Ducati Monster Forum

Waiting for paint to dry, can't sleep, so here are the pics of the process.  Yes, I did all the usual prep work on the aluminum and plastic, applied appropriate primers, then color matched paint, then clear coat.  There were about 6 coats of color, and 5 coats of clear.  I want to be able to buff it down if needed. The products were Urethane base spray that I got from a company that specializes in color matched motorcycle paints.  This is a PERFECT color match...better than any other paint I have gotten before for cars etc, so super happy, worth the $24 a can, IMHO.

I also received my tank bag, very happy with that, fits like a glove.

Stock set up on the headlight and bikini visor.
(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1026/4723201557_9304646904_b.jpg)


Everything on the front removed:
(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1409/4723201873_7a14102658_b.jpg)

(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1241/4723854382_170564cf17_b.jpg)

(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1117/4723201725_304ecde502_b.jpg)


Paint, these shots were after the clear coat was done, did not take pics of the actual process.
(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1422/4723853212_60fe523705_b.jpg)

(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1255/4723201199_fc03832f96_b.jpg)


Waiting for things to dry enough to move them to a warmer area for better curing, I put on the tank bag.
(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1235/4723854668_444ebdec40_b.jpg)

(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1436/4723854808_57a8fdd094_b.jpg)

(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1029/4723202703_467c448f4b_b.jpg)

(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1117/4723855060_6ab27cbea6_b.jpg)

(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1059/4723203097_24b8bd5535_b.jpg)


Many hours later, they are dry enough to test fit and get an idea if I am an idiot or not....well, still not sure if I'm an idiot, but it was worth a shot.  I can always paint the red parts black.
(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1130/4723855810_877ca12d7d_b.jpg)

(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1395/4723855956_94a2cf7d2f_b.jpg)

(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1218/4723856108_622fe7cb4f_b.jpg)


You can see how good the color match is in the last picture, the top piece, the bikini visor was OEM painted, the lower piece, a cover for the instrument cluster if you take off the bikini visor, was originally black plastic.  It is absolutely a perfect color match, and I am pretty happy with the clear coat, and that was without a wet sand yet, just finish spray with a rattle can.  :D

i like the red light frame and the short nose piece. what are you doing to the mirrors?

Looks good.  I did the headlight frame in red on my M1100 quite a while back.  Really changed the look of the bike because it ties it in with the red frame.  I've got the silver tank shroud & bikini fairing so I did some tasteful pin striping in red on those.  I also painted the sprocket carrier red.

I am putting in handle bar mirrors, so I just pulled these off.

(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1026/4723201557_9304646904_b.jpg)

(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1195/4724456737_894a2ff93f_b.jpg)

(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1069/4725108740_844025f296_b.jpg)

(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1357/4724457935_dc2b0d64e2_b.jpg)

(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1026/4725108502_6991d63a4f_b.jpg)


well, I think I don't like the instrument cluster red, should have left it black.  I will change that again soon, but at least it turned out well.  Making that upper part black again will help to lower the front end of the bike, and make it look more aggressive, at least to me it will.

Quick before and after comparo....I have decided to go back to black on the cluster cover, may do a carbon one...I think having that darker will help to lower the front visually, and hint at the streetfighter look.


(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1439/4724907491_0b6be590b1_b.jpg)

(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1357/4724457935_dc2b0d64e2_b.jpg)

NICE.  That's exactly what I want to do with my headlight cover.  Can you share how you did this?  I actually bought a can of the ducati colorrite paint that matches the red frame.  I just don't know how to prep the piece or go about properly painting it.  I don't really have much experience with painting.  Yours turned out really nice though.  Anyway, any help would be appreciated.

Red headlight bezel looks great  [thumbsup]   But I do agree with you on the red cluster cover.... Nice job.

Fnck yeah!! Looks great [thumbsup]

The first rule in painting something with a spray can....patience!!!

1. prep the surface to be painted by sanding lightly with a 250-400 grit paper, this helps to remove any oils, solvents, etc to allow the spray paint to adhere.  After sanding, wipe down the surface with a de-natured alcohol or other cleaner to also help to remove oils and dust.  Make sure your hands are really clean if you plan to handle them without gloves...the oils from your hands can prevent paint from sticking, and you will get flaking.

2. find an appropriate primer to coat the surfaces first.  For plastic parts, there is a plastic primer, it is actually clear, and for other surfaces like the cast aluminum surround, any standard primer will do, that is usually grey.

3. after primer has fully dried, start application of your color, depending on if it is glossy or not will depend on clear coating after the fact.  The paint I used was flat, but factory color, so it required a clear urethane after it was applied.  THIS IS THE IMPORTANT PART....spray LIGHT coats, evenly, smoothly.  Once you have sprayed a section, don't go back over it too many times in one application, this will cause runs or drips.  Let that set for 30-45 minutes, then apply another even coat over the surface.  It can take up to 5-6 times to get a full even coverage, just be patient.  After 2 quick coats, with 30 minutes between them, I let the surface dry for 2-3 hours before applying a 3rd to 4th coat, I always do coats in 2's, with the 30 minute duration between. 

