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...
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48631859867_535df7fd17_c.jpg)
But I'll post a picture here anyway, just so you've got something to look at.
Anyway, all thoughts are welcome!
Quote from: ghulst on March 05, 2021, 09:47:26 PM
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...
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48631859867_535df7fd17_c.jpg)
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.
Battle scars, yes, but this is just bad finish...
How about some powder coating?
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.
Hand sewn vintage burgundy leather wrap for that Hipster look :augie
Quote from: Sin_Tiger on March 06, 2021, 01:44:43 PM
Hand sewn vintage burgundy leather wrap for that Hipster look :augie
Yeah, bit Sin, you can buy them off the shelf in Camden, looking for something a little more, individual...
For a 'different' look, howsabout a tight wrap with Paracord?
Quote from: Sin_Tiger on March 06, 2021, 01:44:43 PM
Hand sewn vintage burgundy leather wrap for that Hipster look :augie
:rfl That was the best suggestion ever.
Quote from: Nick Calne on March 06, 2021, 08:28:15 AM
How about some powder coating?
Quote from: London_Phil on March 06, 2021, 10:45:17 AM
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. :icon_lol:
No, seriously, I do want to do something about them, but it is not easy.
So then, it's out with the polishing wheel. Nice and shiny then a few coats of lacquer?
Chrome plating?
LOL, no, no chrome plating. That definitely does not match the Tiger, in my opinion. Now if it was a Harley-Davidson adventure bike... ;)
Quote from: ghulst on March 08, 2021, 11:18:51 AM
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.
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.
Quote from: Sin_Tiger on March 08, 2021, 05:47:13 PM
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.
Looks like its Hammer(ite) time....
I mean like funky powder coating ...
Like this: http://www.hmgpowdercoatings.com/powder-coating/signature-finish-collection (http://www.hmgpowdercoatings.com/powder-coating/signature-finish-collection)
:rfl
Quote from: London_Phil on March 08, 2021, 06:15:33 PM
Looks like its Hammer(ite) time....
TA da da da, tada, tada!
(https://media.giphy.com/media/kgKrO1A3JbWTK/giphy.gif)
All of this still leaves me wondering what the OEM finish was. How did they do that?
Oh, and new they seem to be £155 a piece!!!
Quote from: ghulst on March 08, 2021, 08:38:27 PM
All of this still leaves me wondering what the OEM finish was. How did they do that?
Oh, and new they seem to be £155 a piece!!!
Paint and lacquer.
Quote from: blacktiger on March 08, 2021, 05:51:43 PM
Silver would look standard and won't fade.
I beg to disagree with you on that point from personal experience :nod
Quote from: Sin_Tiger on March 09, 2021, 10:47:27 AM
I beg to disagree with you on that point from personal experience :nod
Explain :)
You can only dye solid colours, the anodic layer created during the will not absorb metallic particles. The way "silver" is achieved in paints or powder coating is by addition of a metallic element, usually aluminium based. To achieve the illusion of "Silver" in anodising, small amounts of black and white are added.
I had flakey powder coated grab handles on a Honda that I had "Hard" anodised, I should explain that this does not make the the anodised layer any harder than standard anodising but it does increase the layer thickness by up to 30% more than the standard 2-3 microns by forcing a higher current during the electrolytic process. Within 6 months or so I could clearly see, not scratches but an even wear in the area where I gripped to pull the bike onto the main stand or push it around, within a year the unworn areas had a definite yellow cast. I discussed this with the metallurgy specialists that I had been dealing with and they explained that the yellowing was normal due to atmospheric contaminants and UV and the thicker the layer the more noticeable it would be.
That's why I wouldn't suggest it for the application you are intending. No I didn't have leather jackets fitted after that, just painted. :icon_lol:
Quote from: Sin_Tiger on March 09, 2021, 10:47:27 AM
I beg to disagree with you on that point from personal experience :nod
Well, my experience is with the silver alloy Renthal Handlebars that I've had since 2009. First fitted to the Scrambler I had back then and then transferred to my first and then my second and current 800. So, they've been around the block several times, covering about 90000 miles on the three bikes. They're still silver and show no signs of yellowing. :^_^
Funny you should say that Phil, I was about to mention that Hammerite silver smooth is an uncannily good match for a lot if early Hinkley silver grey parts.
I'm watching with interest because the handles on my Explorer are looking a bit used although my greater concern is the black powder coating that is beginning to peel off the shaft drive housing :icon_rolleyes:
Quote from: Bixxer Bob on March 09, 2021, 08:18:11 PM
my greater concern is the black powder coating that is beginning to peel off the shaft drive housing :icon_rolleyes:
Worth trying a warranty claim.
