A question about painting parts

[Shoganai]

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Are there any know issues with painting the parts outlined in the image below?




I have no problem gutting the fork tubes, so I'll most likely powder coat them when I do the wheels.


Thanks in advance,
Shogs


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[adouglas]

Other than potentially questionable aesthetics, why would there be?

Any paint that will stick to plastic should work.

[Shoganai]

Thank you.

Originally Posted by adouglas

Other than potentially questionable aesthetics, why would there be?

Any paint that will stick to plastic should work.

[jkv45]

One tip - if the paint is in decent condition, don't strip it off. Sand the paint (clear actually) well with 400 wet sandpaper and scuff the tight spots with a Scotchbrite pad. It should all be evenly dull when dry.

Clean it well. Use a wax and grease remover on the parts before sanding if you've waxed them recently, and be sure to wipe down everything well after sanding.

[adouglas]

None of the outlined parts are in fact painted, except the fork legs. They just black plastic.

+1 on surface prep, but that goes for any paint project, any surface.

[Shoganai]

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Thank you.

I just don't the time or place to paint it myself. I'm paying a professional.

Originally Posted by jkv45

One tip - if the paint is in decent condition, don't strip it off. Sand the paint (clear actually) well with 400 wet sandpaper and scuff the tight spots with a Scotchbrite pad. It should all be evenly dull when dry.

Clean it well. Use a wax and grease remover on the parts before sanding if you've waxed them recently, and be sure to wipe down everything well after sanding.

Thank you.

Yes, I know.

Originally Posted by adouglas

None of the outlined parts are in fact painted, except the fork legs. They just black plastic.

+1 on surface prep, but that goes for any paint project, any surface.

I just ordered a sample of the special paint to see it in person. I have some old fairing bits to try it out on.

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[alex.s]

the side piece by the knees doesn't take painting well for some reason. really odd textured surface as well as really flexible and always being flexed. i would recommend not painting that piece.

they make vinyl wrap that works much better for those pieces.

[Shoganai]

Thank you. I kinda suspected that, and thus the reason for posting this thread.
I figured someone here had hard facts.
I'll follow your recommendation.

Originally Posted by alex.s

the side piece by the knees doesn't take painting well for some reason. really odd textured surface as well as really flexible and always being flexed. i would recommend not painting that piece.

they make vinyl wrap that works much better for those pieces.

[jkv45]

Originally Posted by adouglas

None of the outlined parts are in fact painted, except the fork legs. They just black plastic.

+1 on surface prep, but that goes for any paint project, any surface.

What do you mean?

Even black parts body panels are usually painted and cleared unless they are textured or matte finish.

[Hero Danny]

Rather than paint the tail, why not just chop it off? Looks 100 times better and there are plenty of legal fender eliminator kits out there for less than $50

Be sure to post pics of the painted product... it shall be interesting...

[alex.s]

Originally Posted by jkv45

What do you mean?

Even black parts body panels are usually painted and cleared unless they are textured or matte finish.

in this case they are black died and textured ABS, no paint or clear. after a while in the sun they begin to fade back to white.

[alex.s]

Originally Posted by Hero Danny

Rather than paint the tail, why not just chop it off? Looks 100 times better and there are plenty of legal fender eliminator kits out there for less than $50

Be sure to post pics of the painted product... it shall be interesting...

believe it or not some people actually like not getting mud spray on their backs

[CajunNinjaR]

Hey there, professional auto painter of 9 years here, those plastic knee pads are raw, textured plastic which means most paints won't stick well. However, you can use an adhesion promoter after scuffing it such as 'bulldog' or 'bumpercladding' and it will stick just fine, adding flexiblizer to your sealer/ clear will keep it from flaking when stretched. If it were me I would sand it well, adhesion promote, then prime with flexiblizer added, four med-wet coats, allow it to dry and sand to get the texture all smoothed out. That will produce the finest finish possible.
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[CajunNinjaR]

Same with the tail...
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[CajunNinjaR]

And upper fairing filler...
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[JB0418]

As others have already said, the piece below the tank will be an issue. Yes the paint can be mixed with additives to make it stick, but that area is rubbed by your knees a lot. I agree with alex on vinyl wrapping. Much more durable. What color you planning on using? If you do paint it, a lighter color will hide scratches from your knees easier than a darker color would.

