Kawi2strokes.com Forum

The humidity in Hawaii promotes rust... quickly. I've replaced several steering head bolts (H1, H2, KZ900) and the new bolts started rusting within a couple of years. I keep my bikes covered too.

Somewhere on the 'net I found information about a company in the UK that makes these bolts and many others in stainless steel. I bought two steering head bolts. The seller discounted the shipping, I don't remember the details, I think I paid shipping for one item when I bought two.

A stainless steering head bolt costs $33, expensive yes but it looks fantastic and I don't forsee ever changing it again.

The vendor name is Classic Bike Fasteners on e-bay.

https://www.ebay.com/usr/classic_bike_f ... 7675.l2559

Here are the before and after pics

Looks great.

Yes, thanks Mike, that's good information. I don't think it's expensive either. They're not in mass production.

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If it surges, that's normal, upshift.

Hi Mike,

Not far from the ocean, I struggle with routine moisture issues as well. Forward facing chrome or raw metal takes the brunt. The moist salty air clings to those surfaces after a ride and then the rust has it's fuel. The brake rotor edge, fork tubes, throttle cable and brake line ends, turn signal stems, etc..

A small light placed on the floor under my bike cover did the trick for me. Don't use an LED. You want the warmth, not the light. I use a 60 watt bulb in one of those aluminum clamp type fixtures. Just a few bucks at HD, it keeps it warm/dry enough under the cover to fight off the rust from starting between bike rides and polishing/waxing sessions.

Good advice on the light bulb.
It's amazing what it will do. Found out when I lived in Prince Edward Island in the 70s
I had a problem with my water pump, in my un-insulated old farmhouse basement, freezing in Winter.
A friend told me to place a 60-75 watt bulb next to it and it never froze up again.
Just a bit of warmth made a huge difference.

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Bad decisions make the best stories.