Macho maroon? I think not!!

[draketrumpet]

when that day comes, I'll have to do some mockups and further envisioning for sure to make it look right. I just had another thought though...make the fairing look like a football helmet, and airbrush the tank to look like a football...sound expensive, but I guess that's the idea...someday...

[T99Ford]

Rick,
The copper is painted over the black pearl in the checkers, but not at the knee dents. That was masked and shot directly over primer. The copper is a pretty heavy metallic and needs a light base to be seen properly. I actually had to lighten the checkers with the airbrush before I shot the copper to make sure they would be the same color as the knee dents. Of course none of this shows up on film in my garage. The black pearl does not show until it is in the sun, so again, kind of a cool understated effect. Then I leafed all of the seams.
This is the kind of stuff I was talking with you about the other day. Of course the colors are diferent.

[xs11lover]

Very nice! I'd like to get you to paint a 996 on the 79 bobber like that. That's the vin number. There is a guy on craigslist that sells Nortonish cafe seats for the xs....it would fit right in. I think your going from custom right into retro brit bike now.
You could also just send me that "ugly" tank you started with. I'd be happy with that one. Also macho maroon isn't so bad for a stocker....kind of like that too. That's why I need so many bikes.
Looking at the first tank, I think I see Jaba The Hut with sunglasses and a gotee in the flames........don't ever do acid and look at that thing.!!
You'd better stop working in the garage so much and spend some time with that cute little wife of yours......I think she's your best asset.

[T99Ford]

Actually the numbers are leaf, too. Just the striping around them is paint.
What is the contact for the guy on CL? I am not really into the Brit bike thing, my bikes tend to be a little more "aggressive" than that. There are some nice ones out there, though. I really like the minimalist look, coupled with a bad attitude!
I don't even know where to start on the Jabba thing... I have heard that if you read Yamaha backwards, though, it says "I have a contract with the devil!"
Thanks for the last reprimand. Now that this is done, we actually have a lot of riding planned. She is really digging the XS400, and getting to be a good rider too! I guess we need to remember what is important in life, right...?

[T99Ford]

Just for the record, I am not bashing the Macho Maroon, either. I just does not work on my bike...I had to title my thread somehow!
In PA there is a huge cafe following right now. They are doing some pretty neat stuff. The XS1100 is not hot on the list due to its size, but it is one of the few that can actually "Do the Ton". The movement out there is based on the 60's Rocker movement, but has changed to be a combination of that coupled with more modern styling and customization. You can check it out more at dotheton.com. It is pretty neat.

[fredintoon]

- - - The paint is actually black pearl/ copper metallic, making it about the most expensive additives you can get. I did not realize this when I ordered it, but was definitely surprised upon getting the receipt. - - -

Hi T99,
odd that the paint cost was a surprise, my colourmen won't mix squat unless you pay them up front.
For me, the conversation would go:-
I want to paint my tank a fancy metallic two tone.
That'll be $450, sir.
(gulp) I want to paint my tank a plain least cost fleet colour.
Coincidentally, my Standard tank came in Macho Maroon in OK shape to bolt straight on if you didn't look too close.
Kinda like yours.
But Oh my, did it clash with the Astro Towtruck Orange on the rest of the rig so orange it went.



And alas, I need to repaint that tank. While doing a teardown to reweld the exhaust Mr Lazy found that the gasproof qualities of 2-part automotive paint ain't good enough to withstand steady gas leakage through the filler cap while the tank is leaned nose down against a wall for a week while it's still full.
So I need to swap back to the Special tank and start carrying the jerrycan again while I fix up the results of my own foolishness.

[T99Ford]

It was kind of a surpise since I buy paint frequently, and they know me, so I usually charge it through an in house account. I also have the color books from these guys, so I just call them and tell them a color code and amount, and they send it out. Usually the colors I use are no more than about $60-$80 a quart for base coat. So the $120/ pint of copper was mild shocker. But that's paint. That's why I don't ask--I likes what I likes

Bummer on the tank. I actually really like your astro orange set up. Is is a base clear or a single stage?

[xs11lover]

Ther's no reprimand, I just like to bring up your cute little wife.
I'll get you a pic and some contact info for the seat.
Look at the big pic of the tank. Do you see him? Sycoreefer where are you now?

[xs11lover]

[fredintoon]

- - - Bummer on the tank. I actually really like your astro orange set up. Is is a base clear or a single stage?

Hi T99,
the rig is done in plain 2-part auto paint. I'm sure that base/clear would look nicer if it was done right but I don't get along with it. I tried base/clear on my eldest boy's Honda a while ago and by the time my aging eyes had seen the clear coat layer go on, it was too thick and was running down in curtains.
Went broke on wet/dry paper & soapy water getting the runs out and that cured me of using the stuff.
To borrow a list member's sign-off line:-
"A man has to realize his limitations."

[fartypants]

One rear shock

T99, noticed your bike has only one rear shock. What kind of rear setup do you have ? Does it work well?

[T99Ford]

Garrett: That Thruxton seat looks bad a$$. I will definitely have to get me one. Do let me know who makes it when you find out!

Fred: The clear is hard to spray if light is bad. You really have to be able to see your wet lines, and allow for proper tack times. Once you get that, it is much easier IMO than single stage paints. Good luck with the repaint.


Farty--: It is a rear shock off an R1. It works really well, albeit a little stiffly sprung. Works good when going fast. XSchop developed this mod, and you can find more if you search under "R1 monoshock:.

Here are a couple nice daylight shots I took today:

[T99Ford]

Thanks for the link to the seat. Not a bad price, either!

[natemoen]

Sweet ride!

love the paint job! love the seat too! Who is the seat from?

[madmax-im]

Just caught this thread...I really like your paintwork....You have captured the essence of the Cafe' look quite well. Like the monoshock too...