As I wait for the spring to come, there is time to do some personalization!

So here is my little Baby Ninjette, next to my Husband's KTM, which makes it look even smaller than it already is LOL!
My only consolation is that it dwarfs his sportbike too.

Both the KTM and my Ninjette got new stripes.

So here's the regular view:

http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/oo29/Scorpielle/DSCN0901.jpg


And here is the super Glowing Look in the flash:

http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/oo29/Scorpielle/DSCN0900.jpg

What else do you do on Feb14th besides work in the garage on you bike! LOL :D

Did you each do your own? Great contest to see who has the steadier hand. Bikes do look great with them on. :thumbup:

That's your garage?? :D

Nice job Elle! I especially like the color you chose :)

Thanks! Yup that's our garage,, the "workshop" ,since no regular cars have ever been in it. We did have an old Austin Mini a few years ago, it took up the back 1/2 lol
But now it's just for the bikes and the work bench.
I picked the Blue cause it would work with my leathers too, (black/white/blue) it really pops though, i like it. :D

(and no I left the application to the expert, my husband, since he's put it on a few bikes in the past as well, I didn't want to have it wobbling all over the place if I tried it LOL )

Here's everyone back in order again, put away for the night:

http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/oo29/Scorpielle/wr.jpg

I brought some of those too and as any good DIY gurl I'm installing them myself (though I must confess I don't have the steadiest hands either, LOL)!! :D

Did you by any chance notice how long it took your husband to put the rim tape on your ninja?

I brought some of those too and as any good DIY gurl I'm installing them myself (though I must confess I don't have the steadiest hands either, LOL)!! :D

Did you by any chance notice how long it took your husband to put the rim tape on your ninja?


Well it was a team effort, I cut them apart as they came on 1 large sheet and he put them on,, so I'd say for the 4 sides... hmmm an hour the most,, just depends how steady your hand is and how quickly you stick it on, but just a warning, clean your rims with rubbing alcohol and once you stick it on you can't peel and re-position. Have fun and post pics!

Thanks for the help! I'll get the rubbing alcohol next time I go to the store. My wheels are stock aluminum color right now, I think the rim tape (reflective magenta) will look better on a black rim though.

For now I'm debating whether to DIY the paint job or take it to a pro... :noidea:

how long do you anticipate keeping the bike? If a long time, take it to a pro and have them powdercoated.

Elle- Are you sure it was rubbing alcohol and not isopropyl alcohol?

kkim, I anticipate keeping Itoshii for as long as I humanly can... no intentions to "upgrade" to a bigger bike.

Any idea how much for powdercoating the rims?

It depends on your area, but forum member Beast had his done for about $600 in California, if I remember correctly. You can PM him and ask to get an accurate amount.

$600!!?!?!?! :eek:

I guess I'll shop around diff paint shops for estimates and cross my fingers it won't be that expensive.

I did see some paint made for car engines (heat resistant and all that jazz), shouldn't that hold up?

It should, but powercoating is usually more durable than paint. Check around your area for both and see what they quote you.

Your silver rims are looking better and better, aren't they? ;)

I asked about this also. Got quoted $100 a wheel and they would strip off the old paint and power coat them.
But you need to replace the bearings and add in the labor to take off the tires and remount them.

how long do you anticipate keeping the bike? If a long time, take it to a pro and have them powdercoated.

Elle- Are you sure it was rubbing alcohol and not isopropyl alcohol?

Hmmm... rubbing alcohol is isopropyl alcohol :D

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isopropyl_alcohol

I understood rubbing alcohol was 70% isopropyl and 30% water with oils mixed in for use when rubbing. I have found a few that says they contain oil online, but most just list 70/30 alcohol/water. It seems I was mistaken that all rubbing alcohols contain oil.

My point being, if you used a rubbing alcohol that contained oil you could be putting something with a lubricant in it to clean the rim making the rim tape not stick as well. I usually use 99% pure isopropyl alcohol when I want to clean things of oil and grease before application.

everclear would work just fine too ;) 200 proof ethanol, and God knows, you wouldn't want to actually drink the stuff!

we used to have Everclear at work to clean the tape recorder heads back in the days when we were using tape to store data. nothing else would do as it was speced for the heads we were using at the time. stuff tastes terrible, but packs a wallop!! :D

Everclear is 95% alcohol...190 Proof

I've drank far to much in my youth :o

What is the width of the tape you used? I found some at a local bike shop for $11.99 and wouldn't mind putting some on Tyke... Just not sure what size would be best.

What is the width of the tape you used? I found some at a local bike shop for $11.99 and wouldn't mind putting some on Tyke... Just not sure what size would be best.

Is it the reflective sort?

Looked like it.. According to their website.. Yes

http://www.petescycle.com/eshopprod_cat_4107-41269-30293_product_531026_keyword_Tape.PROGRIP174_WHEEL_TAPE.htm

In store it was cheaper...

Nice!! I feel ripped off, I paid around $22 :(

Oh well!! The one I got is 5' long and 3/8" wide and should look like this when installed:
http://www.tapeworks.com/Rimstripes/6146.jpg

everclear would work just fine too ;) 200 proof ethanol, and God knows, you wouldn't want to actually drink the stuff!

:eek:
did you say EVERCLEAR?!?
:puke:


:redface:
sorry...had me a not-so-clear ever clear flash back...




:happy30:

:eek:
did you say EVERCLEAR?!?
:puke:


:redface:
sorry...had me a not-so-clear ever clear flash back...




:happy30:

What happened if you don't mind me asking?

the year was 1982, the place, zaragosa air base, spain.

we were t.d.y. there from germany, getting our F-4 jocks some sorties on the bomb range and we had us a little weekend mojo session. you know mojo yes?...take a cooler, the bigger the better...and make this potent alcoholic and fruit drink mixture...add a little ice w/the sliced fruit and everclear firewater...top it all off with these long-ass straws made out of oil sample tubes and commence ta getting stupid...!

i knew we was in trouble when someone tripped and broke the fall with his face...the rest is kinda fuzzy... :faint:

the year was 1982, the place, zaragosa air base, spain.

Oh jeez, and that's how all good TDY stories start..

i knew we was in trouble when someone tripped and broke the fall with his face...the rest is kinda fuzzy... :faint:

Didn't the fella have hands? :p

Hi Scorpielle, I also live in canada, where did you buy your rim stripes?

Hi Scorpielle, I also live in canada, where did you buy your rim stripes?


Actually , got them on Ebay, I'll try and find the username I bought them from for you. :D

thanks Scorpielle, that would be great, just awaiting delivery of an 09 candy thunder blue, i'm thinking it will match the color pretty close.

Here is the Ebay sellerhttp://myworld.ebay.com/ebaymotors/elite_vinyl_designs/:

Looks great... definitely stands out. On black bikes, I'm only used to seeing Time Attack (red) stripes

LOL, I got Red ;)

Looks great... definitely stands out. On black bikes, I'm only used to seeing Time Attack (red) stripes
hey, what's wrong with a black bike and red stripes? :p

but that is the good thing about a black bike. black goes well with almost anything.