RESPONSE from Adventure Spec re:  the aluminum showing thru....


"   Adventure-Spec <enquiries@adventure-spec.com>
   
2:54 AM (5 hours ago)
     
to me

Dave,

Actually, painting as a process is approximately the same price as hard anodizing, but in this case all the KTM 690 Parts are hard anodized, not painted. We do this because it is more durable (as you suggest).

Hard anodizing is a chemical process that bonds a coloured pigment with the outer 'skin' of the Aluminium. Typically the coating is between 0.0005" to 0.006" thick, which means that once the outer layer is breached by your 150kg bike dropping on a rock the aluminium underneath will show thorugh. There is no way to stop this unfortunately unless we could somehow acquire a pigmented aluminium (which does not currently exist).

I hope this helps explain a little more about your product.

Dave


With best regards,
Customer Service

Interesting to me, as I personally did think hard anodizing would be a bit tougher then that..... I will say this though, not sure on my KLR what process they used, but the side engine cover which was black...also rubbed right thru within a week of me having the bike where my boot rubbed on it.   I guess hard anodizing won't stop that.....