4. Clear coat.  Same application process, lighter, even coats do not drip. but with clear, I wait about an hour between coats, to minimize any hazing.

Hope that helps, there are a million write ups throughout the internet if you want more details.  Painting like this can be done on anything, just take your time.  I learned how to do this stuff while working on cars....and did a full show car on my own.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3296/2714808923_1648e63ef9_o.jpg)


Thanks for the compliments everyone, I can't believe they did not make them this way from the factory, looks so much better with a color matched headlight surround.  IMHO.

Stylo,
  Thanks a lot for the write-up.  That will be very helpful to me.  I have the rattle can, and some primer, so I guess I just need to pick up the clear coat and sand paper, and I'll be good to go.

Let me ask you one additional question though.  The surface of that headlight surrounding is not smooth, it has little bumps on it.  Someone mentioned that I should sand down all the bumps.  It sounds like this is not what you did.  Did the bumps in the surface come through in the painting job?  It looks like your job was very smooth.

It looks awesome. I think I'm going back to stock headlight and painting it red as you did. I missed where you got the paint. Would appreciated some more info.
The directions and how to paint will definitely help. Thanks!


bicunica


P.S. Good call on the tank bag!   [thumbsup]

Color matched bezel looks nice, great job!  Should have removed the turn signal spacers while you were at it.

Which tank bag is that?  Link?

1. got the paint from here: http://www.colorrite.com/ (http://www.colorrite.com/)

2. tank bag info can be found in this thread:  all links and info to be found there: http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=39577.0 (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=39577.0)

3. no need to sand down the bumps, with enough even thinner coats of paint, they all but disappear, plus, the variable surface aids in adhesion, creates more surface area for the primer coat.

Hope that helps guys, and thanks for the compliments.

I think you should strip it and paint it black.  That strip across the headlight looks tacky to begin with and by painting it red you are emphasizing it.  :-\

+1.

Nice work/effort, but I'm not feeling it.

Ducati looks at the Monster sites and bikes on the streets, the 695 is proof. I bet the 696, 796, 1100 will have a black or color matches headlight thingy soon!

And for me, that is one of the styling accents that I actually really like about the new monsters.  And I like that it stands out more now that it is red.  Funny, how people can have such different tastes about things, all in the eye of the beholder.

Very nice! Good work!

+1

Dr. Stylo, I think you'll find that those who "get" where you're coming from with this are owners of M696/M1100.... and those who dont are adherents to the older monster style.

we are just retro!!! ;D

Nothing wrong with Retro!!!!

the monsters look good, no matter what year, make, model, etc.  I'm just stoked to finally own one.

Nice job!
You are right, should come from the factory that way.

I love the old Monsters (retro old fart), but I think you have finished off the modern look nicely.
I have generally not liked the look of the new Monsters but I would like them a lot more if they came from the factory like yours [thumbsup].

You have encouraged me to have more patience next time I paint bits of the old girl!

I haven't been a big fan of the new Monsters but I do like what you've done.  Looks good.  [thumbsup]

Hey Doc,
Would you like to sell your old mirrors?
I was thinking of updating my 2006 dark with the newer style mirrors.
mbclevenger@hotmail.com

mbclevenger....I think I am going to keep them just in case, etc.  Sorry.

Other plans in the works, slip on cans on order, waiting production run to get them, was told they should be available this week, but have not heard back for sure yet.  Also plan on a modest tail chop, maybe a tail bag for longer trips, some other painting, frame and axle sliders, battery tender, and other bits and pieces over the next year. Really want to go with the low seat, and might look at carbon fiber tanks and tail to see how that might look with only the head light and frame in red, with red logos on the CF, and red surrounds on the air intakes on the tank (or what ever the things are on the tank with the mesh)...making the surround red, leaving the mesh as is.  Just thinking outloud.

Really enjoying riding this bike.  Not the most powerful thing, but it really suits my needs and is super comfortable for me, could not be happier.

I think it looks incredible! Love the red accent on the headlight (might have to steal that idea). what did you use for the wheel striping? And i agree with going back to black on the cluster, it won't pull the eyes away from the natural lines.

I got the reflective red tape from monsterparts.com

I highly recommend them, Jeff called me right away to verify my order since I ordered 2 kits and it only requires one to do the front and rear.  I wanted 2 sets in case I screwed it up, hehe.  And in ordering slip-ons, he was amazingly helpful and responsive, and I got the cans I wanted, and they should be here by the end of the week.  Great customer service from these guys....unlike the original vendor I tried to source slip-on cans through....they never delivered, continued to delay, and have taken forever to return my payment in full (payed them up front for cans that were "in stock" but were actually not...they had to be ordered.  So, I called around, and found Jeff at Monster Parts to be more than understanding and helpful.  Gotta love good customer service, especially these days and in this economy!

here is a direct link to the stripes for the wheels...
http://www.monsterparts.com/pc/PG5025/Accessories/PG5025.html (http://www.monsterparts.com/pc/PG5025/Accessories/PG5025.html)

+1 for Jeff and Monsterparts.   [thumbsup]

Awesome thanks! I just ordered some stuff from them yesterday!

