Project VFR400 (56K Warning)

jon_nsr · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 28 Apr 2005 Karma :

frame about £70-£90
swingarm about £20-£50

all depends where you go.
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1999 GSXR750

Graham88 · World Chat Champion Joined: 03 May 2006 Karma :

Whosthedaddy · Super Spammer Joined: 11 Dec 2005 Karma :

I would recommend putting a layer or 2 of lacquer on the painted surfaces as even my hammerite has chipped and scuffed at the slightest touch. It would be interesting to find out how much 'harder' wearing powder coating is compared to paint alone.
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Current : MSX 125 Past : CBR 900RR Monkeybike : c50 LAC : ZXR750 H2 : FZR600 : ZX7R P3 : YW100 : TRX850: Trophy 900 T309 : GSXR 600 L0: Monkeybike : XJ6S Whosthedaddy

jon_nsr · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 28 Apr 2005 Karma :

isnt primer required? it will just scratch straight off wont it?
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1999 GSXR750

craigs23 · Mr Muscle Joined: 08 Jun 2005 Karma :

No offence Graham, but I don't think that paint's going to last 5 minutes - it also looks as if the air temperature's too cold, giving you that moppled/won't properly dry look. You need to properly key up the metal underneath, make sure it's completely dry from any contaiminants and then spray in long, constant strokes - grease up areas such as springs/threads with grease before hand as well. Powdercoating is the better option, isn't too expensive and will give a much finer finish.

I wouldn't attack the fairings until you've got a good finish going with the easier removable parts.

There's also little to no point on spraying up those bolts - the paint will just scrape off when you go to reinstall them.

Also, for best results, keep the black/polished look going throughout the bike if that's the route you're thinking of going down. Consistency is the key to a good overall finish - between as many parts as possible. There are far too many lashed-up jobs where the 'bigger' parts are addressed, but underneath it all is a half-arsed messy job.

Graham88 · World Chat Champion Joined: 03 May 2006 Karma :

None taken, but I'm not going for a 'show look' finish so it's not bad really. I'd love to get bits powdercoated, make it look the dogs bollocks, but at the end of the day, for me this still has to get me from A to B!

If I had a 2nd bike then hell yeah, I'd save up to get it done properly, as I'd only be taking it out on nice days.

If I had a full time job I may still consider powdercoating, but I'm on 8 hours a week in a Petrol Station, so as you can imagine I'm not exactly Bill Gates. Sad

Also, I won't be spraying any fairings myself. My mate said he will do it for me, he has all the proper tools, heat gun etc. Smile

Kickstart · The Oracle Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

Hi

Powder coating is not that pricey, once you are getting something done. Especially in black.

Last load of stuff I got done consisted of a frame (in silver), but also side stand, rear brake torque arm, 6 handlebar end weights, clock brackets, 2 top yokes, 2 horn centres and a load of other odds and sods. That was £125 (frame was most of the cost).

As to the number of pics, please put them as links rather than inline images, or reduce the size / quality a bit. Just tried and the first page of this thread too 2 minutes 45 seconds to load.

All the best

Keith
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Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

The Tot · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Karma :

Graham,

No offense, if you want to to a haste rush job on your bike, you'll end up with a very very second hand bike in 2 weeks. Trust me, that's what happenened with my 250 when i decided to have a go at respraying!

With metal, i'd recommend applying metal primer first, then the paint, then a lacquer as it would last a tad bit longer than the straight on spraypaint, but powdercoat everything for 100 quid as a result will be much better.

I'm having to splash out 200 quid to get my bike resprayed as a result of my impatience.

Trust me, it won't get your smokin joe's back, but you'd be satisfied with the results. Leave it to a pro Karma

, best choice i made.
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The Tot 2007 Yamaha R1 4C8 2002 Yamaha FZS1000 Fazer &
www.youtube.com/Titot182 for your bike gear reviews and pop punk covers
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divuk83 · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Nov 2003 Karma :

Trust me, powedercoating it cheaper than going out and buying a can of primer, a can of paint and a can of laquer plus extra bits like 2000 wet and dry etc. (I see you have saved on primer again!)

If you just doing plain colours it will cost naff all, for stuff like heel plated and sidestands the paint will be coming off within a few days of using the bike on the road again.

I have paid as little a 15 squid for a 13" scooter wheel at my local place. Little bits like switchgear and footplates have cost me even less than that. Find a local place and get some quotes.

Dave

Graham88 · World Chat Champion Joined: 03 May 2006 Karma :

OK so I'm going to get rid of the black bits idea, even if it does look quality IMO. Lots of people keep saying it'll wear off easily and that I'm shit at spraying, so I can't be arsed.

So doesn't look like it's Project Clean Up after all, as I have used common sense and realised this is still a bike I use for commuting, everyday, so it'll be dirty within a week.

Got someone to polish my downpipes properly though, as I can't be rubbing downpipes anymore, the blisters on my hand won't allow it! Laughing

Today my Dad made a locknut though, and we have almost got to the point of being able to remove the engine Very Happy

https://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b112/GrahamVFR/VFR%20Clean%20Up/76.jpg

https://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b112/GrahamVFR/VFR%20Clean%20Up/77.jpg

https://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b112/GrahamVFR/VFR%20Clean%20Up/78.jpg

https://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b112/GrahamVFR/VFR%20Clean%20Up/79.jpg

https://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b112/GrahamVFR/VFR%20Clean%20Up/80.jpg

https://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b112/GrahamVFR/VFR%20Clean%20Up/81.jpg

Tomorrow I've got to get things ready to drop the engine, drain coolant, engine oil, take rads off, disconnect wires, clutch etc.

