Side Covers

jwarriner

jwarriner

Been Around the Block
I want to hand paint something on my side covers but I can't decide what. There's the typical stuff which includes:

Skulls
Bombs
Numbers
Brass Knuckles
Grenades
Rising Sun Flag
etc. etc. etc.

Problem is I don't want a cliche but at the same time I'm having trouble thinking of something unique but recognizable (and easy to paint). I thought about an 8-bit old Nintendo character like Donkey Kong or a magic mushroom but I don't know if a cartoon/video game is right for the bike.

I may settle on a number. I have incorporated a "12" or two onto both my other bikes. This goes back to our "motorcycle gang" my friends and I used to joke about, "El Doces" which basically translates to "The Twelves". Yes, it's absurd (especially because we are not Hispanic), but it's a theme that's kind of been around for me. So a nice white "12" may go on each side cover.

The scheme of this bike is silver tank, black side covers, brown seat. So I'm thinking white. Maybe incorporate red into it.

Any thoughts?
 
Dude, paint something that's totally unique to who you are, what you believe in, what makes you feel alive. I've been contemplating the same thing because I want to hand paint my helmet. Think of it as folk art. If it has a story behind it that only you can tell, that's the coolest thing you can do. You can even make it vague so people will ask you. If you don't feel confident painting it yourself because it's too complicated, stencil something, or even have someone do it for you. It'll still be your "thing". :)
 
i did mine like a ricer would on his door... sorry bad pic but it is what i got... you can also see the screen i put in there when i cut out the openings

12947_177961433072_1949596_n.jpg
 
jdub said:
Nothing makes me feel like that which is why I have no tattoos. Same problem.
Click to expand...

I'm sure there's something you feel strongly about. If you can't think of anything, you could replicate you're bike's manufacturer logo in a cool way... just an idea. Or a neat pinstripe design would look nice.
 
CafeRacer650 said:
I'm sure there's something you feel strongly about.
Click to expand...

That's true, but not really much that would be easily adaptable to a side cover.

Anyhow, I went with "12" as I usually try to throw one or two on all my bikes.

Here's a pic of the work in progress.

I'm going to take some pics of the whole bike later today since it's about 99% done and as done as it's going to be this month. I'll start a thread about it with before and after pics.
 

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Looks great! I like the hand painted look. Are you going to clear coat them when you're done?
 
I thought about it. Right now they're on the bike but I can always pull them off and coat them. I may go back and touch them up more later. The paint didn't want to stick too well so after about four coats I gave up and called it good. The pic above is after about two passes on the red.
 
in the future suff with 1500, then paint, then clear... will look like glass when done and the tester paint will stick
 
I didn't even use enamel. It's acrylic paint. Totally amateur. If it doesn't work out I can redo it. The side covers should be sanded down a lot more. The last guy used that textured paint shit and I sanded it but didn't do a very good job. One day when I get bored I will do it right (I know, that's what they all say).

The bike was road worthy, I just wanted to get it looking alright for cruising around. It was pretty lame when I got it (before and after pics coming soon).
 
I just repaired mine, waxed them generously and layed down three payers of carbon fiber with a West Systems epoxy. Look like stock but they are actually 2 inches narrower and two inches further forward. CF can then be cleared or use a flat clear or mask off teh letters and paint the rest.

You can also copy a stock logo /script and modify it so say it was GT550. Easy to make that into GT550R or whatever you like but in a look that's the same as stock.

Let the creative juices flow and graduate from the Dukes of Hazard look - unless you bring Daisy of course.
 
I'm not sure how the acrylic paint is going to respond to a clear coat... that might be an issue. You'll definitely want to seal it somehow because acrylic won't stand up to much abuse. Do you have pics of them on your bike?
 
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