[Hero Danny]

Originally Posted by alex.s

believe it or not some people actually like not getting mud spray on their backs

My mistake... I thought he was riding a STREET bike.

[alex.s]

Originally Posted by Hero Danny

My mistake... I thought he was riding a STREET bike.

people who actually ride their bikes a lot don't limit themselves to only riding in perfect weather. as such, you sometimes need fenders when going over things like puddles in the road, **** in the road, dead animals in the road, etc etc. so it's great that you don't ride your bike very much except when everyone else is out there, but that's not realistic for others. also i think shogs is of the female variety.

[Trailerboy531]

I take issue with you doing anything to the rear fender other than promptly relocating it to a trash can.

[Hero Danny]

Originally Posted by alex.s

people who actually ride their bikes a lot don't limit themselves to only riding in perfect weather. as such, you sometimes need fenders when going over things like puddles in the road, **** in the road, dead animals in the road, etc etc. so it's great that you don't ride your bike very much except when everyone else is out there, but that's not realistic for others. also i think shogs is of the female variety.

Coming from the guy who lives in California...

[alex.s]

Yep. We ride year round here in California and we need things like fenders to keep **** from flying onto our backs.

[Hero Danny]

Is what it is. I think it's not a big deal, and I think most would agree since fender elliminator's are one of the most popular mods...

It looks like OP actually takes her street bikes off roading so I guess in her case it may be a better idea to just keep it on.

P.S- I don't ride in rain, mainly out of safety concern. (although I have been stuck in a rain storm once). Also, I've ridden in January before in single digit weather, nearly got hypothermia since I don't have winter gear. I guess maybe you should ask next time before assuming that I only ride when it's 80 degrees out and sunny.

[alex.s]

Originally Posted by Hero Danny

Is what it is. I think it's not a big deal, and I think most would agree since fender elliminator's are one of the most popular mods...

It looks like OP actually takes her street bikes off roading so I guess in her case it may be a better idea to just keep it on.

P.S- I don't ride in rain, mainly out of safety concern. (although I have been stuck in a rain storm once). Also, I've ridden in January before in single digit weather, nearly got hypothermia since I don't have winter gear. I guess maybe you should ask next time before assuming that I only ride when it's 80 degrees out and sunny.

maybe you should get some real gear? with appropriate gear, cold, rain... it means next to nothing. riding in the rain is actually a lot of fun in good gear. and cold isn't really a thing when you dress appropriately with the correct gear.

its that whole, getting off the bike and stopping part that sucks.

[Hero Danny]

Originally Posted by alex.s

maybe you should get some real gear? with appropriate gear, cold, rain... it means next to nothing. riding in the rain is actually a lot of fun in good gear. and cold isn't really a thing when you dress appropriately with the correct gear.

its that whole, getting off the bike and stopping part that sucks.

Yeah, now that this is my second season I'm going to rebuy most my gear... gonna go for more all seasons/ winter gear since my summer jacket will be fine for summer. Also thought about getting some heated grips.

[alex.s]

Originally Posted by Hero Danny

Yeah, now that this is my second season I'm going to rebuy most my gear... gonna go for more all seasons/ winter gear since my summer jacket will be fine for summer. Also thought about getting some heated grips.

winter gear really sucks in the heat. and heat gear totally blows in the cold. all-year jackets in my opinion are like enduros. they do everything poorly. you can't go wrong with heated grips though. grip blockers are especially handy in cold/wet. i think the best thing for cold/wet is actually a really big wind screen. the boots and pants probably are the next biggest difference... having good waterproof boots and a nice strap down set of water resistant legs makes all the difference. i always hate going through a storm and coming out the other end with boots filled with water.

