Pimp My Ride

[TimP]

Ok, so the package finally arrived, and in it is the new fairing lower for my old VTR! Nothing like splashing on some new parts to make an old bike feel new. Well, newer.

However, it's primer grey at the moment, and it needs to be painted. So here's where you come in. I've narrowed the choice down to three different paint schemes, and I want your opinion as to which way I should go. I already have my favorite, so I can't promise to abide by the mob's decision, but I would really like to know what you think.

If I can swing it I'm going to insert four really bad Photoshop images of somebody else's VTR (mine does not have high-mounted cans or red pin striping on the wheels, but is otherwise a very similar silver VTR. The first image, "Nekkid" is just that. No fairing at all. For reference.

The next three show a silver fairing (for that monochromatic look), a dark grey metallic fairing (this would match the wheels and engine casings for a more stealthy, elegant look), and finally yellow (sure to be noticed, plus it picks up the colour of the only other painted part on the bike - the spring).

Which would you choose, and why. Let me know what you think.

[TimP]

OK, so two images is the max per post, eh? No problem.

And the next pair of images, for your consideration:

[Uwe W.]

My vote would be to colour-match it. The other two look disjointed, especially the yellow one that looks like you got it from a wrecker on the cheap.

[Ivor biggin]

Paint the lowers yellow and then the rest of the bike to match.:cool:
I.B.

[Dennis The Menace]

Paint the lowers yellow and then the rest of the bike to match.:cool:
I.B.

I second that. I was on the verge of buy a VTR in the past. But ended up getting the VFR instead. The yellow was my favorate.

[Kanadian Ken]

Finally you're admitting your true feelings Dennis. Good for you, VFR's sooth the soul.


I second that. I was on the verge of buy a VTR in the past. But ended up getting the VFR instead. The VFR is still my favorite.


(Colour match the whole thing together yellow - or silver - I like those lower fairings!)

[Malks]

I have to agree with the "mob", go all one colour. Since I don't like silver anything, my vote is for all yellow. You want everyone to see you, don't you? Those lowers do look good on the VTR.

[KZDon]

Chrome

...and some billet aluminum bits around the highway pegs as a nice contrast to the leather fringes.

[Borgnine]

The yellow looks like crap.

[TimP]

Ok, thanks for all the feedback. You're a tough crowd to please, but I'll do my best. I'm taking advantage of a lull (lol) at work to implement your collective decision. I hope you like the result.

I'll post pics asap.

Watch this space.

[VIslowpoke]

I would do a gradient from the silver down to black at the bottom.

[TimP]

Tough to do with my tiny basement "spray booth" and a can, but thanks for the suggestion. I have a feeling this exercise isn't entirely over, because fiddling with stuff like this is fun. You can see the current state of affairs in the image I posted in the "Readers' Rides" thread in The Photo Album.

Why don't you pop on over there, VI, and post a pic of your bonnie? The more the merrier!

[VIslowpoke]

The Bonneville's nothing special to look at really. I like the look of it but that's just me. Besides I can't seem to post photos. Keeps asking for a URL.

How about a graffitti treatment for your belly pan. You could change it weekly as the mood dictates.

[Uwe W.]

I can't seem to post photos. Keeps asking for a URL.

When creating a post you only need to scroll down the page and click on the "Manage Attachments" button in the "Additional Options" box to add an image.

What you'll get is something like this:

[toomanycrayons]

http://www.decalkits.com/decalInformation.php?decal=2380

This is a carbon fibre wrap. Now, I think that would add a bit of Bling!

It would go with any colour and show that you hadn't given up.

I actually think the plastic upsets the bike's aesthetic. I chose a used VFR for the tank range, and, well, it was a snowy February day at the dealer and it sounded great. The VTR looks great as is, especially in Black Met. with gold wheels. I should have bought one of them, too.