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Pic Request: Flat Black Bike

  • Thread starter Thread starter Colorado CJ
  • Start date Start date
C

Colorado CJ

Guest
I am going to be repainting my bike soon and was wondering how it would look in flat/satin black.

I have an '80 GS 550L model so it has the chrome fenders, which I am thinking on painting flat black as well. I think I'd like the look of flat black with chrome forks, headers/exhaust, etc...

Any pics would be great! It'll help me make the decision much easier.
 
i think it can look good if done right.....

everyones entitled to their opinion!

in most cases though TK is right
 
I think if you really gun-ho on the flat black, adding a little bit of pin striping really helps and would make it look a little less like a lazy mans finish.

Also... PLEASE don't just paint over the chrome. PLEASE! Surface prep makes all the difference.
 
GSBuilder said:
I don't know that either of those qualifies as a Rat. The Airtight looks nice, but "rat?" I don't really think it qualifies.
http://bp1.blogger.com/_Nltt5XsjMfo/RytWqe0nwpI/AAAAAAAAAI4/druKWGS_4pg/s1600-h/rat+bike5.jpg
This is a rat IMO.
http://www.ratbike.org/
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I agree. As far as I'm concerned, anything with an intentionally cultivated or developed look is not a rat. I wouldn't even call it a rat poser. I think it looks tough in flat black. But then again, if enough people get together and call their bikes "rat", then I guess that's what they're called. So what do you call a rider who obviously cares only about performance?
 
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Nothing looks tougher
I love flat black!!!!!!

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DSCF0008.jpg
 
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I'm thinking about painting my Bandit flat black and if I had a toy car it would definitely be flat black!
 
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Here's a pic of my chopper which just got done with satin black and satin clear. I agree with an earlier poster who said that flat just looked a little unfinished to me. I was very happy with the look/result.

IMG_0640_2.jpg

IMG_0633.jpg

IMG_0643.jpg
 
Thanks guys. What I am looking for is more of a satin than totally flat black. Russr33, your bike looks great! That is pretty much what I am going for, but maybe slightly less glossy.

I'm thinking on spraying a black base coat, then adding a little design and finally spraying on a clear/flattener coat. So I guess it won't be pure flat black, but not a gloss either.

BTW, I am a sandblaster/painter by trade (my family has been in the sandblasting business since the 1940's) so I know all about prep work :). I'll be taking the tank (and possibly the fenders) and sandblasting them, then bondo the few small imperfections, finish glaze, prime then paint.

Just don't know if I want to paint the fenders yet. Not much else to paint on the GS if I don't.
 
Colorado CJ said:
Thanks guys. What I am looking for is more of a satin than totally flat black. Russr33, your bike looks great! That is pretty much what I am going for, but maybe slightly less glossy.

I'm thinking on spraying a black base coat, then adding a little design and finally spraying on a clear/flattener coat. So I guess it won't be pure flat black, but not a gloss either.

BTW, I am a sandblaster/painter by trade (my family has been in the sandblasting business since the 1940's) so I know all about prep work :). I'll be taking the tank (and possibly the fenders) and sandblasting them, then bondo the few small imperfections, finish glaze, prime then paint.

Just don't know if I want to paint the fenders yet. Not much else to paint on the GS if I don't.
Click to expand...

Thanks CJ - The pics really make it look a little shinier than it really is. It looks just like satin powdercoat in person. I was having the same questions you were before I did it. When I got the bike it was flat black (no clear and unfinished) and my buddy has a black gloss job so I was shooting for kinda an in-between look. Maybe you could shoot it flat and then use a satin clear? Or powdercoat it?
 
I actually powder coated the tank, the exhaust and parts of the engine. I shot the front fender and the side plastics and tail flat black. I like the way it looks.
 
paint

paint

Six coats of black 4 coats of clear and oh ya not to mention the 2 coaats of primer the picture dosen't do it justice and the paint actually got rained on the night before and actually had dry spots all over it I'll post up some better ones soon
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mortation said:
DUDE!!!! Now that is one sweet ride!!!! But where are you handle bar controls???
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Its a chopper.... Lights always on, Turn signals are built into the drivers shoulders, keys on the side!

Edit: WAIT.... I see a toggle to the left of the tank too!
 
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atvpyrofreak said:
Its a chopper.... Lights always on, Turn signals are built into the drivers shoulders, keys on the side!

Edit: WAIT.... I see a toggle to the left of the tank too!
Click to expand...

LOL; correct on all counts! Ignition by whammer button on starter. A buddy has a chop that has Jaybrake handlebar controls that control four 1/4"x3" led strips (two on handlebars, 1 each on frame above rear axle) for turn signals. They will be going on soon. Light up nice but are unobtrusive light regular signals.

Thanks for the compliment mortation. It just got back from paint and pinstriping. Few things still to do. atvpyro, you done anything new since your repaint?

Here's my '78 which is about to undergo major reconstruction

IMG_0348-1.jpg
 
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