[Hero Danny]

I don't ride in rain, not in fear of getting wet (I have weather proof gear) but it's more or less the oil rising to the surface that scares me.

[alex.s]

borrow a 50cc and go have some fun in the dirt and you'll get over the whole **** in the road thing

[Shoganai]

I have enough issues of my own without taking on other people's issues, but perhaps you are in need of some extra issues. If that's the case, please feel free to take this issue because I don't really care what you do with it.

Originally Posted by Trailerboy531

I take issue with you doing anything to the rear fender other than promptly relocating it to a trash can.

[Shoganai]

If smooth is fast, then there is nothing better to hone being smooth like riding in the rain.
It will flat break bad throttle habits. It will increase your gestalt perception and reduce target fixation. Rain is scary because it demands smooth inputs and relaxed body english.

The skills and muscle muscle memory gained from riding in the rain will improve your smoothness on any surface.

FWIW I never pack or wear rain gear unless the temperature is less than 50. And even then I might not bother to put it on. I've spent years acclimating to colder and colder temps. I'm very comfortable with a long sleeve tee-shirt, textile jacket and jeans at 40 degrees at 70 mph for 8 hours plus.
Skin is waterproof.

0.02

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Originally Posted by Hero Danny

P.S- I don't ride in rain, mainly out of safety concern.

[Shoganai]

I actually want the fender. One ,I need the function and two, I like the way it looks.
Sadly, for me, the prior owner did get rid of it so I'm now looking for one now.

I just exchanged the Two Brothers exhaust for a stock one, so I hope to fine one here. If not, I'll just a new one.

Yes, I'll post pics.

Originally Posted by Hero Danny

Rather than paint the tail, why not just chop it off? Looks 100 times better and there are plenty of legal fender eliminator kits out there for less than $50

Be sure to post pics of the painted product... it shall be interesting...

[jkv45]

Originally Posted by Shoganai

If smooth is fast, then there is nothing better to hone being smooth like riding in the rain.
It will flat break bad throttle habits. It will increase your gestalt perception and reduce target fixation. Rain is scary because it demands smooth inputs and relaxed body english.

The skills and muscle muscle memory gained from riding in the rain will improve your smoothness on any surface.

Riding in the rain rewards smooth riding, but it also punishes abrupt actions without much warning. I don't think it really teaches you anything except - don't cross the line.

Dirt bike riding helps you learn to control a cycle that is constantly moving around and losing traction. It's sliding, skidding, and needs constant correction. You are also working with a cycle that is much lighter and manageable, which makes it much easier to recover from mistakes and learn how to regain control.

When a 300 lb + street bike breaks traction in the wet you better know how to correct or manage it - or your going down right now. There's no learning going on.

[adouglas]

Originally Posted by alex.s

in this case they are black died and textured ABS, no paint or clear. after a while in the sun they begin to fade back to white.

No, they are not ABS. The painted parts of the fairings are ABS.

The black bits look and feel like low-density polyethylene (LDPE), the same stuff laundry detergent bottles are made of.

LDPE is flexible and doesn't crack easily, which is why it's perfect for fenders and panels that you have to flex to take off, like the side fillers.

[Shoganai]

Thanks.

I think I'll try paint first, as I have several parts going with the same color. It won't cost any more to have them done.

The color is called Vanilla Cream.

http://www.paintforcars.com/alp_vanillacream.html


I am very strongly considering Line-X color match for that panel for added grip while maintaining the color scheme. I've used their product on several bikes and have always been happy with the result.

http://www.linex.com/xtra_6.shtml


Accented against 1956 Imperial Desert Rose.
Like this.

http://www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-co...8/IMG_5277.jpg

Originally Posted by JB0418

As others have already said, the piece below the tank will be an issue. Yes the paint can be mixed with additives to make it stick, but that area is rubbed by your knees a lot. I agree with alex on vinyl wrapping. Much more durable. What color you planning on using? If you do paint it, a lighter color will hide scratches from your knees easier than a darker color would.

