[richlandrick]

Yes, it's "normal" for that part. I've never thought about why it is normal before, so it's kind of interesting.

 

[hugo.atx]

Yes, it's "normal" for that part. I've never thought about why it is normal before, so it's kind of interesting.

Thank you!

I also find it a little strange that Suzuki has not applied a little rust preventive coating to this part.

 

[Sky-on-Strom]

Having read this here before buying my 2020 Wee, I applied WD40 lithium upon receipt and do the same after most rides (always if there’s any moisture on road)

it’s still shiny after 2400mi

In this case a little preventative OCD really didn’t get any benefit.

 

[outdoorgb]

On some alloys, the surface rust is the protective layer.

 

[STCorndog]

It just a mild steel tube. It’s fine with a touch of rust. I am OCD too, so I spray the underside of my moto with ACF50.

 

[Griff]

On my 2016 Strom I have found rust coming thru the paint under the tank, the mirror stalks have rusted and the edges of the spot lamp cowls have also rusted. I am reasonably careful with rinsing my bikes after salty rides in winter and the like, but these rust spots tend to demonstrate poor paintwork on some aspects of the bike. I have them under control for now until I get around to tidying them up.

 

[Philbytx]

Salty rides be bad......

 

[D.T.]

Not sure warranty would cover that....

Probably best to let it go...

 

[Hans471]

Clean the part with steel wool or a Scotch Bright pad, wipe clean, apply some gun blue on it. Do two or three layers of the gun blue and then once its all dry put a touch of oil on it. Problem solved. 15 minutes of your time.
Been there, done that.

 

[nomadic]

It looks like this

 

[hugo.atx]

Wow... I didn't expect that. Then it's not normal for that part to be rusty, although but what I see, a lot of people have it rusty.

 

[Number 6]

You did well seeing that, not many people I know ever get down and look up there, its probably one of the most neglected areas of a bike. It will never cause a problem but a bit of protective grease or oil will satisfy yours and my ocd!

 

[bwringer]

Every steering stem on every motorcycle ever made looks like that. I can't recall ever seeing one that's painted.

If it bothers you that much, go ahead and paint it.

 

[Oliver1979]

My 2021 is the same. She's been washed once since I keep her on the road and clean. We don't salt our roads, I always go for a drying ride after washing, have been in light rain maybe once. She always sleeps in the garage.

 

[Improperly Torqued]

Mine is nicely oxidized as well, at 16 months of age. Not something I care about, personally.

Railroad couplings are forbidden to be painted, because paint obscures fine cracks for which maintenance personnel are required to inspect periodically. Thus, those couplers are always orange from surface oxidation. I'm sure those are a lot tougher than my steering stem, but it does illustrate that surface oxidation isn't necessarily a problem.

 

[PC in BNE]

Doctor Vstrom on YouTube did a little video on how he treated the rust on the stem , it worked well .

 

[hugo.atx]

Thanks guys for all the information and for taking the time to take pictures of your dear ladies (or gentlemen).

Maybe in the future I will put some paint or some kind of anti rust treatment, but for now, and seeing your pictures, I don't worry too much.

 

[Oliver1979]

Thanks guys for all the information and for taking the time to take pictures of your dear ladies (or gentlemen).

Maybe in the future I will put some paint or some kind of anti rust treatment, but for now, and seeing your pictures, I don't worry too much.

I might just paint mine too but the rust extends up into the tube anyway. My gut feel is to leave it alone since it's not really a cosmetic issue.

 

[Smokey69]

My 2007 looks almost brand new, as does my rode-hard, put away wet 2003 DR650. Maybe a more recent metallurgy change.