Bike is getting painted! [Archive]

OCDetails

03-27-2007, 09:49 PM

This is a good week to be without a bike. We are supposed to have like 6" of snow on the valley floor tonight. Fantastic... It is going to be 70 degrees on Thursday too. lol Gotta love this climate...

Anyway, I took my motorcycle to my painter on Saturday and he started pulling things off before the engine was even cold. He is a very efficient painter. :) He sent me pictures on Sunday night on what his progress was. Here it is:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/OCDetails/side1-1.jpg

I liked the concept a lot, but I am really a fan of darker designs. So he said he could do it in blue, but the flames wouldn't show up as much from a distance. I'm fine with that as long as it looks good up close. :) So today this is what he sent me:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/OCDetails/side12.jpg

That is going to look absolutely awesome once it is all back on the bike. Considering I brought it to him as a yellow beast, this is a huge difference. It really shows off his talent as a painter. I'm really looking forward to getting it back so I can start enhancing the appearance with some good products. I also need to bust out the Slick Stixxx on it that arrived just days before I had to drop it off, so I really didn't get much time to play with them on the bike. That thing is going to look good as new in a month thanks to a talented painter and Danase.com. 8)

Bob

03-28-2007, 09:22 AM

Looking great!

OCDetails

04-10-2007, 01:19 AM

Here's an update. The bike is basically done. There is just the wet sanding and clearcoat stages left to go. Some of these pictues make it look a lot lighter blue than it actually is. It is dark blue like the side cover hanging on the garage door. I can't wait to see it all put back together! Now just watch... with my luck I'll dump it on the way home. lol

Here is the tank before it was finished.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/OCDetails/IMGP3022.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/OCDetails/IMGP3025.jpg

These are pictures of it mostly done. Some more detail needs to be put on the flames, but I don't have those pictures yet.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/OCDetails/IMGP3033.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/OCDetails/IMGP3034.jpg

This one is also not quite finished. He said he was going to paint a little thing on the back with his business name on it. Sort of his signature. I figured for a paint job this well done, I don't mind doing a little advertising for him. He has done an awesome job.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/OCDetails/IMGP3035.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/OCDetails/IMGP3037.jpg

Bob

04-10-2007, 08:32 AM

That came out awesome! Can't wait to see it on the bike now!

wifehatescar

04-10-2007, 09:47 AM

yeah, the bike should look totally different now.

Bob

04-10-2007, 10:19 AM

Anthony makes me go back and forth about a bike all of the time! I went this weekend looking at bikes to 3 different dealers and I was looking for a sport touring style bike but the bikes I seemed to feel the most comfortable on are the cruisers. I really dug this Suzuki Intruder I was on. Then I thought, "Eh, I don't really need a bike." Then Anthony post and I want one again. LOL My wife and I are going to take the bike class this summer so we will see how that goes.

OCDetails

04-11-2007, 07:09 PM

Intruders are nice, but they are just too small. I know that sounds weird from a guy with a small bike, but you really want something that will at least get up and move on the freeway and not feel like you are going to get blown off the road everytime a semi drives by. ;) I love my little 535 Virago. It has the looks and the power that I want. I'd love a little bigger bike, but that would be in addition to this one. I just like this sucker too much. Especially now that it is painted. Holy cow it is going to look cool. I may be able to pick it up on Saturday afternoon. I'm so pumped!

He sent me some pictures today. He didn't like how the flames on the tank pretty much took up the whole thing, so he resprayed the black and put a new set of flames on. He said there is still a little more work to be done on it before he clears it, but I think this looks so much better just with the work he has done. It was awesome before, but this makes the flames stand out more. He just masked off the rest of the tank while he did the flames.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/OCDetails/tank3.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/OCDetails/tank2.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/OCDetails/tank.jpg

Bob

04-11-2007, 08:34 PM

The Intruder was an 800cc though. I figured that was decent?

wifehatescar

04-11-2007, 09:14 PM

Bob-
You have to look at the cc's and the bike weight.
My bike is only a 650 but is only 400lb. 800cc is a good size, but what does the bike weigh? Plus V twins usually make less power than a sport bike inline 4.
All in all, take the MSF class first, then decide what bike you might like. If you find out you suck at riding, then it won't matter what bikes you like :lol:

And, PS, no one NEEDS a bike :wink:

OCDetails

04-11-2007, 10:03 PM

An 800cc is a good size. I was thinking you were still looking at the smaller size.