Also, am I right in thinking that I don't actually need to take off the bolt that attaches the swingarm?

Deano · World Chat Champion Joined: 17 Feb 2003 Karma :

i pracitcally got all my engine cases, yoke, fork legs variuos engine parts and loads of little bits and bobs all done for £70.
you'll end up putting alot of time and money into spraying like that and get disappointed when it scratches so easily. i been their and done it myself.

Graham88 · World Chat Champion Joined: 03 May 2006 Karma :

Yeah, I've come to realise that. So I am going to soak bits in white spirit to get paint off, fortunately the only bit I did with several coats of paint, I have a spare of Smile

Update.

Drained Oil
https://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b112/GrahamVFR/VFR%20Clean%20Up/82.jpg

Drained Coolant (Ever seen a bike piss Laughing

DynaMight · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Oct 2004 Karma :

Done a good job on the pipes, make sure you get the collector collars fixed too.
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Whosthedaddy · Super Spammer Joined: 11 Dec 2005 Karma :

Im looking at the pics and thinking man that bikes filthy Shocked

A new clutch cable should come with one of those screw adjusters Wink

____________________
Current : MSX 125 Past : CBR 900RR Monkeybike : c50 LAC : ZXR750 H2 : FZR600 : ZX7R P3 : YW100 : TRX850: Trophy 900 T309 : GSXR 600 L0: Monkeybike : XJ6S Whosthedaddy

Graham88 · World Chat Champion Joined: 03 May 2006 Karma :

craigs23 · Mr Muscle Joined: 08 Jun 2005 Karma :

See, told you that system would come up nicely Wink

Those clocks should detach quite easily - looks like they're held on by their electrical connectors Neutral

Got any paraffin yet?

Graham88 · World Chat Champion Joined: 03 May 2006 Karma :

Not held on by electrical connectors, that's just to hold that red/black wire!

I'm wondering if somebody has wrapped up the bit to disconnect the headlights under the black electrical tape? Confused

Not sure about paraffin, my Dad might have some Thumbs Up

Update.

Not much done today, I've got some straps around the Yokes holding the front end up in the air so I could take the front paddock stand away. A jack under the engine aswell.

Also went to Halfords and bought a Hex tool to undo the remaining engine bolt, so the engine is ready to come out once I've got all the wires out of the way etc

Very Happy

https://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b112/GrahamVFR/VFR%20Clean%20Up/109.jpg

https://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b112/GrahamVFR/VFR%20Clean%20Up/110.jpg

Graham88 · World Chat Champion Joined: 03 May 2006 Karma :

https://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b112/GrahamVFR/VFR%20Clean%20Up/119.jpg

Almost off
https://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b112/GrahamVFR/VFR%20Clean%20Up/120.jpg

And it's out
https://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b112/GrahamVFR/VFR%20Clean%20Up/121.jpg

Frame and Swingarm
https://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b112/GrahamVFR/VFR%20Clean%20Up/122.jpg

Want to take manifold off
https://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b112/GrahamVFR/VFR%20Clean%20Up/124.jpg

Was scraping away cobwebs, and almost touched this huge spider Shocked

https://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b112/GrahamVFR/VFR%20Clean%20Up/123.jpg

How the fuck am I meant to get to that Confused

https://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b112/GrahamVFR/VFR%20Clean%20Up/125.jpg

Never have liked the Carbon Yoke cover
https://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b112/GrahamVFR/VFR%20Clean%20Up/126.jpg

https://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b112/GrahamVFR/VFR%20Clean%20Up/127.jpg

Finally got the starter motor nut off
https://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b112/GrahamVFR/VFR%20Clean%20Up/128.jpg

The last engine mount to come out
https://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b112/GrahamVFR/VFR%20Clean%20Up/129.jpg

This is all that's stopping me getting the engine out. I've got to put my footrest on to put it in gear so it doesn't move.
https://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b112/GrahamVFR/VFR%20Clean%20Up/130.jpg

Quite pleased with the progress made today Smile

Jenks · World Chat Champion Joined: 22 May 2006 Karma :

how do u make the pipes come up like that then? Wouldent mind sorting mine, is it just heat and wirewool?
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1978 MZ TS 250 1 Supa 5
1992 yamaha fzr1000 exup
1998 aprilia af1 sintesi

Graham88 · World Chat Champion Joined: 03 May 2006 Karma :

Graham88 · World Chat Champion Joined: 03 May 2006 Karma :

trevoriv · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Jun 2005 Karma :

Still commuting on that then? Mr. Green

Graham88 · World Chat Champion Joined: 03 May 2006 Karma :

craigs23 · Mr Muscle Joined: 08 Jun 2005 Karma :

I'd recomend paraffin to shift that road grime, with enough patience, it'll come up like mine.

The build up doesn't look as bad though - my front sprocket, shock, swingarm and frame all seemed to be one piece before I attacked it.

Graham88 · World Chat Champion Joined: 03 May 2006 Karma :