My Custom XS11 Build (Photos)

[Da-Bubble]

Yes Bikenutt I fixed the base coat!

I do some stupid stuff, but I am smart enough to know that clear coat won't hide the gray primer that was glaring thru the base coat. I actually just got thru shooting my second coat of clear. I'm applying it pretty thick so with one more coat I should have more than enough to sand smooth. It's looking pretty cool so far.

[bikenutt1980]

Originally posted by Da-Bubble
Yes Bikenutt I fixed the base coat!

I do some stupid stuff, but I am smart enough to know that clear coat won't hide the gray primer that was glaring thru the base coat.

Sorry i was'nt implying anything.

[tmworks]

Dam, that Harley superglide fender look good on the
bike. I have both a super glide and a XS1100. I going to look in the finding a fender like that.
Your right, I never really liked the stock fender on my 79 XS 1100.

[lakecountrydave]

She looks great! I really like the headlights and the rims. Lokking forward to seeing the paint. Much nicer than a Warrior. Keep up the good work

Dave

[gnevelesx08]

paint scheme

Hey there Bubble
Just a thought. Maybe you could polish your valve covers instead of black paint, or paint the valve cover raised flat grooves red to keep the same scheme as your great looking wheels.
Great job!
Dan

[madbiker]

How's the painting going? Been watching this really close . You given me a lot of ideas with this . would you feel comfortable with a 2nd seat on this after the frame mod.
Madbiker

[Kurt]

Two up?

Yes, I would also likt ot know if you think the fender would hold a lady, or a little girl?

[Da-Bubble]

Better than expected!

The paint job came out better than I ever imagined I was capable of. It looks great! I have to thank my brother in law who spent hours helping me wet sand and buff out the bodywork today. Right now the tank, side covers, and rear fender are ready to mount. I had a mishap with the front fender so I reshot it along with the other items (calipers, rotor centers, and final drive) that I am using the base and clear "real" paint on. The other various bits and pieces are getting rattle canned. Tomorrow I will shoot clear on the remaining items and then it's ready to be reassembled. There's still the matter on getting all the wiring working like I plan but that's minor compared to this painting project. I will post some pics when I get them uploaded.

As for the structural integrity of the rear fender, I'm not sure. I never planned on riding two up on this bike. My wife hurt my feelings....once when I asked her why she never asked to ride with me when she jumps at the chance to ride with my bro in law. She said, "well he's got more experience". She's using fuzzy math since I've been riding since age 11 and he started at age 14! Anyway she is banished from the Mad Mosquito!!! I'm sure she's crushed.

I did use Grade-8 bolts to mount the rear fender. It's mounted pretty much the same as it was on the harley except I think they have a bolt or two in the center (top) too. It would definitely hold a child like it is. To make it safe for all, I would just weld a couple of pieces of 1-1/2" x 1/8" steel stock on the inside of each side of the fender. Then drill the mounting holes thru that and it'd be super strong. As for the frame rails, I welded some bar stock (I forget what exact size) from Ace that fit perfectly in the halved frame rails. They flexed a little after I cut them, but once that was welded in they don't move.

I can't wait to get this thing back together and go riding!!!!

[Da-Bubble]

Some Pics.

Now that's a naked bike!


Base coat with plenty of orange peel (it was all sanded down before the clear coat)


After the clear coat and with much wet sanding and buffing!


This almost became a disaster when my wife came home and hit the garage button!!! We had it disconnected but the chain still moves!

[Shuriken]

Fantastic paint job. What paint are you using?

[Da-Bubble]

Thanks Ben. I'm using Krylon. Just kidding!

I'm using Martin Senour Paints from Napa. It's made by Sherwin Williams and similar to Dupont Chroma Base. They call it Tec Base. They also just came out with a line called Planet Color available thru Oreilly's. That stuff's high dollar though. I just looked and some of the colors are $1000 per gallon and that's just the base!

Thanks for the compliment! I'm headed to the garage to sand my front fender and shoot the clear tonight. Then I can sand and buff it out and all the painting will be done!

[GNEPIG]

Wow! nice paint work! That bike is goin to look great. That paint is so shiney that I can almost see myself in it.


Now with that said and since Promepheus seems to be out to lunch or somethin lately, I gotta say somethin about the reflections in pic #3.
I can't tell who's funnier, the person to the left grabbing their crotch, the person in the middle with the funky disco moves or the guy to the right, in the dress, holding his hands up beside his head, as if to be playing peek-a-boo.
Or is this a game of See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Hump No Evil?!
Either way, great picture.






....

[Da-Bubble]

FunHouse Mirror!!!

GNEPIG,

That's hilarious!!! I'm taking the picture, hence the hands on my head and at 6'3" the tank makes my shirt look even longer than it is. My bro-in-law is standing relaxed with his hands behind his head but again the tank gives him his disco moves. My wife is on the left, standing with her hands folded in front of her, completely unimpressed with our handywork. I love your assessment though, I would have never seen that in the reflection. I needed a good laugh!

Thanks!

[GNEPIG]

Oh oh I get it, everyone is so happy about the outcome of your paint job, that they are doing the Macarena.
(Except that little person to the left is a little outa sync, but that's ok, there's one in every crowd.)

[bikenutt1980]

Looking good.