NOT be covered I was told, the extra heat retained can change the viscosity of the oil and that affects the damping. A Maxton shock should be serviced at 10-15000 miles .
Front socks- no positive or negatives on those but it was explained that racers make additional shields to stop stones hitting for forks -especially important on front and sides .
Anyway I learnt quite a lot and will respect my forks more in future!

[Matlock]

Interesting stuff, it's amazing that Honda, with their reputation for quality, would skimp on such a vital component on a performance machine. I would guess that the VFR1200 sports tourer is the same and that was their flagship model!

[bazza950]

Matlock you may know that Maxton have a lot to do with racing.Richard told me that when the lads do the NW200 in Ireland the roads are swept prior to the race,but that doesnt stop stones being flicked up- and the riders get loads of bruises with 200mph stone hits!
No wonder they make extra shield to stop the stones hitting the sliders! mt bike he reckoned looked like it had 20 year old forks on it - and the seals cant cope with a rough sider/I am looking at neoprene cover- a firm in Greece make them with zips not velcro

[__Ray__]

I have neoprene shocktubes from Acerbis with just a zip tie on top and bottom.
Downside is you have to take the forks out to slide them on.

Edit: https://www.louis-moto.co.uk/artikel/acerbis-fork-protectors-length-36cm-neopren-black/10045818?list=e204cc86dc51d65790ad757f699168e2&filter_article_number=10045818

[bazza950]

Ray I have ordered the zip ones from Greece -i have had 1nta ( Giannis) talk to the firm there and they sound a good outfit.Once I have them I will take photos as i am sure our members will be interested in how they work
baz

[pehun]

Thanks for these informations.
So the spare tubes that we can find on ebay are better or not?
Do the swap is easy (I've heard that the tubes are screwed AND pasted)?

[bazza950]

pass! I would refer you to the supplier who can answer your question but I was told that removing the axle / brake mount assembly is something that has to be done carefully - so best ask an expert. But yes it seems that aftermarket fork tubes are better chromed than the OEM versions

[pehun]

Perfect, thanks for your answer