2014 Honda VFR 800 (Red) Possible Paint Problem

Discussion in 'General VFR Discussions' started by baker5, Dec 27, 2014.

  1. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    I just pinch the sidewall with my thumb and claim a +- 3 psi accuracy. But only when I have 1.5 gal of fuel in the tank. 87 - 89 oct. 50-50.
     
  2. Badbilly

    Badbilly Official VFRWorld Troll Of The Year!

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    Me too. All that other stuff is for the other guys.
     
  3. baker5

    baker5 New Member

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    I've attached pictures. There is not much to look at as the finish is consistent and perfect everywhere on this faring piece - in colour, clarity and shine. First picture shows where the VFR decal is that I very lightly buffed a clear mark off and no colour was on the pad. The last three pictures show the area beside fork tube on the same fairing piece on the flat part of cowl where I buffed (two light passes) and there was colour on the pad.

    I contacted the dealer and sent them info on what happened along with these photos. Service Manager is back Monday along with Honda Tech at HO so we'll go from there. I know 2012-2014 Goldwing series bikes (with some colours) have a terrible problem with the paint which I understand it to be single stage (no clear). I have not seen anything on 2014 VFR 800's and am still assuming the fairings are clear coated. That is really the ultimate question to Honda.

    If anyone else has a 2014 Red VFR and they are noticing what I have please let me know. Thanks.



    013.JPG 012.JPG 016.JPG 017.JPG
     
    Last edited: Jan 2, 2015
  4. Badbilly

    Badbilly Official VFRWorld Troll Of The Year!

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    Maybe test another area that doesn't show using the same compound and technique. You could even pull a whole panel and test the rolled edge or pull the lower shroud and use that.

    It could be a repaint from some damage or it may be overspray. It may be that only the tank is clear coated. We sometimes get the idea that paints stay the same. They don't. Case in point.. Several Japanese car makers used a waterbourne clear on some vehicles. You can spot them for sale on various websites. Some of the terms are deceptive but leaning toward clear coat failure. The Japanese car makers will not and do not acknowledge this paint failure.

    Expect your bike dealer to do the same. David may have whupped ass on Goliath but at least Goliath told everyone he was a badass. Theres a parable in there somewhere.
     
  5. Allyance

    Allyance Insider

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    Baker5, be aware your right side cowl is made up of 3 pieces; lower red, black trim and smaller upper red section where you are having problem. Worse comes to worse, they would only have to replace that section.
    Since you just got bike, I doubt you have had them off yet. Had mine off for the first time yesterday to change oil filter and saw how they were made. They come apart by undoing screws on inside of assembly.
     
  6. baker5

    baker5 New Member

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    Thanks guys.

    At this point I'll wait for Honda to respond. Badbilly, to your point I don't expect much from Honda - an explanation at the very least would be nice. With the Goldwings, Honda's position was it's a one stage paint - live with it. If Honda acknowledges however these fairings are cleared than I figure they have to do something as I should not be pulling paint and they would have to agree with me. I spoke to my body shop and sent them photos and their take on it was this is microscopic mist / over spray in the manufacturing process on top of the clear that for some reason got on this part and on the top flat side of the panel. They said if this was a localized repaint and buff, the repair/paint could not be blended into the adjacent paint/clear combination and would be easy to spot. As a side note, I am putting the 3M Pro paint protection kit on the bike - I was going to do this anyway which makes much of this a mute point I guess. Tankslapper's rep told me a week or so ago the 2014 kit's issue is any day now.
     
  7. Badbilly

    Badbilly Official VFRWorld Troll Of The Year!

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    Honda will explain the problem in their terms. In some cases those terms are silent.

    What you have going by being informed is some leverage getting things on your new bike set right. Honda does not want to lose face. If you want to have a little fun with the Honda dude ask him how long you can expect the R/R on your bike to last?
     
  8. baker5

    baker5 New Member

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    I spoke to the service manager and he will follow up with Honda Canada for a response.

    In the interim I called Color Rite tech support about the issue and paint formulation. The gentlemen was very helpful and like my body shop indicated considering the details; and with a very high level of certainty, that this residue is microscopic overspray from the paint process sitting on the clear coat. He indicated from viewing the pictures based on the shine and brilliance of the colour/finish, the panels and area in question are definitely clear coated on top of the tri-coat formula.

    I will await Honda's response which will likely be vague, wax the bike in the spring along with fitting the bike with the 3M Pro Paint Protection kit and move on.
     
  9. baker5

    baker5 New Member

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    Hi,
    Just for an update. Honda said it is likely overspray and could possibly be due to a tint in the clear coat. They would not divulge their paint process. They offered to replace the panel if I like. 3M Paint protection kit is on order so I think per my last post I will put the protection kit on, wax the bike and move on. My largest concern was there was no clear coat in the area but from all accounts there is. To start changing panels may compromise the colour match although with 1km on the bike that may not be an issue.

    Cheers.
     
  10. Badbilly

    Badbilly Official VFRWorld Troll Of The Year!

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    Maybe try to get the panels and see. IMO you bought a new bike in good faith and it was not up to Honda standards. Reds are fugitive and do fade. On that new a bike unless measured with a calibrated color meter I have doubts about a mismatch or a hue shift.

    Hold out for new panels, you can always sell them or store them. According to several threads here and even one "contest", more paint problems are in your future..

    Kudos for doing due diligence and all that homework.
     
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