Painting your V85TT Travel?

[dave1068]

I know theres a few of us here with the Travel model, Im not completely taken by the tan/gold color.

For kicks and giggles, I did a quick check and the side panels come off in a minute with 2 screws, the gas tank panels seem to come off in a few minutes with 5 screws, the front fender I looked at, shouldnt be too complex.

I know these are new bikes but has anyone else painted their bike or thought of it? I thought the tank would be complicated but I think theres 1 screw above the head but with a narrow allen wrench it should be reachable, the other 4 are easy.

What say you fellow Travellers...

[PJPR01]

Could also consider a wrap instead of painting if it's that easy to remove...just in case you ever decide to revert to original.

I think someone else recently did a wrap on the board, seems like a decent option.

[mondtster]

I've considered painting or wrapping mine but haven't followed through on it yet. I started working on making molds for carbon fiber replacement panels a while back but abandoned that project for the time being because I don't have enough time to get it finished.

[dave1068]

Thats an option, theres so little paint area, Im sure a body shop could charge 600-1200 (Im guessing) as paint is expensive or curious what a steady wrist and high end rattle can would look like....

[fotoguzzi]

Go for it! How about camo?

[dave1068]

Ive always been partial to the tenni green and volcano red, they both have a satin finish. I also like the dark brown on some of the V7's...We'll see...

[rudyr]

You know it’ funny yual wanting to change the paint job.  I went to Home Depot and got Camo San stone paint.  In a rattle can.  To paint my hepco Becker top case( off my 2000 Jackal) going to paint it Camo sandstone for my v85 traveler.  then trailer marker tape on sides.Rudy’s

[dave1068]

You mean like this...

[rudyr]

Yes, yes, That’s what I mean.  Looking good.Rudy

[dave1068]

Its a pretty close match actually, not perfect but for 6- not bad, spent more time taping off then painting it lol

If there was an easy way to remove the construction orange pinstripes and possibly not leaving pinstripe residue, that could be an option.

Good luck!

[timonbik]

I don't mind the colour, what I can't get over is the matte paint finish.  Could one not just clear coat over the matte finish to get a shine?  I am not a painter by any stretch of your imagination.  Just wondering?

[ampm7]

Yes, you could redcoat the matte finish with a urethane clear. Most important is cleaning and removing all possible contaminants (wax, grease etc.). I use TSP in warm water followed by a high quality wax and grease remover just before paint. Make sure the wax and grease remover is thoroughly wiped down and dried off with a no-lint towel. Then use a high quality urethane tack rag (not your usual tack rags which can leave residue) to tack off the surface. The problem I always have when I spray is, I have to do it outside which can be problematic with dust/bugs in the air. Spray when there is no wind outside otherwise, if you can do it inside all the more power to you. Since the parts are small, you can use a detail gun with compressor and hopefully get quite a nice job. I am not a big fan of matte finishes and prefer the shine of a clear finish as it protects the color from fade and repels water better.

[dave1068]

Good points, Ive done a few parts on other bikes and cleaned it down and gave a very light sanding and that also worked out. (this was using fusion paint_