Boxerworks.com

Have some light surface rust on the top of my triple tree, headset nut, and a few other places on the bike. I know it won't take much to remove it, but, at least with the fork, I don't want to release my alignment just to remove the rust. So I want to avoid dismantling to sandblast, etc. I was thinking of removing the tank, handlebars, etc, and carefully applying/rinsing naval jelly...or a light sandpaper - 80 grit, for example. Any other suggestions?

You should be able to get rid of light surface rust with an SOS pad. 80 grit is for the heaviest of rust.

SOS pad is my thought, too. (use a new one!! rub lightly.)
You could also use rubbing compound...and 0000 steel wool.
Apply some good auto wax or chrome polish aftrwards to prevent new rust!

One of the things I like about the SOS pad (new) is the coating their soap leaves behind.

Embarrassed to admit that I've never really used an SOS pad, although I do know what they are!! I guess my house is a scotchpad house! I assume I need to add a little water to active the soap? And rub the rust away, I hope.

Yes ...add water. I usually cut the pad into quarters to do small areas.

SOS pads are just steel wool with soap. You are not removing grime or grease, just rust , right?
I would suggest steel wool with a chrome or metal polish or oil.

Skip the SOS pads they're intended to clean kitchen utensils –
Too abrasive !
For light rust try a rag, rubbing compound, and elbow grease.
If the rust is a bit more entrenched, start with a very fine (0000) steel wool.
Work the rust with the least abrasive method and plenty of elbow grease first –
Haste and aggressive methods here increase the chances of destroying the paint surface,
and this will promote future corrosion.

Try rubbing compound with a toothbrush (used or someone else’s).

I've had good success using Mothers Aluminum polish (probably a very mild abrasive) with a long narrow strip of towel for some of those difficult to reach areas using a back and forth motion. Of course I use that for the aluminum parts as well with excellent results (turn signal housings, wheels, etc.).