Carbon Fiber panel

[lessenone]

Does anyone else think Kawasaki fell a little flat with the plastic tank panel on the vaquero. I wanna try finding someone who does nice work with carbon fiber. That panel in carbon fiber would look sweet against my black tank.

[jestephens]

Does anyone else think Kawasaki fell a little flat with the plastic tank panel on the vaquero. I wanna try finding someone who does nice work with carbon fiber. That panel in carbon fiber would look sweet against my black tank.


I agree, and would be willing to buy one. I've looked hard at some of the DIY carbon fiber kits and how easy it SEAMS to do. If just covering existing pieces, it may only require 1 layer of fabric and appropriate amount of resin for look and adhesion? Keep me posted if find something/someone you think will work. I am very interested.

For that matter, How about, CF dash, CF glove box doors!!! I want to keep the bike black, but prefer gloss to matte.

I'm on vacation right now, but still working on carbon fiber mufflers I have ready. I just need to make new mid-pipes, then possibly entirely new headers for a smoother looking system.
Maybe I'm just a freak though, I also have a CF helmet . . .

[Kawhead]

I agree, and would be willing to buy one. I've looked hard at some of the DIY carbon fiber kits and how easy it SEAMS to do. If just covering existing pieces, it may only require 1 layer of fabric and appropriate amount of resin for look and adhesion? Keep me posted if find something/someone you think will work. I am very interested.

For that matter, How about, CF dash, CF glove box doors!!! I want to keep the bike black, but prefer gloss to matte.

I'm on vacation right now, but still working on carbon fiber mufflers I have ready. I just need to make new mid-pipes, then possibly entirely new headers for a smoother looking system.
Maybe I'm just a freak though, I also have a CF helmet . . .I agree! Get off this damn thing and don't come back until vacation is over!>:(

:D

[Monkeyman]

I'm NO expert by any means but it's my understanding that working with CF is very similar to working with fiberglass. A layer or 2 which wouldn't actually have to support anything might be fine. If you're going to use it to make something structural (complete hood, for example), I think there's more involved than just laying up a few layers.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

I agree with Mike. Jay, don't you have better things to do while you are on vacation? :lol:

[jestephens]

I've been in Ukraine for the last 3 weeks! A better way to say it is, I've been living with my in-laws in a 2 ROOM appartment for 3 WEEKS, and I really miss my Vaquero http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-sad008.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php)

We've begun packing our bags. Preparing to head back to the states in roughly 36 hours.

. . . do you think you can have a carbon fiber solution by then? http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-excited002.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php)

Really, there are lots of how-to's for Carbon Fiber on YouTube. One layer of fabric may be the answer for a CF look. I'm just glad someone else would like to see it done too! :0)

[Top Cat]

Just save your selves a lot of trouble and mess.
Order this.:tup:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/50-3D-Texture-Black-Carbon-Fiber-Sticker-Vinyl-Flexible-Decal-Film-Wrap-Sheet-G-/280799582434?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item4160f598e2

[jestephens]

Just save your selves a lot of trouble and mess.
Order this.:tup:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/50-3D-Texture-Black-Carbon-Fiber-Sticker-Vinyl-Flexible-Decal-Film-Wrap-Sheet-G-/280799582434?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item4160f598e2

Even though all the 1700 panels are plastic, the [black] Vaquero panel is textured. Otherwise, a realistic solution (although a higher probability of looking like crap too). - On second thought, this appears to be more than just CF decal. I have no idea how a "wrap" might look on these pieces . . . . Time to visit a sign shop! Well, when I get back that is.

[Top Cat]

Yeah, not going to work good on textured surface.

I did use it on my Nomad saddlebag tops at one time. It really looked pretty good.
But I know how anal some of you guys are about that kind of stuff.:yep:

[ringadingh]

I've been in Ukraine for the last 3 weeks! A better way to say it is, I've been living with my in-laws in a 2 ROOM appartment for 3 WEEKS, and I really miss my Vaquero http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-sad008.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php)

We've begun packing our bags. Preparing to head back to the states in roughly 36 hours.
:0)
Wow, they have internet service there as well. :D Just kidding, hope your having a great time , My dads from there and I still have relatives living there but I havn't kept in touch for many years.

