Cost to have tank and side covers painted?

[Guest]

Hi,
I was thinking of having a couple minor dents fixed and the tank/covers painted. Whats the going rate now days for this type of work? I wanting to have a partial chrome look on the tank. Would a chrome like paint work, or should I have part of the tank actually chromed?

Thank you

[BigD_83]

It really depends on your market, and the relationship you have with your painter.

Prep work is key to the finished product, and the more work going into that end of it will result in higher costs.

Around here, a tank and fender goes for around $500-600 CDN on a pretty basic job.

[Kerry]

Around here, a tank and fender goes for around $500-600 CDN on a pretty basic job.

Holy moly that's a lot of money. I was thinking of having The Flame! repainted (and de-flamed) but this will make me think twice.

And in case you're thinking of suggesting I essay the job myself, I have made it to the age of 53 without ever having painted anything in my life and I intend to keep it that way.

[BigD_83]

That's the west coast for you. Most everything is about 30% more expensive than the rest of the country.

However, after seeing what people in the SF Bay area are being charged for what are basic necessities and services, I'm complaining less these days.

[80GS850GBob]

Hi,
I was thinking of having a couple minor dents fixed and the tank/covers painted. Whats the going rate now days for this type of work? I wanting to have a partial chrome look on the tank. Would a chrome like paint work, or should I have part of the tank actually chromed?

Thank you

The last bike I had repainted 25 some years ago was a Kawi H-2 triple and it was brought in semi finished...in other words I smoothed it all and figured they'd re-smooth it better...and they did! I supplied the HoK paint that I wanted and they prepped, sprayed and buffed. For the tank, side covers and tail I believe it cost $190 and that didn't include the paint I'd bought - roughly $125 more{ quart- base color & pearl paint/ 2 quarts medium temp reducer/thinner}. This shop does really fine work and my finished pieces were no exception.

As far as I can figure you'd have to get the whole tank chrome plated{$$$} since I'm sure doing half a tank is impossible... your best option is to use chrome tape, which can be had from a sign making store/company.

[nvr2old]

This is one of those areas that you (should) get what you pay for. If you want a $200 paint job, you can get one, but it'll look nothing like a paint job from a real pro that charges more..sometimes way more with the prep and finish work that commands those prices. My paint jobs started at about $800 for a tank, side covers, and a tail section, with no stripes. Up to over $1,600 or more for a paint job like on a GS1000S. I charged over $2,000 for a Honda RC30, but it was insanely complicated. If you want the best materials, you'll pay more. If you want a show finish, you'll pay more. if all you want is to have it sprayed, with no finish work, and you're good with that, then yes, you can have them done pretty affordably. There are so many levels of paint work. You need to be very specific with the painter with what your needs are.

[Rob S.]

I have made it to the age of 53 without ever having painted anything in my life and I intend to keep it that way.

That's the way I feel...skip the brush and go straight for the roller!

Seriously, for me it depends on how long you intend to keep the bike. Is it yours forever, no plans to ever sell it? Then I would go big. So you can look at it every day and be happy.

[tkent02]

I have made it to the age of 53 without ever having painted anything in my life and I intend to keep it that way.

Wow, is that even possible? I couldn't go a month without painting something.
Enjoy it way too much.

Did you ever have crayons when you were a kid?

[Kerry]

Wow, is that even possible? I couldn't go a month without painting something.
Enjoy it way too much.

Did you ever have crayons when you were a kid?

It's funny you should mention that. My mother once told me that, when I was a pre-schooler, if I was colouring and went outside the lines I would get so upset I would become sick. I have no memory of that but it may explain my dread of painting!

[tkent02]

You stayed in the lines? I never would have thought of doing that.

[Kerry]

You stayed in the lines? I never would have thought of doing that.

Remind me not to get you to paint anything for me.

[tkent02]

Remind me not to get you to paint anything for me.

You obviously haven't seen my bikes.

[JEEPRUSTY]

There is a twin to that bike in QC for sale for 350
unless you really need custom paint to be happy maybe the decent oem painted parts ooff a cheap donor bike would do.

You alos get a parts bike outta the deal.

[80GS850GBob]

I can paint models just fine....anything bigger bothers me and my ability, or lack there of, for the 1 to 1 scale stuff.