To repaint or not?

[matbrodog]

[QUOTE=Matt K]I think it depends on the model.
The 79-80 GS1000S has to remain stock colors, either the blue/white we got in the US or the red/white the rest of the world got.

We in the UK had blue&white as well Mark,while 90% of the UK drooled over
our Barry showing what a 500 Suz was meant to do,the other 10% drooled over Wes and Pop's.

[chicagogsx]

JUst a thought.

Is it better to keep the bike with the original paint, or should one paint it to ones liking? My thought is a repaint will diminish the value of the bike if the original paint is in good shape at this time. I have heard that bikes that are in original shape bring more money than those repainted.

Looking for other ideas on this.

Thanks,

I think "ones liking" may not always coincide with cash value.

You have to first decide which of these is more important to you.

[duaneage]

Unless it's a collectable, or the paint is super nice, paint it.

Or...Buy a tank and an extra set of bodywork and have at it.
Keep the originals. Best of both worlds.

That is the approach I am taking. I have a black tank and body work and my maroon set. I plan to get the maroon tank redone this year and since we all know how long it takes to get work done for you anywhere I won't be without a bike while it languishes in a shop.

[mixongw]

Since my GS1100GL is my first bike, I plan to keep it. As far as I am concerned, the "value" of my bike is directly proportional to how well I like it. My GL doesn't look anything like a GL, but I'm happy with it. Even if it was bone stock and perfect, it wouldn't be worth what I would have to pay for an equivalent new bike. If you plan to sell it and the money is more important than how well you like your bike, then don't paint it. If you want to make it YOUR bike and do the things to it that you like, then go for it. I did!

[tracy borchert]

Since my GS1100GL is my first bike, I plan to keep it. As far as I am concerned, the "value" of my bike is directly proportional to how well I like it. My GL doesn't look anything like a GL, but I'm happy with it. Even if it was bone stock and perfect, it wouldn't be worth what I would have to pay for an equivalent new bike. If you plan to sell it and the money is more important than how well you like your bike, then don't paint it. If you want to make it YOUR bike and do the things to it that you like, then go for it. I did!

I would agree completly if you love your GS who is worried about selling it.

[earlfor]

I think Keith (KGB) is right in that some models would not be as "collectable" if repainted, but most GS's are not so rare as for it to make much, if any difference. I think more important is the quality of the paint job. Any repaint done with a rattle can will not enhance the value no matter how well done, as the paint is not durable compared to automotive catalyzed paints. Spray can paint dissolves with gas, spots easily, and fades quickly. On the other hand, a professional quality repaint with automotive type paints in an appealing layout will likely make the bike more desirable than a cracked and peeling original paint job. A lot of the value is relative to personal taste. Some people may like a black background with airbrushed lace around the edges and a sea of floating polka dots in various colors with smokey wine glazed eyeballs peering at them through a mist of orange metalflake and purple flames, but most people will not. LOL The more personal one makes the paint job, the less the number of people it will appeal to.

Earl

JUst a thought.

Is it better to keep the bike with the original paint, or should one paint it to ones liking? My thought is a repaint will diminish the value of the bike if the original paint is in good shape at this time. I have heard that bikes that are in original shape bring more money than those repainted.

Looking for other ideas on this.

Thanks,