Weight is important. My bike is a 535 and it weighs around 450 lbs I believe. it's definitely over 400. A light bike is nice, but it will vibrate a lot as you get going faster. That's one of the reasons the light 250cc cruiser bikes suck on the open road. They just float too much. Even a 250 sport bike will leave you lacking, but they are more than enough for a learner to get used to. You'll want to upgrade to a little bit bigger bike as soon as you get the chance though.

You may never really 'need' a bike, but they are the cheapest therapy you can find. Take a nice fall afternoon and go for a ride through the mountains and you'll feel like a new person afterwards. Unless it is raining or freezing then you can count on me taking my bike into work. I am in a way better mood when I ride that than when I take the truck.

budman3

04-11-2007, 10:42 PM

An 800cc is a good size. I was thinking you were still looking at the smaller size.

The 800cc is the small Intruder. The other is a 1500cc which is a very very nice bike. The 1500 is balanced very well kind of like a Harley with a low center of gravity. I like the phrase "There is no replacement for displacement". But that is my huble opinion... my other opinion is against chains... shaft or belt driven would be ideal. Look at my Supermoto... 400cc engine and chain driven, you would think I'd hate it, wrong :)

Bob

04-12-2007, 08:11 AM

Thanks fellas!

wifehatescar

04-12-2007, 09:11 AM

...go for a ride through the mountains...
:lol: You do realize where Bob and I live right?

But seriously, I agree it does good things for the emotions. When I ride to work I'm in a better mood all day.

I like my light bike, it's more manuverable and fine on the highway unless you want to go over 80 which I try not to do :oops: But everyone has their preferences. Even 500lb is not bad, I just hate those 800lb+ beasts, you tip it a couple inches either way and it feels like it would surely fall over despite your leg strength.

Bob

04-12-2007, 09:26 AM

What do you guys use for helmets?

I am pretty sure, when I go to get a bike, I will get a crusier style bike. I want a full face helmet but, as stupid as this sounds, I think the open face looks better on a rider of a cruiser bike. But I want to be protected as much as possible.

wifehatescar

04-12-2007, 10:03 AM

Ah, the classic question.

I have a full face Shoei RF1000, it's about $400 and I love it. Of course full face is the way to go for safety. For looks vs. safety, it is a personal choice. But I like my face in 1 piece.

That is half the reason I do not want a cruiser. I would still dress like a Power Ranger/Marshmallow Man (as I do now) but it would look worse IMO when I'm on a cruiser bike.

If you are set on a cruiser, I would think you could go all black with a full face and it would look ok. But again colors are more visible.

Just depends if you treat it more like a fashion show or a safety issue. I worry about how I look, but secondary to keeping my ass padded :mrgreen:

Bob

04-12-2007, 10:16 AM

I was thinking of getting a full face and painting it flat black or flat white.

Thanks Steve!

wifehatescar

04-12-2007, 11:03 AM

You really should find a shop to try some on first. Different helmets fit different head shapes. A Large HJC's give me a headache within 2 minutes. A Large Shoei fits me like a glove.

This place has a good selection to try, they are in Dearborn Heights
http://www.rosenaupowersports.net/

Bob

04-12-2007, 11:13 AM

I went to Rosenau but they where expensive. I will probably end up buying from Atomic in Monroe. I guess i could go to Rosenau and try on though.

wifehatescar

04-12-2007, 11:24 AM

Buy from wherever, I'm just saying to try them on there.

I actually did buy my helmet and boots from Rosenau...they were able to match the best internet prices I could find as my helmet and Sidi boots were not on sale anywhere, 'net or otherwise. My rf1000 was stickered at $475, I got it for $375, which was pretty decent.

wifehatescar

04-12-2007, 11:25 AM

Man, this thread is hijacked! Sorry OCDetails :lol:

Bob

04-12-2007, 11:25 AM

Sweet deal! Thanks!

OCDetails

04-12-2007, 01:11 PM

[quote="Bob"]I was thinking of getting a full face and painting it flat black or flat white.

Thanks Steve!

You don't have to get a full face and then paint it flat black or white. My helmet is an HJC CL-14 and it is already black. You can get them flat black, but mine is glossy.

Also keep in mind that there is a big difference in comfort and fit between a 50 dollar helmet and a 800 dollar helmet. I've got an Icon helmet that was given to me by a friend at work that would have run $800 bucks. He used to be sponsored and never paid for his helmets, so it wasn't any loss to him to give it to me. The thing is bad ass and way different than the HJC one that I have.

Bob

04-12-2007, 01:23 PM

[quote=Bob]I was thinking of getting a full face and painting it flat black or flat white.

Thanks Steve!

You don't have to get a full face and then paint it flat black or white. My helmet is an HJC CL-14 and it is already black. You can get them flat black, but mine is glossy.