[petenomad]

Check with Nightmare. His new business is High Octane Hydrographics (http://www.highoctanehydrographics.com/). I bet he could fix you up if you could get the parts off easy.

[crazygene49]

That is some amazing stuff. Prices don't seem too bad.

[Kawhead]

Check with Nightmare. His new business is High Octane Hydrographics (http://www.highoctanehydrographics.com/). I bet he could fix you up if you could get the parts off easy.WOW! :hmm:

[jestephens]

You're telling me i can make my bike Glow in the Dark???

Awesome!!
I sent a message to Victor asking a couple questions and sending him a link to this thread for his opinion.

[jestephens]

Toilette is on the list of stuff Nightmare can do. AWESOME. Carbon Fiber toilette!!!!!! http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-excited001.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php)

[lessenone]

I'm going to take a serious look at this option. This might be exactly what I'm looking for. Thanks

[toy4bob]

Check with Nightmare. His new business is High Octane Hydrographics (http://www.highoctanehydrographics.com/). I bet he could fix you up if you could get the parts off easy.

If that is the same or similar to what I had done to my Mustang console, and I am pretty sure it is, I was impressed with it. I live in a very high RV industry and actually had a place close to me do it... they mostly did conversion van interiors.

Oh and I hate the cheap butt plastic piece too, just may go see if they are still in business.

Pic of Mustang console / radio bezal

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c69/bigdog1990/Mustang/IMG_0524.jpg

[ringadingh]

Thats a neat product, I wonder how durable it is, especially on the firearms.

[petenomad]

I don't know how many might have seen it, but on an episode of American Choppers they used this same process on the money bike (http://www.orangecountychoppers.com/chopper-gallery/brownfeld-money). Take a look at the closeup of the tank.

Obviously, this isn't a real testament to the durability question, but when Victor started talking about it, I remembered seeing this on AC. In this case, they obviously would have put a clear coat over it. It was really cool watching how this worked. Essentially just a film floating in liquid and the piece just dipped in and comes out with a pattern.

[jestephens]

If that is the same or similar to what I had done to my Mustang console, and I am pretty sure it is, I was impressed with it. I live in a very high RV industry and actually had a place close to me do it... they mostly did conversion van interiors.

Oh and I hate the cheap butt plastic piece too, just may go see if they are still in business.

Pic of Mustang console / radio bezal

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c69/bigdog1990/Mustang/IMG_0524.jpg

Bob, does the quality of the printed pattern look good. How fake does it look? I've bought "carbon fiber-look" cell phone cases before and been extremely disappointed.
-Jay

[lessenone]

Now, I'm thinking the whole dash/inner-fairing along with the tank panel. Now I need to decide if I want to tear the bike apart to ship every thing out. decisions decisions. :hmm:

[mobandy78]

I don't know how many might have seen it, but on an episode of American Choppers they used this same process on the money bike (http://www.orangecountychoppers.com/chopper-gallery/brownfeld-money). Take a look at the closeup of the tank.

Obviously, this isn't a real testament to the durability question, but when Victor started talking about it, I remembered seeing this on AC. In this case, they obviously would have put a clear coat over it. It was really cool watching how this worked. Essentially just a film floating in liquid and the piece just dipped in and comes out with a pattern.

I saw that episode. It is really amazing how it works.

I'm going to have to remember this for when I start customizing my bike. Once I get a fairing, I'm going to start changing it up. I could probably even use this process instead of a paint job. May be cheaper overall.

[toy4bob]

Bob, does the quality of the printed pattern look good. How fake does it look? I've bought "carbon fiber-look" cell phone cases before and been extremely disappointed.
-Jay

Well, you definitely can tell it is fake I guess, but I am happy with it. I guess I went into it liking a different look, not so much that it was carbon fiber.... if that makes sense.

[jestephens]

I just wanted to give this a bump, and note the replacement price of these parts if it doesn't work out. But even if you don't like the look, all you have to do is paint it flat black again. I agree, it may be worth a shot. - It's possibly the easiest, cheapest solution, and if it doesn't work, you can still pursue the other options suggested. - I may have just talked myself into it. :0)

Per BikeBandit.com
Vaquero's flat black: $133.00
Voyager chrome: $161

[Roadie]

Those who try this fake pattern on their bikes' plastic tank trim, keep us all posted aqnd maybe some pics, too.

