Are modern bikes more susceptible to corrosion?

[Biker9090]

Been hearing a lot of people complaining about the corrosion issues on new bikes and how this wasn't so much of an issue previously. Have to say when I picked up my VFR (immaculate 30k 2010 model) a few months back a guy pulled up on a 2018 R1200R which had paint peeling all over the thing, final drive was almost bare. Thinking back over my bike history I have to agree. Anyone else finding the same?

[scorcher]

As long as it lasts as long as the warranty that’s good enough nowadays. Even then they will find a reason not to pay out on sub standard parts

[FSEngineer]

Modern BMWs seem to be particularly poor in respect to paint flaking off engine casings. It seems like they machine some of the faces after they've been painted, leaving some nice fresh alloy for the elements to get to and start the process.

That's been an issue since at least 2003 based on my personal experience. I suppose the trade off may be better mechanical robustness of modern bikes compared to their older counterparts, but it's a shame that seems to have arrived with a trade-off in finish.

[snagzie]

When I had my K1300S the final drive was the same. Ended up snading some parts back and painting it with black hammerite >.<

[Alimarsh]

I don't get why bikes struggle so much with rust when it's pretty much unheard of in cars these days (which get used and abused alot more in most cases)

[Kawasicki]

Alimarsh said:

I don't get why bikes struggle so much with rust when it's pretty much unheard of in cars these days (which get used and abused alot more in most cases)

Because bike customers don‘t demand corrosion resistance? Because most riders barely use their bikes, especially if it looks like rain? Car components still corrode, it‘s just that you can‘t see the corrosion as much as on a bike. Most corrosion looks ugly, but it has little or no effect on operation.

[Alimarsh]

Kawasicki said:

Alimarsh said:

I don't get why bikes struggle so much with rust when it's pretty much unheard of in cars these days (which get used and abused alot more in most cases)

Because bike customers don‘t demand corrosion resistance? Because most riders barely use their bikes, especially if it looks like rain? Car components still corrode, it‘s just that you can‘t see the corrosion as much as on a bike. Most corrosion looks ugly, but it has little or no effect on operation.

And yet here we are on a bike forum discussing how we'd like more corrosion resistance on our lightly used bikes

[anonymous-user]

Alimarsh said:

I don't get why bikes struggle so much with rust when it's pretty much unheard of in cars these days (which get used and abused alot more in most cases)

Don’t you believe it, my mates Golf R looked fairly manky underneath when we had all the wheels off to slather it in waxoyl.

Edited by anonymous-user on Tuesday 21st September 21:16

[Carlososos]

I know it’s two different brackets of bikes but my first bike 1996 st1100 pan wouldn’t rust even if you wanted it too. Brand new 2017 nc750 rusted if it even saw water.

[Max5476]

Alimarsh said:

I don't get why bikes struggle so much with rust when it's pretty much unheard of in cars these days (which get used and abused alot more in most cases)

Cars do struggle with corrosion, its just neatly hidden by the bodywork. If you were happy to have a tatty looking bike you could treat it the same way you do a car.

[Rubin215]

The people who complain about corrosion on bikes have obviously never owned anything pre-1980 that would dissolve like the Wicked Witch of the West at the first sight of rain...

Learn to wash it and polish it and lube it and love it and you will be fine.