Where the
world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989


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Protecting dirt bike rims

I own a '97 Honda CR250 and I am trying to find a way to keep those rims protected and looking good (looking brand new if possible), so I would like to ask someone for help or to suggest a good way to do this.

Thank You.

Ricardo Nunes
student - Lisbon, Portugal
2004

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Hello......... Your question is very very difficult! I think nobody knows the answer to your question in here. I'm sorry but I have a very good idea: Why don't you go to a car service, especially Honda. Maybe they know.

Good Luck.......

Emre Tuna
- Turkey
2004

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Your wheels are probably anodized from the factory. You can test for this by measuring electrical resistance of the metal using an ohm meter. Anodized surfaces have high resistance, bare aluminum will have low, or no resistance. Anodizing is quite tough. As long as no acid or abrasion comes in contact with it, it will last quite a long time. Some special aluminum polishes can take off anodizing, so they should not be used. Bare aluminum can be protected by a number of products, try doing an Internet search for "protect polished aluminum". The forum rules here prohibit mentioning anything by commercial name, so I won't say here what I use.

Ray Coogan
- Lake Havasu City, Arizona
2004

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Ed. note: Thanks for your helpful answer, Ray. The forum tries to offer maximum info transfer possible within real-world constraints -- including that it's just not reasonable to expect a site's supporting advertisers to pay the costs of postings designed to drive business to their competitors :-)
But if you wish to name a consumer product, please do.

Thank you editor for your input, that certainly makes this easier!

I use a product called Zoopseal, made by Zoop Products, Inc. A number of places sell it [on eBay & Amazon].

The application is a little involved, but produces a nice finish that is also heat resistant. I have heard of people using it on valve covers for engines with no ill effect.

Ray Coogan [returning]
- Lake Havasu City, Arizona
2004

Ed. note: ZoopSeal no longer exists under that name; its inventor now calls the product ShineSeal [on eBay & Amazon].