Sub-Frame Faded Paint

On my '07 RWB, I've noticed that over the course of this past year, the exposed part of the sub-frame has faded from a gloss black to a charcoal or flat black. It looks like crap and will probably need to be repainted or powdercoated. Has anyone else noticed this on an '07 or on any other Gen Interceptor? (Derstuka, you may whore up this thread! I won't be offended!)

 

Sorry Stewart, I couldn't help myself, LOL!



Hey, German Airplane Dude, I beat you to the punch, for the first time :biggrin:

 

Seems like this is normal "wear and tear"...primarily from the subframe being exposed to the elements, our 21st century air quality, etc. I've noticed the same thing on my F4i, but it was never a gloss black, so it is less noticeable. It's all part of owning a bike, I guess, like all the small pits and chips you get in the lower fairing down by the radiator/exhaust headers/oil filter from rocks and gravel thrown up by the front wheel.

 

Now seriously, Stewart have you tried any of the automotive finish restore products? I know there are some good ones out there. It would be a lot cheaper and less labor intensive. I have also used a product for watercraft that is formulated specifically to remove hard water spots off of Jet Ski gel coat, that stuff might work...... I used some just the other day actually and it works good without ruining the finish. It has distillates in it but also has a wax component too. I could go out to my garage in the AM and get the name of it for you... Yes? No? Let me know what you think!

 

You might be right. I'm a fair weather rider, so it is only exposed to pristine weather conditions - although the sun can do a job on things. I didn't notice any problems with my 2nd or 5th Gens, probably because no part of the sub-frame is exposed. I'm also suprised at the number of chips I have in the lowers as well. Luckily, it looks like the stickers are not clear coated so they could be easily replaced. I'm anxious to see if other 6th Gen owners have had the same problem. I doubt I'm the only one.

 

Sure, let me know what you've used. I tried the normal stuff, soap, water, etc. However, it truly looks like it is not restorable. It looks like it is in the paint. You've got a 6th, how does the exposed section look on your bike?

 

Hey Stewart,
I just took the shop light and looked at the subframe on my 5th gen, which is also painted gloss black. Most of the subframe is covered by rear cowl and that plastic panel above the tire, but the part that is exposed looks duller, as it has been exposed to the elements and crap thrown up from the road. I know the rear tire throws up a lot of stuff. There's a little trough on the back of the engine case of my F4i that catches small (1-2 mm) pieces of gravel from the road. Also, the inside of the paint on the swingarm of the F4i is clearlyy dull and worn from exposure to the road and elements (the swingarms on '01 F4is are painted black, but it is a semi-matte finish).

 

I will get that information to you in the morning Stewart, concerning the restorer name and who makes it.

My 6th Gen I have only had since September of '07 when I bought it new. It only has just over a thousand miles on it and I haven't noticed any fading up to this point. I always remove all of the dirt, bug splat and road grime after I ride it. I use a Maguires product that is a wash and wax combined in a spray bottle. I think it's called quick detailer or something. It only takes about 5 minutes to clean her up for the next ride and it has UV inhibitors as part of the formulation. Not only that, it has never really sat out in the sun much, except for when I'm on a ride.

I have already been considering PC'ing the subframe in the future. As for the stickers, I have removed every sticker from the bike. The only things left are the Honda Wings which are clearcoated onto the tank. I have some custom decals coming very soon that will change that though......

I was thinking about getting the clear leading edge protection kit from a website I visited - http://www.thetankslapper.biz/cgi-l...PK.html?L+scstore+qgzp5335ffa15fa1+1222560416 This kit is custom made to protect the headlight and turn signal lenses and the leading edges of the fairing, top and sides of the tank, rear cowl, etc. The kit is $49.95. you should check it out.

 

Hey Stewart you can also try looking at this:

http://nufinish.com/products_polish.html

 

No that's me talking to one of my girls, making sure I'm getting my cut. How do you think I pay for all these mods I'm doing :biggrin:

 

My 6th gen is fading fast too, after 16k. Haven't noticed it on my F4i though. Try rubbing a little petroleum jelly on it(it works wonders on faded plastic!).

 

I just checked out that web site and video...that's way cool. I have similar products on my iPhone and iPod that is sold by InvisibleShield.com. I am familiar with applying these products using a spray solution. It works really well, the shields on my phone and iPod are so transparent and evenly applied you have to look hard to see them. Turns out they make a set for the '07 CBR600RR...I will have to order that. I just installed a tank bag today and was concerned about the surface of the bottom of the bag rubbing on the paint. This would solve that problem nicely.

Boy, you learn of the coolest stuff in this forum...:smile:

 

Seb,
How many miles do you have on your F4i?

 

Although I do occassionally go for a Brazilian Mankini Wax , I definately have a little more hair on my chest than that "child", LOL! I will say that we do share the same fashion sense though, I believe it is called Early Huggy Bear or Recent Snoop Dogg :biggrin:

My marketing department is currently working out the details of my reward plan, "Mattress Miles". When the final plan is approved I'll PM you!

 

I believe that BenJammer is the man that should get the credit for originally locating and posting on this product. I'm just relaying the info.

I have been compiling an extensive list of links to all products and accessories for VFR's, it can be found here:

http://groups.msn.com/RonsVFRPage/_whatsnew.msnw

Click on the links text and take a look. I'm adding to it almost everyday when I have time and come across products I think are interesting. Everybody is welcome to use it, just drop a note in the message section so I can see all of the folks who have visited. I'm hoping to expand this site throughout the coming years to help myself and others get info quickly.

 

Has it actually "faded" or is it from your legs wearing the gloss off? May be a place to put some tack tape to prevent it from happening again. I've heard of Gen 6's rusting there due to the paint wearing off.

 

NorcalBoy - I also used Meguair's waxing compound on it and it made no difference. The 3M clear urethane is a great idea. My lower is already starting to get nicked up. I'm going to look into it.

Derstuka - The only elements that my bike sees is the sun. From Spring to Fall, I ride my bike to work as much as possible and it sits out in the sun for 10 hours a day. I know that the sun can take its toll on things.

Jason - The paint is faded and it is not from my legs. It is on the entire exposed part of the subframe. I've had my bike for a full year, so give yours some time and let me know if you see the same thing.

PC - Thanks for taking the time to check your F4i. I think you are correct that it is from exposure to the elements (sun). The reason that it is so obvious on the RWB is because of the black aluminum frame. It really sticks out. If I have the silver aluminum frame, then it might not be so noticeable. Next year I'm powerdercoating my rims white, so I'll wait until then to do the sub-frame.

Sebspeed - you've confirmed PC's theory.

Thanks everyone for the input.

 

Sorry to hear that your subframe is beyond restoration, Stewart. If you do decide to go the powder coating route, I have used this outfit out of Dallas, Texas. These guys do very good work, I wouldn't trust my stuff to just anybody.

Check them out here: http://www.custompowdercoating.com/colors.aspx

Good luck and I hope you find a satisfactory solution to you problem.