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How to Repair a Scratched Aluminum Motorcycle Swingarm

I have a 2006 Honda CBR1000RR with the silver aluminum swingarm. While transporting the motorcycle it got severely scratched on one side. I would like to make it look better. From what I've read it sounds like it can't be fixed without a lot of work, I would just like it to be less noticeable. How can I remove some of the more shallow scratches without removing the anodized finish? What should I start with, rouge, steel wool, or sandpaper?

Mike Coop
motorcycle owner - Jacksonville, Florida, USA
March 4, 2009

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March 4, 2009

Hi, Mike. As a first step try to find a Magic Marker of the right shade and just darken the scratches back to the right shade. You may find this to be good enough. Let us know.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

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It aluminum colored, a shiny brushed aluminum, you can see the metal grain very easily. I included a picture, but I guess it wasn't posted.

I was going to start with the white rouge [affil links] and see if most of the light scratches will buff out. I guess I'll keep going to emery, then steel wool [affil link on Amazon], and wet sanding if it doesn't work.

Mike Coop
- Jacksonville, Florida
March 5, 2009