Advice on modifying motorcycle fairings

"E. Julius" (soonerfrommi) 03/07/2015 at 19:20 • Filed to: None

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I'm doing some preliminary research for motorcycles I could pick up this summer, and the Kawasaki Ninja is coming up a ton. I wouldn't be opposed to owning a sport bike if I found a good deal, except there's one problem: many of them have this absolutely disgusting "tribal" pattern on the bodywork. Since riding a sport bike and wearing difficult–to–avoid conspicuously branded motorcycle gear would already make me look like a huge douchebro, I'd at least like to try and avoid looking like an even bigger douchebro from 2006.

What's the best solution for this? I'm thinking plasti dip, but if anyone has any better ideas go ahead. Also, I've never done plasti dip before. Do any of you know approximately how much this would cost and how long it would take?

titsinmymitts > E. Julius 03/07/2015 at 19:23

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Any reason you're not considering an SV650? AKA, the best starter bike that you won't get bored with after two weeks?

E92M3 > E. Julius 03/07/2015 at 19:27

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Peel the decals off, or do a vinyl wrap?

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > E. Julius 03/07/2015 at 19:28

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Get one of these, no one will notice the bike.

E. Julius > titsinmymitts 03/07/2015 at 19:29

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I'm not too familiar, but I'd probably consider one. This was just a specific issue that came up with this specific bike (unless the SV650 comes with fucking awful graphics as well). Honestly just getting out on the road is a bigger priority than going fast or anything like that, at least for my first summer riding. On top of that, my summer break is going to be extra short due to study abroad, so I'm probably just going to buy the best thing I can find that's on sale around the time I get home. Not the best situation to be in from a buyer's perspective, but a ~$2000 starter bike is going to retain enough value that I'd be able to sell it for something more interesting without losing too much cash the next summer.

E. Julius > E92M3 03/07/2015 at 19:30

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You think they'd peel right off? I would have absolutely no qualms about making sure there is one less bike in the world that ugly.

E. Julius > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 03/07/2015 at 19:30

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Just go full douchebro, I like.

titsinmymitts > E. Julius 03/07/2015 at 19:31

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An older sv650 is realistic around 2K. Maybe 3K, but it's worth it.

This is an SV650. They are VERY popular for track days as you can get them track ready for cheap and they are usually highly recommended for beginners that have some sense of their mortality. 0-60 in the mid-3s. Top speed around 135 or so I believe.

If I were getting on two wheels, this is what I would get.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > E. Julius 03/07/2015 at 19:32

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Just go all the way, it cancels itself out. Or maybe not.

jariten1781 > E. Julius 03/07/2015 at 19:33

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Buy a KLR instead (650 unless you've got a real short inseam then 250) :P. That's my goto recommendation.

But seriously, if it's just a beater starter bike I'd just rattle can it matte red or something. You can call it a street fighter if anyone asks.

samssun > E. Julius 03/07/2015 at 19:34

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Never plasti-dipped a bike, but I've done my car's trim and as with anything paint related, the prep is 80% of the work so being able to take the parts off will save a ton of masking.

Only real tip is to watch your angles and distances, and just go with a bunch of gradual layers. Don't worry about trying to fill it in all at once, just keep moving past the edges and it'll build up evenly.

Also, if you're using spray cans, get one of those Snap n Spray guns so you can take your time and not destroy your finger or block the nozzle and get splatter:

E. Julius > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 03/07/2015 at 19:34

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Honestly I was thinking that if I did end up plasti dipping it I'd just do something ridiculous like hot pink or something.

yamahog > E. Julius 03/07/2015 at 19:34

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Psh, don't act like you wouldn't rock one of these bad boys:

Not mine, but mine had the same exact colors and pattern, and made for a bitchin' senior year at UofM.

E. Julius > yamahog 03/07/2015 at 19:36

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That pattern is totally acceptable! I just cannot get behind that one specific pattern that seems to be cropping up on the ~2006s I'm seeing.

E92M3 > E. Julius 03/07/2015 at 19:36

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Yep those are just stickers. You'll have to clean off the leftover adhesive which could take a full day of elbow grease. That or just buy some Affliction shirts to match the bike.