Also keep in mind that there is a big difference in comfort and fit between a 50 dollar helmet and a 800 dollar helmet. I've got an Icon helmet that was given to me by a friend at work that would have run $800 bucks. He used to be sponsored and never paid for his helmets, so it wasn't any loss to him to give it to me. The thing is bad ass and way different than the HJC one that I have.
Well those ones are half off and is why I was thinking of going the painted route. ;)

I will have to go try them on this weekend I guess.LOL

OCDetails

04-12-2007, 01:50 PM

You could always go for this one. lol

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/mcy/309889367.html

That is actually a pretty sweet looking helmet. You would have to sacrifice quite a bit of visibility, but man... can you imagine the reaction of people as they saw you riding? I showed that to my painter and it got him thinking... ;) Maybe I'll get some junker helmet and give it to him to paint for me. Sort of a matching helmet to the bike for show and not for wearing.

Bob

04-12-2007, 02:00 PM

Freaking sweet!

Bob

04-12-2007, 02:51 PM

https://018372f.netsolstores.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=17
What do you think of this jacket?

wifehatescar

04-12-2007, 03:38 PM

You could shop for apparel for ever, it's a personal preference.
The CE armor is always good though. Leather protects more but is hotter and not good in the rain, so there is really no definative answer. I have a similar textile coat but it has leather on the elbows and shoulders which I like fwiw.

Bob

04-12-2007, 04:05 PM

OCDetails

04-15-2007, 12:35 AM

I just picked up the bike this afternoon and got a couple pictures before the sun went down. This thing is awesome looking! I can't believe he did all this work for free.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/OCDetails/DSC00679.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/OCDetails/DSC00680.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/OCDetails/DSC00681.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/OCDetails/DSC00682.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/OCDetails/DSC00712.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/OCDetails/DSC00719.jpg

I don't see swirl free black paint very often, so I'm enjoying it while I can. ;) I'm going to give it some time before I wax over it or seal it or anything, but I'm sure I'll be able to keep the swirls under control. It isn't like paint on a bike gets a whole lot of contact anyway.

Bob

04-15-2007, 12:59 PM

Looks awesome!

Jose

04-15-2007, 03:41 PM

Looks like a masterpiece!

OCDetails

04-15-2007, 06:02 PM

Ok, last batch of pictures. I got some in the sun today. One thing I notice is that there is overspray all over the bike. :( Oh well... Nothing that a little clay didn't fix. I need to figure out how to get it off the seat though. I've tried a couple leather cleaners and vinyl cleaners with no luck. Leather Stuff, Danase Leather RX, Meguiar's #39, Wolfgang leather cleaner, I even busted out the goat urine lexol leather cleaner. No joy.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/OCDetails/DSC00758.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/OCDetails/DSC00754.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/OCDetails/DSC00752.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/OCDetails/DSC00750.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/OCDetails/DSC00745.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/OCDetails/DSC00744.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/OCDetails/DSC00747.jpg

Erik got jealous while I was taking pictures, so he managed to get himself in a shot. lol

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/OCDetails/DSC00761.jpg

Bob

04-16-2007, 09:57 AM

Looks fabulous Anthony!

I know you all hate 250's :lol: but this weekend I found a used Ninja 250 at a dealer and I was just sitting on it looking it over and a guy and his wife came to look at it too. The guy went on and on how he loved the 250, I thought he was a dealer at first :lol: . He told us that he had one and just traded it in for a 650 but he really loved the 250 for his first bike. I tell you, the price was right on a used 1700 mile 250 and it felt very comfortable to sit on.

OCDetails

04-16-2007, 01:25 PM

They aren't bad bikes. The problem is that you want more very very quickly. A 250 sportbike is a little different than a 250 cruiser just because of the engine configuration and how the power is generated. I wouldn't suggest taking the 250 on the freeway, but it would be a fine commuter bike. They use Ninja 250s at the MSF riding classes around here. Rebels and Ninjas.

wifehatescar

04-16-2007, 02:11 PM

I like the 250 ninja's for what they are, you can't beat the price. You may want to look privately though for a better deal. They are always on Craigslist Detroit.

You can take it on the highway if you want...max speed is 90-something mph, I think. But OCD is right, it is not quick at all. Most buy one for a year or so and then sell to upgrade, but do what makes you happy. Just be sure to ride before you buy, after the MSF class.

OCDetails

04-16-2007, 10:36 PM

I think for a starter bike you could probably do worse than a 250. If you decide you don't like riding, or if you lay it down (God forbid), then at least you aren't dumping an $8000 bike or something. There are always people looking for good starter bikes, so selling it wouldn't be a problem.