Based on Stylo's advice, I went ahead and painted my headlight ring too.  Thanks for the advice. Sorry for the crappy pics, I lost my camera recently.

(http://i1018.photobucket.com/albums/af308/bahadasx/Ducati%20696/009.jpg)
(http://i1018.photobucket.com/albums/af308/bahadasx/Ducati%20696/32e53c60.jpg)

Next cosmetic mods will be powder coating the rear sets, exhaust shield, and top triple.  I'm also going to do the red reflective wheel stripes (then I will get rid of the reflectors), and wrap the forks eventually.

While doing this, I also got rid of the front turn signal spacers (it's a US only thing).  All I had to do was get a shorter screw.
(http://i1018.photobucket.com/albums/af308/bahadasx/Ducati%20696/005.jpg)

The white part of the bikini fairing on the shield would look good in black on your bike now that you painted the headlight red.

kinda wierd but i'm thinking the black part of the light should be white now?

+1 I think it would match the color/lines with the tank nicely.


Maybe after painting the top of the headlight then see if this idea would also work.

Interesting suggestions.  I think I'm going to give it a little time and think about some of this stuff.  I may just end up getting rid of the bikini fairing at some point.  I feel like there may be too much going on with the white, black and red. 

Back no topic  ;D...of MY 696 project, hehe.

I got confirmation my Leo Vince slip ons will be here Wednesday.  Excited for those.  Also, got the carbon cluster cover, will get pics of everything once I get the cans on.

Currently cooped up in a hotel awaiting my advanced riding skills class for the next 2 days.  I hate the musty carpet and moldy a/c smells of hotels.  blech.  just sayin.  Class should be fun, over 10 hours of riding time.  woot!!

 :'(
[laugh]  Good luck on the class.  Did you get the carbon leo's?

No, I got the aluminum ones, as I like silver looking cans.  But regardless of the finish, I am super excited to hear the change in exhaust note  ;D

It will definitely awaken the monster in the 696 when you throw them on with no baffles.

Missed the delivery, need to sign for them, will have to wait until tomorrow...boooo!!

Had a blast at my MSF class, passed riding skills with zero deductions!!  woot!!

shoulda painted it black!

(http://distortedolskool.smugmug.com/Other/ducati-s2r1000/DSC0017/884688345_Tfa2K-M.jpg)

Why?

I think your bike looks nice the way you have done it.  I just decided to go a different direction.  You have the gold wheels and forks too.  As has been mentioned previously, I can always just get it powdercoated black in the future if I don't like it anymore.

Took off the wheel stripes, they were not straight, and it bugged me, need to re-do them at some point.  But my sister snapped this shot as I was leaving her house after hanging with my nephew for the day.  I am loving the carbon cluster cover and red headlight trim.

the Leo Vince Evo II should be here any minute!!!   ;D
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4117/4797062339_ce6b366c05_b.jpg)

Installed the Leo Vince Evo II system yesterday, had a buddy come over so I could hear what it sounds like while off the bike.  Quick video with a point and shoot camera, video and sound quality suck, but it is all I have at the moment.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/21314115@N05/4813580016/#secret2295c7149d-w500-h283?processed=1&cb=1279662070735 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/21314115@N05/4813580016/#secret2295c7149d-w500-h283?processed=1&cb=1279662070735)

did you try out putting on the red bikini fairing with the red cluster backing still  red? or maybe a red cluster back, with a black fairing?

they are not able to go on at the same time.  The fairing has a piece that fits into the cluster, and replaces the stand alone cluster cover all together.  It is all actually one piece on the fairing, and is just painted black under the clear windscreen section.

Looking great man!  Do you ride with anybody here like MHM or the DEMC guys?  I haven't made out yet... was going to do a Ducati club ride today but it was rainy   [bang]

No, I have not ridden or met anyone yet.  I have just been riding on my own.  The bummer part is I only work weekends, but I have Monday thru Friday off each week.  I LOVE that down time to play.  Planning on a nice mountain ride next week sometime, weather permitting.  I don't have rain gear yet, so I need to pay attention to the weather.

oh yeah duh!  [roll]

I have been LOVING my Leo's, no silencers, really happy with the sound and feel.  Had a wonderful day of riding today, up 2 fun mountain roads, met buddies for BBQ for lunch at a dive bar, what a great way to spend hump day.
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4134/4860741305_21aceb5328_b.jpg)