Sorting out my passenger handles

[ghulst]

Yes, I guess the title to this post can open up a whole set of great remarks...


However, it really is about the passenger grab handles at the rear of my '11 Tiger 800XC just look horrible. They used to be this grey finish, but now they are grey/black and worn out. I was just thinking this tonight and I might take a better picture of them tomorrow with the Tiger in the garage...



But I'll post a picture here anyway, just so you've got something to look at.


Anyway, all thoughts are welcome!

[blacktiger]

Yes, I guess the title to this post can open up a whole set of great remarks...


However, it really is about the passenger grab handles at the rear of my '11 Tiger 800XC just look horrible. They used to be this grey finish, but now they are grey/black and worn out. I was just thinking this tonight and I might take a better picture of them tomorrow with the Tiger in the garage...



But I'll post a picture here anyway, just so you've got something to look at.


Anyway, all thoughts are welcome!

Battle scars add character.

[ghulst]

Battle scars, yes, but this is just bad finish...

[Nick Calne]

How about some powder coating?

[London_Phil]

I have a '12 xc, and I agree, the handles are ugly, but they form part of the support for the rear rack/topbox.
I think some models had black ones, but they do spoil the look.

[Sin_Tiger]

Hand sewn vintage burgundy leather wrap for that Hipster look 

[London_Phil]

Hand sewn vintage burgundy leather wrap for that Hipster look 

Yeah, bit Sin, you can buy them off the shelf in Camden, looking for something a little more, individual...

[93TigerBill-2016]

For a 'different' look, howsabout a tight wrap with Paracord?

[ghulst]

Hand sewn vintage burgundy leather wrap for that Hipster look 

  That was the best suggestion ever.

How about some powder coating?

I think some models had black ones, but they do spoil the look.

I'm just going to respond to both of these at the same time. I honestly would love the original finish. I have seen some with black powder coating, but I do think it does not look as good. On the one hand, they fit in with the black of the frame much better, but that also makes the back of the bike almost 'invisible' as it is all black. I guess if you want to do a triple black version and paint he tank and beak as well, that could make sense, but it doesn't to me. Not now anyway. And to do it in silver powder coating, might make them just look out of place...


I guess leather it is then. 


No, seriously, I do want to do something about them, but it is not easy.

[blacktiger]

So then, it's out with the polishing wheel. Nice and shiny then a few coats of lacquer?

Chrome plating?

[ghulst]

LOL, no, no chrome plating. That definitely does not match the Tiger, in my opinion. Now if it was a Harley-Davidson adventure bike...

[blacktiger]

LOL, no, no chrome plating. That definitely does not match the Tiger, in my opinion. Now if it was a Harley-Davidson adventure bike...

OK. You can have them anodised any colour you like.

[Sin_Tiger]

I like anodised parts but the trouble is that the finish doesn't last well on contact surfaces, especially those always in strong UV, that's  if you can remember that long ago.

[blacktiger]

I like anodised parts but the trouble is that the finish doesn't last well on contact surfaces, especially those always in strong UV, that's  if you can remember that long ago.

It's only red that fades to pink over time. Silver would look standard and won't fade.

[London_Phil]

Looks like its Hammer(ite) time....