I decided for now to dress up my tank area by just doing a very nice tank bra with picket that fits under the back plastic tank panel on my Vaquero.

Here is a pic from the Tank Bra Manufacturer on a red Vaquero. The bra also keeps the plastic tank strip from squeaking or rattling now. Looks good on my black Vaquero.

http://www.sagebrushdesigns.com/images/photos/Vaquero-tank-bib.jpg

[lessenone]

But even if you don't like the look, all you have to do is paint it flat black again. I agree, it may be worth a shot. - It's possibly the easiest, cheapest solution, and if it doesn't work, you can still pursue the other options suggested. - I may have just talked myself into it. :0)


I think I talked myself into it using the same logic. Just paint it black if I don't like how it turns out. How do I get that panel off. I took out all the allen screws. But the area at the key surround is giving me an issue. Does it just pull staight up?

[jestephens]

I think I talked myself into it using the same logic. Just paint it black if I don't like how it turns out. How do I get that panel off. I took out all the allen screws. But the area at the key surround is giving me an issue. Does it just pull staight up?

I've never tried it. I sure will this weekend though. Looking at this picture, there doesn't seem to be too many fasteners. Let me know if you find a trick before I get to it.

[lessenone]

. Let me know if you find a trick before I get to it.

10-4 will do. Might be a day or two, Mother nature just delivered 4 degree weather. she's a bitch.

BTW. thanks for the fiche

[jestephens]

Today warmed up to 36F here in St Louis. I made it out to the garage and removed my tank trim. It is just 3 fasteners and the ignition trim ring holding it down.

I removed the 1 nut and 2 screws, then pulled up with both hands at the base of the nose section (directly under the ignition switch). It took a couple controlled tugs, but finally came free.
I would hate to pry the trim ring since both pieces are plastic. I'm not sure how this process will work when the plastic gets some age to it. Which may be all the more reason to get some good coatings on it. - I sent a request for quote to Nightmare's company mentioned on the first page. I can't wait to hear back!

[lessenone]

keep me posted, I'll try getting mine off tomorrow. If this turns out decent, then my whole inner fairing will be shipped to him.

[jestephens]

I've sent an RFQ to 5 water transfer printing places and not received a single response. A couple more had websites, but calling their phone number confirmed they are out of business.
I finally found one that looks active, but their prices are super high. (well, higher than I want to pay for fake carbon fiber.)

I may be just as happy having mine done in gloss black. At least I know I can get that done.
Anything is better than the OE texture grabbing my microfiber towels and such.

[jestephens]

keep me posted, I'll try getting mine off tomorrow. If this turns out decent, then my whole inner fairing will be shipped to him.

any troubles removing your trim? Any luck lining up a shop to do the work?

[lessenone]

Believe it or not I haven't given it a try. Life gets so damn busy sometimes. I did get my satillite radeo mounted up, and also the GPS mounted.

Did you ever hear back from anyone about coating the panel?

Editing to say I got the panel off, now decideing if i'm going to wet sand it smooth and paint or send it out to get covered

[jestephens]

Believe it or not I haven't given it a try. Life gets so damn busy sometimes. I did get my satillite radeo mounted up, and also the GPS mounted.

Did you ever hear back from anyone about coating the panel?

Editing to say I got the panel off, now decideing if i'm going to wet sand it smooth and paint or send it out to get covered

No word back from any companies. I agree to make it smooth somehow regardless.

[lessenone]

I sent out a few emails also. I'm going to do the tank panel and the speaker surrounds in carbon. To many damn decisions for this shit. Now I'm think of getting the pieces done in the dark red carbon. What do ya think?

[jestephens]

Vic "Nightmare", got back to me from High Octane Hydrographics. His price seems in line, service sounds premium, and he's a VBA member. I'm going to send mine to him just as soon as I can get it boxed up.
The bike doesn't look horrible without the trim, so I'll still ride without it.

