[jpelker]

Last week I purchased a Kawasaki 1994 ZX-6E, excellent mechancal condition, 19K miles for a steal ($1200). The bike does have some cosmetic flaws (it was probably bumped at least once--broke right mirror, turn signal, brake lever, etc.) It also has some paint issues, mainly it sucks. The bike is almost all black, minus the red a previous owner tried to infuse (redone seat, painted red windscreen, lame-ass decals).

I am new to sportbikes, but I owned a Honda Rebel for a year and a half until I sold it last summer. I spent a lot of time fixing up that bike and it looked great when it was bought. I figure I can parlee my skills on this Ninja and make it awesome once again. My first question (and there will be many more) is: what's the best way to redress the farings? This black plastic looks terrible, especially to a guy whose used to all metal and chrome. My buddy suggested airbrushing, but I really want to see some examples of ametuer airbrushing before I take that step. Also, would there be any cheap options to have it professionally painted?

 

[jeeps84]

:welcome: to TWF

You can try to polish it out. You probably will end up repainting the whole bike anyway from the sounds of it.
Solid colors will be the cheapest way. Then maybe some new decals and or graphics from Kawasaki or Tape Works.
Custom painted graphics will be the most expensive. Most start around a grand and go skyward.

 

[Gas Man]

First off :welcome:

Second I think Jeeps is right. However, get us some pics! Then we can better suggest stuff!

 

[EIDROEDYR]

Check out www.zx6e.com. I don't post there as much as I use to since upgraded my 95 E but there are parts for sale on there all the time. Also, I am currently looking into painting for my 7R and so far, quotes are approximately $900 for a single solid color including prep (not including plastic repair). You'll definitely save alot by doing yourself and probably even more just replacing the damaged fairings.

 

[Wockman]

If you are looking for decals, somewhere like http://reflectivedecals.com/ or http://www.tapeworks.com/ would be good places to start. Tapeworks has some really nice kits.

If you want the stock look, www.denniskirk.com sells OEM decal kits.

 

[Pippi]

Cheapest option IMO would be to do it yourself, if your into that. It's not too difficult but a bit time consuming. I have painted two bikes myself, the most time consuming thing is the prep work but was by far the cheapest way to go.

I found a local body shop that would paint one solid color & clear coat for $400 - with me doing all the prep. I would call around and see what kind of deal a local place may give you. Keep in mind the more colors/scheme/custom color choices you go with will increase the price.
:luck:

 

[Gas Man]

I think Pippi is right! Plus you can feel like you have acomplished it yourself!

 

[jeeps84]

:iagree: and its not hard to prep if there isn't to much damage.

 

[krazykustumz-kc]

Check out www.zx6e.com. I don't post there as much as I use to since upgraded my 95 E but there are parts for sale on there all the time. Also, I am currently looking into painting for my 7R and so far, quotes are approximately $900 for a single solid color including prep (not including plastic repair). You'll definitely save alot by doing yourself and probably even more just replacing the damaged fairings.

whoa. thats sounds like alot for single colors, have you checked around?

 

[EIDROEDYR]

whoa. thats sounds like alot for single colors, have you checked around?

Still checking around but so far, the two "professionals" (as in does it for a living) I contacted, both quoted me 900.00 exactly. I know I can get my bike painted for much cheaper but I am not willing to go the way of the backyard mechanic. My cousin got Maaco to paint his bike, but all they did was just spray over the existing paint with no real prep. I am not expecting much lower than that as there isn't an abundance of motorcycle painters out there. I've seen the work that both these guys do and it's very good.

Attached are a few examples of one of the guys work (the first one is his R1).

 

[jeeps84]

Attached are a few examples of one of the guys work (the first one is his R1).

Looks as if he does decent work. Be cautious of the back yard painter but some can do excellent work. Just check around to fined examples like your doing.

 

[Wockman]

Be cautious of the back yard painter but some can do excellent work.

:iagree: It might end up costing you more in the long run, un-doing someone elses mistakes. Get a good look at their work beforehand.

 

[Gas Man]

Looks as if he does decent work. Be cautious of the back yard painter but some can do excellent work. Just check around to fined examples like your doing.

:iagree: