new kid on the block.....

[Rameses]

get some low bars for the front.

Already has 'em.   

[Jarvicious]

I like the black rim idea as well, but I also like having a distinct separation between the black tire and the rim surface.  I say keep the spokes chrome and go with whatever color rim (maybe your burgundy idea).  As for the rest of the bike, nekid is as nekid does.  Like Stew was saying, anyone can chuck a bunch of random, jacked up parts on a bike and call it done (and not that I don't like rat rides), but when you put a good chunk of thought into the way you think it SHOULD look, it would be that much more impressive.  There are a lot of rat bikes out there and there are a LOT of cafes as well.  Do whatever YOU think looks best and it will turn out perfect. 

[lauramonster]

Thanks for the enthusiasm.  I'm no expert, but I'll show pics along the way. 

Ramses - the guy who sold me the bike was disappointed to hear I'm painting it.  He loved the patina.  It's not old.  Apparently the bike was a PURPLE flat tracker, so it was painted 3-4 years ago.  There's a couple of dents in the tank, but I don't mind them. 

I'd like to stay with "the bike is old.  it's ridden.  it shouldn't be perfect".  That in mind, I don't want a shiny glossy finish.  I was thinking of rattle canning it just so it's not perfect.  satin powdercoat for the parts.  If there's another option, speak up!!

the rims & spokes are black now.  On this bike, I like the black rims.  The spokes can be taken back to chrome, or the burgundy color - guess I'll find out when we get there.  I'm probably not going to paint the rims, but the idea of a burgundy pins stripe (that echoes the burgundy stripe in the checkerboard) sounds appealing.  Maybe I can trade out the lines for burgundy braided lines.  Think that would look good (or is it over the top?)

[Rameses]

satin powdercoat for the parts.  If there's another option, speak up!!

I just had a bunch of parts for my Hyper powdercoated in a semi-gloss black.

They look pretty awesome.  I'll post up a pic for you once it's all back together.   

[lauramonster]

semi-gloss.  in interior paint, would it be like eggshell??  I gather it's not shiny, but not as flat as matte.  Guees I better check out the men's paint store.  Anyone know one?  where do I go to find the sheens of auto paint??

[sno_duc]

This ought to give you a few idea's.
http://www.650motorcycles.com/xs650links.html

[lauramonster]

that's the site I looked at before purchasing the bike.  Great ideas. 

lost the site - thanks!!!  I'll bookmark it. 

[Grampa]

This ought to give you a few idea's.
http://www.650motorcycles.com/xs650links.html

thar be some cool shit there 

[NvrSummer]

That's awesome man!  My first bike was a XS1100 Midnight Special!  It was a blast!

[KnightofNi]

i looked at the pics last night.

the bars should be clip on style, not drag bars.

i like your idea for the back end of the bike too.
if you want, i'll ride it around for a while to make sure the paint has a nice beat up look to it