[langers]

Hey everyone,

I'm hoping someone can share some wisdom regarding panel repair, specifically to the candy orange matte finish on my V650. Long story short, the bike was struck on and just above the headlight, taking a gouge out of the plastic fairing and putting a deep scratch up the headlight.

From my understanding of matte finishes and what reading I've done tonight, I'm gathering it would be a challenge to repair the gash and achieve a uniform, as-new finish? If replacing it is the only option, any advice on the best place to source the parts would be great.

As for the headlight, I'm sure that will simply need replacing.

Thanks in advance

 

[jaaklucas]

From my understanding of matte finishes and what reading I've done tonight, I'm gathering it would be a challenge to repair the gash and achieve a uniform, as-new finish?

Ive experimented quite a bit with DIY spray can painting. So, if you are painting flat black (or any flat finish paint)body parts, no problem with a spray can. This will match up and basically the coveted Carbon grey finish is flat black. That finish you are repairing is a matte(satin,eggshell,semi-gloss)
and a matte clear coat as well probably. That Ive done with good results on a bicycle, matte paint and matte clear coat with spray cans. The more gloss you are trying to paint the harder with a spray can,it will look not pro. Also the darker the paint other than flat the harder it is to make look good. You can use rubbing compound on a matte paint to smooth it out but it will become gloss, tried that! Can you buy that factory orange matte in a spray can? If so, Id give it a go. Otherwise, buy the factory paint in a can with a lid do the body filler and sanding and if you dont have a proper paint sprayer take the fairing to a paint shop. Is it easier to just buy a new fairing? Price it out, up to you!

 

[weljo2001]

I would get a touch up paint for the panel and try to buff out the light....We have Colorite here not sure about for you...https://www.colorrite.com/wizardresults.cfm

 

[fasteddiecopeman]

I agree w/ weljo - sand out the headlight scratch w/ VERY fine paper, and it should come out OK. Can't help on the painting....

:goodluck:

 

[Fastoman]

Agree with the others and for painting consider stickers. A strip of the same shade should do the job.

 

[Smiley]

After sanding out the scratch on the headlight, finish with a polish using toothpaste.

 

[langers]

Thanks for the input guys.

I would get a touch up paint for the panel and try to buff out the light....We have Colorite here not sure about for you...https://www.colorrite.com/wizardresults.cfm

I agree on buffing the light, and touch up paint could be a goer on the fairing. From what I understand of matte finishes, it’s essentially regular paint followed by a special clear coat that sets with a non-uniform surface, diffusing the light and giving that flat look instead of a shine. Getting the repaired finish to match the old finish could be tricky.

Agree with the others and for painting consider stickers. A strip of the same shade should do the job.

Fastoman, do you have any more info on stickers? I’m not aware of them being used for repairs, I’d be interested to see the finished result!

I agree with all about sanding and polishing the headlight, certainly worth having a go at.

 

[Fastoman]

Thanks for the input guys.






Fastoman, do you have any more info on stickers? I’m not aware of them being used for repairs, I’d be interested to see the finished result!

I agree with all about sanding and polishing the headlight, certainly worth having a go at.

We have quite a number of sticker shop who will do any kind of repair or new cover jobs for Hard Cases, side panels and sometime we use these stickers for minor paint repair work. Look around your local dealers.