Quote from: blacktiger on March 09, 2021, 04:57:06 PM
Well, my experience is with the silver alloy Renthal Handlebars that I've had since 2009. First fitted to the Scrambler I had back then and then transferred to my first and then my second and current 800. So, they've been around the block several times, covering about 90000 miles on the three bikes. They're still silver and show no signs of yellowing. :^_^
I can't comment on those as I don't know what finish was applied to those particular bars :augie
Quote from: Sin_Tiger on March 10, 2021, 01:04:54 AM
I can't comment on those as I don't know what finish was applied to those particular bars :augie
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Renthal-615-01-SI-03-219-Silver-Aluminum-Handlebar/dp/B000GU0824
which says:- A 15 step anodizing process forms an integral coating giving protection against corrosion and a laser etched positioning grid helps with precise adjustments
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210310/25ccb6a3b6e5541905902b6448926216.jpg)
Honestly, they just look terrible. Does anyone have a picture of them new?
Lower was straight out of the crate from the factory 2012 model, upper was after about a year and 10k kms
I don't have a shot from the same angle as your image unfortunately.
Quote from: ghulst on March 10, 2021, 11:47:19 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210310/25ccb6a3b6e5541905902b6448926216.jpg)
Honestly, they just look terrible. Does anyone have a picture of them new?
Blimey that looks like someone has attacked them with a Brillo pad. How on Earth......? Take 'em off and get them to a metal finisher and ask what they recommend.
I don't know what they did to them, but they are still on. ;)
Anyway, I have just sold the Mini, so the Tiger is now my second vehicle, which I am confined to when my wife needs a car as well. ;) Which means I rode it through a strong gale today, with wind gusts up to 70Mph. Not funny when they come from the side, I can tell you that. Hopefully it is going to be better tomorrow.
Quote from: ghulst on March 11, 2021, 10:45:38 PM
I rode it through a strong gale today, with wind gusts up to 70Mph. Not funny when they come from the side, I can tell you that.
You should try east of the Andes where Nigel and I had trouble holding our bikes up when stopped. We ended the day early because it was just so dangerous. Wish we hadn't because the hotel/motel we chose was like the Bates Motel. :bug_eye
Quote from: blacktiger on March 11, 2021, 11:28:33 PM
You should try east of the Andes where Nigel and I had trouble holding our bikes up when stopped. We ended the day early because it was just so dangerous. Wish we hadn't because the hotel/motel we chose was like the Bates Motel. :bug_eye
Ten years ago that might have been something of a challenge, nowadays crossing the Forth Road Bridge in a gale to stay at an Air BnB booked by Stenhouse Travel Inc. is about my limit ;)
Back to the matter at hand(les)
If its just a cosmetic tart up, then any number of metal sprays can be used.
I use Pro cote quick silver for some things,
https://www.aerosolsolutions.co.uk/product/pro-cote-quick-silver/
I generally find Pro cote is a good brand, but if its going to be used as an anchoring/tie-off handle, only some kind of hard coating is likely to stand the test.
I must say, although my handles are not corroded like yours, they are a really odd colour compared with any part of the bike.
They seem to have gone an odd green/grey/silver colour, and it does look odd.
I don't take pillion or generally tie off luggage, so I will probably spray them with a more pleasing shade..
I might match my Tank
https://www.aerosolsolutions.co.uk/product/pro-cote-tool-orange/
Listen to me, all fashionable like......
Quote from: London_Phil on March 14, 2021, 04:26:07 PM
Back to the matter at hand(les)
Listen to me, all fashionable like......
I see what you did there :icon_rolleyes: and that's what happens when you've been married a long time :augie
I think you're right, powder coat is probably the best option but I have to say I also like the Paracord lacing even if it looks a bit "Preppy" :kboom
Just to get back to this topic, it has not become hammer(ite) time. I managed to find a good looking set of grab handles online just last week. Immediately snapped up the set for a decent price. So, that is something to mount on the bike soon to make it look better. :)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210608/2b544b4453a07e1f0c7d7d135b88f429.jpg)
Sorted!
Makes a big difference, but the oem colour just doesn't work with any of the silver/greys anywhere else on the bike. Might do mine Orange to match the tank, or a match to Frame.
Can't quite make it out, is that just from scuffing?
Quote from: Sin_Tiger on June 08, 2021, 06:43:08 PM
Can't quite make it out, is that just from scuffing?
No, I was able to secure a set of pretty nice bars for a decent price.
@Phil I do agree on the color. Not really impressed with it. I guess this is how they were originally, but the finish does feel like a bit of a mismatch. Not impressed, but at least they look better. ;)