E. Julius > jariten1781 03/07/2015 at 19:38

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Like I said in a previous comment, I'm not deadset on the Ninja or anything. They're just so common that they're easy to buy. We'll see what's available when I'm looking to make my move.

E. Julius > titsinmymitts 03/07/2015 at 19:40

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Honestly I was originally planning on spending closer to $1k, and it was only after I talked to someone who actually did have some concern for their life (person who was originally giving me advice is sort of crazy) that I decided to bump it up and get something modern and safe. Something around ~$3k would be doable but I'd have get a couple paychecks first, as opposed to being able to dive in right when I get back. Maybe for a next bike though!

E. Julius > E92M3 03/07/2015 at 19:41

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Given how I usually dress, I'm pretty sure my friends would pay me enough money to see me wearing an affliction shirt that I could just buy a brand new bike lol

RiceOwl > E. Julius 03/07/2015 at 19:57

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I started on and still ride a Ninja 250 like the one you have pictured. I can tell you that I've never once been bored on my "slow" bike, which actually does 0-60 in 5.5 bone stock! The 250 is plenty fast, extremely light and easy to maneuver, and a great platform on which to learn the basic (and advanced) skills of sport riding. I paid $1k for mine, which was in sound mechanical shape, but pretty rough cosmetically and missing fairings. For $1k, you should be able to get a solid performer that's probably been dropped once or twice and has some battle scars.

As for the stickers, I didn't like mine either. If you're patient, you can get them off with goo-gone, a hair dryer, and some elbow grease.

ninjamike > E. Julius 03/07/2015 at 20:00

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for a bike at that price point I'd plastidip, especially if you're not intending to keep it awhile so you won't have to worry about the longevity of the dip

jariten1781 > E. Julius 03/07/2015 at 20:24

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Haha, yeah...I figured this thread (or a future/past one) would turn into a recommendation thread so I was throwing it out there. KLR650s have been around forever for a good reason. They're a go anywhere do anything bike (basically the Wrangler of the bike world). It's the only starter bike that has a potential to be a 'forever' bike IMO. Plus, 80s models can get as low as 750 bucks in riding condition with some miles and cosmetic issues. There's always tons in every condition in every US metro.

Anyhow, back to the original question. Since other folks have confirmed that they're stickers you'd be golden. Goof-off pro strength pretty much eviserates any adhesive. Just try it on a hidden area first to make sure it doesn't melt the plastic (it shouldn't). Kerosene is the next best adhesive dissolver. Goo-gone is way worse than those two and should only be used if you're worried about fumes from Goof-off/kerosene (like in a child's room or something).

bob and john > E. Julius 03/07/2015 at 22:42

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you can peel stickers off.

thought, the ninja 500 was available in this sweet 80' beige and purple pin striping.

ohhh yeeeaaaaaaaa

itranthelasttimeiparkedit > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 03/07/2015 at 23:36

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not going to lie, i really want a helmet mohawk. not going to do it, but the want is strong

E. Julius > bob and john 03/08/2015 at 05:58

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ha that's a little better. Is that like a cargo net or something on the rear of the seat? I've seen a few with that and have no idea what it's for.

bob and john > E. Julius 03/08/2015 at 10:41

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yep. they are like 40$ at a bike shop.

bob and john > RiceOwl 03/08/2015 at 12:48

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SV;s are borderline to powerful.

and yes, I'm well antiquated with them. If I had been given mine as a first bike, i would have gotten into some reallllyyy nasty scenarios.

RiceOwl > bob and john 03/09/2015 at 10:08

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Two of my good friends bought SVs as their first bikes, and I agree with you. I've ridden them a little bit, and the huge torque and tall seat make them kind of a handful. One of my friends has already been down on his twice!

That being said, I think you meant to reply to a post above mine, not me. haha

bob and john > RiceOwl 03/09/2015 at 12:29

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yea, your right. my bad

bob and john > titsinmymitts 03/09/2015 at 12:29

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SV;s are borderline to powerful.

and yes, I'm well antiquated with them. If I had been given mine as a first bike, i would have gotten into some reallllyyy nasty scenarios.