Wheel paint and refinish

[cencalal]

I've done the cast wheels on a couple of Japanese bikes to look like this:  

These cast wheels have a machined surface on the outer edges, and a rougher cast surface on the spokes and on the center part where the spokes attach, all covered with powdercoat.  If the coating is removed, you can get the two tone look.  It's a bit of a chore to do it yourself with paint remover - takes at least two coats, and then it's easy to mask and paint the center section to contrast with the machined edge.

Are the 3-spoke Brembo wheels on my 695 painted, or powdercoated?  And are they machined on the outer edges like the Japanese wheels?  I've had good luck masking and stripping just the machined outer edge on some Nissin wheels, leaving the original coating on the spokes.  I'd like to do this on the Brembos for a black/silver look.

Any suggestions appreciated.

[ducpainter]

The stock wheels are painted.

If memory serves there isn't much machining. That said the cast surface isn't terrible.

[cencalal]

Back in the 80s/90s a lot of cast wheels were finished this way and I was surprised to find that they're still machined on the outer edges, but painted over.  I really don't care for the all black look.  Since the Brembos are painted they should be easier to strip...

[ducpainter]

You can likely use Brakleen. I've seen techs remove paint by trying to wash off wheel weight adhesive.

[cencalal]

I've found that ordinary masking tape resists Jasco paint remover.  You have to use a plastic scraper or brush to avoid scratching the aluminum.  I just hope there's a machined surface under there.  You can see in the photos posted today under "M695 single front brake", that I have sort of a black/silver thing going...