Rattle Can Radiator Covers

[LiteFiter]

I am planning on replacing/painting the radiator covers to black. I just had my crash bars and pegs powder coated. The guy that did the coating was looking at the bike, and knowing I was going to go black on some other parts (i.e., the radiator covers) said that with them being plastic, it would be easy to just take some Rustoleum Satin Black, and with little or no prep, they would come out just about as well as the factory. I have looked online at the factory part numbers, there is only one style in black offered, so apparently there is no differance in what style paint the main bike is, Gloss or Matte, the radiator cover color and finish appears to be one size fits all. Question is, has anyone purchased the black covers, if so, what is your opion? And if any of you reading this, has the new late model 2013's that has the black covers as stock, is there a match to the paint for the Matte or Gloss, or is it pretty much just black. I really like this rattle can approach, a whole lot cheaper than the $110 USD's they want for both sides. Appreicate the help on this most critical of inquiries. Governments will topple if I don't get this right! Thanks, Jon

 

[Power-Tripp]

Rustoleum never really sets up hard, and any oil or gas that gets on it will leave stains.

Prep the plastic parts with a Scotchbrite pad (brown). Shoot a light coating of Bulldog adhesion promoter (aerosol can) and let dry. Apply several light coats of SEM Trim Black (aerosol can) and let set over night.

 

[mully95]

Yep you have one choice and that is matte black. What I did instead of buying the expensive covers is spray mine flat black. My bike is matte black. I took the covers off, scuffed them with 220, slick them up a tad with 400, washed them with dish soap, wiped them down with alcohol, hung them up(wear gloves), primed them with multi coats of automotive sand able primer in a spray can, water sanded with 400, rattle can sprayed Krylon flat black. They have held up better than what I thought they would so I must have did something right. Been that way for years now without one single chipped off area. It beats paying a arm and leg for the covers from Triumph and the paint matched perfectly.

 

[CanberraR3]

Rustoleum works great. It's what I've used on my rad grill and other places. It does chip eventually so a recoat once in a while will be needed but it's cheap and easy. The satin finish is perfect IMO.

 

[LiteFiter]

Thanks

Appreciate everyones suggestions, definitely feel more confident now that I know this is a valid option. Will knock it out and see what happens. Thanks again, Jon