Anodising

Anodising is an electrochemical process that thickens the natural oxide layer on aluminium, and sometimes titanium or magnesium. The part is placed in an acid bath and a current is passed through it, creating a hard, porous surface that can be dyed before it is sealed.

On motorcycles you see anodising on levers, footpegs, triple clamps, sprockets, axle blocks, fork tubes and many CNC-machined accessories. It improves corrosion and wear resistance and gives the familiar red, blue, orange, gold or black finishes.

Anodised colours can fade in strong sunlight and are damaged by aggressive wheel cleaners and some degreasers. Wash with mild, pH-neutral products. A scratched anodised surface cannot be touched up with paint; the part has to be stripped and re-anodised.