[Hero Danny]

Originally Posted by jkv45

Riding in the rain rewards smooth riding, but it also punishes abrupt actions without much warning. I don't think it really teaches you anything except - don't cross the line.

Dirt bike riding helps you learn to control a cycle that is constantly moving around and losing traction. It's sliding, skidding, and needs constant correction. You are also working with a cycle that is much lighter and manageable, which makes it much easier to recover from mistakes and learn how to regain control.

When a 300 lb + street bike breaks traction in the wet you better know how to correct or manage it - or your going down right now. There's no learning going on.

Excellent points, not to mention the rain is just dangerous in general, mainly because of the oil point I brought up earlier (only at the beginning of rain storms). But also it makes you even harder to see in the rain to cars and stopping distance is also increased which can also pose a problem. I admit I don't like to get wet, but add in being wet and unsafe and I'd rather just stay home. lol

[alex.s]

Originally Posted by adouglas

No, they are not ABS. The painted parts of the fairings are ABS.

The black bits look and feel like low-density polyethylene (LDPE), the same stuff laundry detergent bottles are made of.

LDPE is flexible and doesn't crack easily, which is why it's perfect for fenders and panels that you have to flex to take off, like the side fillers.

mine feel like the ABS that comes out of my printer so i just assumed. then again the abs that comes out of my printer is a lot softer than it should be due to not being actually solid. do you work with plastics alot?

[alex.s]

there was another member here that used line-x on the entire thing... looked quite interesting. i wonder if i can find that thread...

[alex.s]

https://www.ninjette.org/forums/show...ghlight=line-x
https://www.ninjette.org/forums/show...ight=bed+liner
https://www.ninjette.org/forums/show...ight=bed+liner

http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Why_tru..._for_your_bike

[Shoganai]

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I agree and yet disagree.

Dirt bikes are awesome for teaching those skills and at possibly slower speeds making the penalty for failure less extreme.

However, I've learned from something every crash I have had. (8 at speeds between 45 -75 and dozens at less than 30 mph) So yes, learning took place.

Also overcoming fear, intimidation or misperceptions about riding in the rain can learned by doing it. As well as finding ones limits of physical and emotional discomfort and pushing beyond them.


Yes, stay the hell off of anything painted, so honing lane discipline skills when the stakes are higher really can make one a better rider. Some play Old Maid, some play World Poker Challenge; I would hazard a guess that the players of WPC have very finely honed skills for the same reasons.

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M

Originally Posted by jkv45

Riding in the rain rewards smooth riding, but it also punishes abrupt actions without much warning. I don't think it really teaches you anything except - don't cross the line.

Dirt bike riding helps you learn to control a cycle that is constantly moving around and losing traction. It's sliding, skidding, and needs constant correction. You are also working with a cycle that is much lighter and manageable, which makes it much easier to recover from mistakes and learn how to regain control.

When a 300 lb + street bike breaks traction in the wet you better know how to correct or manage it - or your going down right now. There's no learning going on.

[Shoganai]

Thanks Alex.

My friend Flying Duck did this to his Turbo K75.

Originally Posted by alex.s

there was another member here that used line-x on the entire thing... looked quite interesting. i wonder if i can find that thread...

[Shoganai]

Thank you so VERY much!

Originally Posted by CajunNinjaR

Hey there, professional auto painter of 9 years here, those plastic knee pads are raw, textured plastic which means most paints won't stick well. However, you can use an adhesion promoter after scuffing it such as 'bulldog' or 'bumpercladding' and it will stick just fine, adding flexiblizer to your sealer/ clear will keep it from flaking when stretched. If it were me I would sand it well, adhesion promote, then prime with flexiblizer added, four med-wet coats, allow it to dry and sand to get the texture all smoothed out. That will produce the finest finish possible.
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