Hello everyone.

Recently purchased a 2002 SW and it has a bad case of pitted rims and the motor case looks like it has been driven in the salty north or possibly on the beach. Wondered it anyone has hand any experience with getting rims/engine case refinished? I am probably going to do a full tear down and re-paint the tupperware as well.

Thanks,
Jasper

Not with the Silverwing but friends have resorted to having scabby Piaggio X9 and Suzuki Burgman rims powder-coated.
It seems to do the trick.

Having owned two Burgmans and rode them through the winter months, I never had a problem with corroded, pitted, or peeling wheels. I always made sure I hosed down the scoots with cold water after a ride, even when the shorter days meant I was doing it in poor light. The bigger Burger was a real pig to clean especially turning the rear wheel. The grainy finish and spoke design also held brake dust in a way that the smooth finish and 3 spoke design of the Silver Wing doesn't, and Honda wheels are a lot easier to clean.

I've read a few posts on the Muppets forum and elsewhere about corroding Burgman wheels, blaming Suzuki quality, and getting them changed under warranty. My feeling was the owners probably did nothing to neutralise the corrosive effects of road salt during the winter months.

I wonder if geographical location has a bearing - the friends of whom I speak all commute-ride in London.
Three in particular are wash-and-polish mad so would agree wholeheartedly with keeping them salt-free.