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My first bike project

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  • #1

    My first bike project

    So, I decided that I wanted my bike black and get rid of those nasty gouges that the previous owner left. Taking those fairings off was a task, for me anyways since it was my first time. I still haven't gotten my front fender off the forks. Is there an easier way to take it off? Also, when I took off the left/right fairings, I noticed that the headlight wiggled, so I checked it out and noticed that the two bottom mounts are broken. I was thinking about gluing them back in place then spread some bondo over the broken area and sand it. And do the same for the two lower mount points for both sides of the tail fairings.

    It looks like I may need some new gaskets for the engine as well as there where oil spots over the top and bottom of the engine. Could it possibly be head gasket? I need to clean it up so I can figure where it's coming from. Also, does anybody know about the gap from what it looks like the cover to the spark plug wire on top? Curious as to is this correct or does this need some attention?

    I'll keep everyone posted throughout this project and more pics to come.
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  • #2
    The front fender is a pain to take off. I just did a paint job on mine and I had to take the front wheel off, which means taking the brake calipers off, to get to the front fender. It has to do with the shape of the fender. It cannot be pulled out, it has to be dropped down between the fork lowers. PIA, I know, not difficult by and means though.

    as far as the gap on the spark plug cover...it looks like mine, it doesn't seal perfectly, but I don't thing that it is a problem. I could be wrong.

    if you do the body work you want to....DO NOT USE BONDO. Bondo is meant for metal and it will not be pliable with the plastic. It will crack and chip very easily. You should look for Evercoat. That is what a lot of the guys on here use for their plastic body work. I used epoxy from loctite, it worked well for the most part. I did get one crack and some bubbles, so I would go with the evercoat if I had to do it over.
    Good luck! take your time, prep work is the most important. Don't skimp.
    Build Thread

    '01 Katana 600
    '97 Intruder 1400

    Comment

    • #3
      looks like you got some work ahead of you. The spark plug thing could be because of a cross threaded spark plug not reaching it lowest point. just a thought. mine are all flush w/ the valve cover. the oil leak scares me a bit. I've seen stripped bolts responsible for oil leaks but that is nothing that a helicoil can't fix.

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      • #4
        MAN! I was really hoping that I didn't have to pull the wheel off for that. I don't have any stands or straps to keep the bike up for that task. I wish I had more equipment. I guess I have the shop that I'm taking it to for the fork seals take it off for me while they do it and I'll get I'll done then bring it back.

        Thanks for telling me about the bondo and plastic. I'll just use some epoxy adhesive for them then.

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        • #5
          Ok, so I finally got done with fixing those gouges & scrapes and is now primed. I also fixed the headlight assembly with some epoxy adhesive, which works great. It sucks working with limited room. I used 150 grit to smoothing out the gouges and then wet sanded with 400 grit to start the filler priming. I laid down four layers of primer and now have to wait until I have to send the bike to the shop to get the fork seals replaced. I'm just going to leave the fairings off and see if they can pick the bike up so it's easier for them and me.

          Now I'm waiting, I was wondering about colors. I am planning on using Rustoleum's Gloss black. I heard that Krylon's Fusion is pretty good against chip protection and possibly fuel resistance. Anybody have any recommendations? I'm trying to find alternate route's besides a garage shop's rattle clear coat. If I do have to go that route, are there any brands that is compatible with automotive clear coating?
          Attached Files

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          • #6
            I'm kinda of partial to a nice black with white/silver and gold accents....see the new rockstar cola can for details.

            Build Thread

            '01 Katana 600
            '97 Intruder 1400

            Comment

            • #7
              good luck
              -100% JEDI-

              Comment

              • #8
                Ok, so I've been at it for a while now, dealing with minimum time due to work, and I'm almost done. I'm at the hangar now painting my last pieces. I still nees to polish some of the other fairings, but that's a cake walk. I'm still trying to figure out how I'm going to paint the grip bar. Man! This is a loooong process. I just want to put it all back together and ride my new GLOSSY BLACK bike. Dupli-color is a good brand. I recommend it.

                I'll post up more pics when I get a chance.

                Oh, yea. I was wondering if it is ok to use metal polish on the exhaust or does it need a different polish.
                Last edited by Taereek43; 05-02-2010, 05:27 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost

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                • #9
                  I would use the metal polish on the exhaust.

                  Let's see some updates!
                  Build Thread

                  '01 Katana 600
                  '97 Intruder 1400

                  Comment

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