Blackout on the cheap

I started this by wanting the X fork guards so they wouldnt rub like the R's do. Then I thought how much I like the black forks,so I started weighing my options. Powder coat or anodize? I priced both, then thought...holy crap! Too much dough for cosmetic surgery. Then I found black vinyl graphic sheets. I gave it a try and here are the results. Total cost, $30 for the guards and $16 for the graphics. Tell me what you think.

Fanatic wrote:

I started this by wanting the X fork guards so they wouldnt rub like the R's do. Then I thought how much I like the black forks,so I started weighing my options. Powder coat or anodize? I priced both, then thought...holy crap! Too much dough for cosmetic surgery. Then I found black vinyl graphic sheets. I gave it a try and here are the results. Total cost, $30 for the guards and $16 for the graphics. Tell me what you think.

Hard to tell, your photos need work. You need to lose the flash, get better lighting, and closeups would be better. I do, however like your choice in tires--AC10s, no?

I am definatly not a photographer. Didnt really think about the photos getting critiqued. I do like the AC10s though.

Maybe Ill try some daylight shots later this week for a better view.

This might be better

Fanatic wrote:

This might be better

They look black, but the devil is in the details--hence closeups and better lighting.

+10 Need closeups for more detail.

I think I would like it better they weren't glossy. Matte.

I thought matte would be better too, but couldnt find any. If I do find some I'll replace it.

I'd do the bottom of the skidplate too. Back in black... ...bottom too.

I'm groovin' on the stand myself.

First rock, that would be the end of that real fast.

the skid plate would be sweet black, but takes way to much abuse.

Fanatic wrote:

the skid plate would be sweet black, but takes way to much abuse.

Could have it powder coated then just touch it up with flat black paint as it wears.

That's why I dig the composite skiddies. ...realizing of course that they aren't going to take the abuse, but I'm not racing through things I wouldn't normally choose to not bounce off of, but rather ride over or around.

Optionally I'd like to make the Lightspeed CF plate fit. I know it will with just a little imaginative engineering. ( at a $200 cost of course).

Vinyl on the forks makes some sense. You can always replace it and it may help deflect a mild impact and preclude an inside diameter fork dent - Maybe.

The black radiator guard and CF frame guards would complement the black schema.

Get your wallet out ! * BLING $$$ BLING $$$ *

ever seen a black rad guard? guess i'd have to buy then powder coat,paint, etc. it would look good.

Force makes a black rad guard.

I was going to say... Fff...

http://www.forceaccessories.com.au/Page/products/FA001YA09.htm

Ignore the one, two-star review (if you pay attention to that sort of thing).

This is by-far the best aftermarket guard (of any type) I have ever put on a bike.

If I didn't have to move three bikes and a to-be-installed cabinet (IOW I'm lazy) I'd get you a picture !

Can you get the same vinyl to black out your side plates ? May provide some OEM protection for later.

She's lookin' pretty sexy bra...

here are some other pics with better light for those who wanted them. I still suck at photography(note the camera strap).

That looks really good.

thanks! it was really easy to get it on with no bubbles, because the vinyl is so thick. The cool thing is, if this is if it gets thrashed, I can just replace it. I have enough left over to do it again....all for 16 bucks!

I think the black forks look good.I like the fact that it looks different/custom......on my wrr I removed the side tank stickers ..I don;t like my bike to look like eveyone elses...if you do anything else to customize your bike,,please post more pics