-Just in time. I was very close to buying a carbon fiber kit to give my part a new facade. High Octane will keep my hands clean just a little longer. http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-transport005.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php)

[mobandy78]

Nightmare puts on the South Central fall rally also in SE Oklahoma. I haven't met him yet, but from what I've read on here he does a great job and is a great guy. Everybody seems to really like him. I'm going to try and go to the rally this fall.

P.S. - I'm keeping up with the results you guys get so I can figure out how to do my fairing project in the future. Might be kind of neat to have the inner fairing done in carbon fiber.

[jestephens]

Nightmare puts on the South Central fall rally also in SE Oklahoma. I haven't met him yet, but from what I've read on here he does a great job and is a great guy. Everybody seems to really like him. I'm going to try and go to the rally this fall.

P.S. - I'm keeping up with the results you guys get so I can figure out how to do my fairing project in the future. Might be kind of neat to have the inner fairing done in carbon fiber.

I just mailed it this morning, and Vic says there's about a 3wk lead, so I should have mine back in hand in 4-5 weeks. I'll post pictures just as soon as I can! In the meantime, I've found someone to do my exhaust project which will take a week or so too.

I'm not sure what June will bring, if I'll be able to make it to the South Central rally that is.

[jestephens]

just as we suspected, it doesn't (can't) look 100% real, but it does look pretty darn good. :D (picture sizes should be corrected soon)

Jason, at Midwest Hydro Designs in Godfrey, IL just did my headlight and tail light trims.
Still no word on my fuel tank trim, it's been gone since February.
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/jestephens/Vaquero%201700/P7063357.jpg

Going to completely replace the turn signals at some point, so I neglected them this time.
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/jestephens/Vaquero%201700/P7063359.jpg

Here you can see the light trim and the Real CF mufflers
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/jestephens/Vaquero%201700/P7063360.jpg

Just need to finish up the heat shields, and probably have them blacked out too.
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/jestephens/Vaquero%201700/P7063355.jpg

[crazygene49]

Looks good.

[Jared]

Still no word on my fuel tank trim, it's been gone since February.


Who has your tank trim? Maybe someone close to the company can go get it back for you.... I'd be furious.

[jestephens]

3wks was the originally quoted lead time, but I've only gotten very serious about getting it back during the last month+ since no one at the business is returning my calls or emails.

Nightmare has my piece in Oklahoma. I know he was sick early on this year, so I didn't get antsy. My concern now is I saw pics of him at the SC rally with beer and cigar. That's honestly GREAT for Vic to be healthy, but now I'm feeling neglected. http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-confused002.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php)

[jestephens]

Midwest Hydro Designs (http://www.midwesthydrodesigns.com/) Did an awesome job, Fast! Turn around was 10 days, but he said it would have been done faster except his AC broke during our heat wave and he had to only work at night for a few days. :cheers: I was impressed by his communication and attention to detail. The parts I took in didn't add up to his shop minimum (which is what I paid), but I still felt like I got a deal. I'll be taking other items to him for sure.

I was thinking about the chromed plastic "valve covers" ???
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/jestephens/Vaquero%201700/valvecovers-1.jpg

[dmyers]

we have a hydrographic dip tank at work
the carbonfiber looks like the real deal.
I would highly recommend it.
I just cant get the asshole that runs that department to dip anything for me >:(

[jestephens]

we have a hydrographic dip tank at work
the carbonfiber looks like the real deal.
I would highly recommend it.
I just cant get the asshole that runs that department to dip anything for me >:(

my guy was doing some real-flame stuff when I picked up my pieces. Possibilities are endless!

[mobandy78]

Jay, your bike is looking sharp!! I really like what you're doing to it. It's giving me ideas for the future!

[landman]

i didn't care for the textured black finish on the tank trim so myself i just replaced it with the chrome one that comes on the voyager.to me it looks great on my black vaquero.

[robj]

is it basically the same piece but chrome? I wouldnt mind getting one and having it powder coated




i didn't care for the textured black finish on the tank trim so myself i just replaced it with the chrome one that comes on the voyager.to me it looks great on my black vaquero.

[jestephens]

is it basically the same piece but chrome? I wouldnt mind getting one and having it powder coated

They are the exact same, just different finishes: Vaquero has a black/textured, Voyager is chrome. -Technically, you'll have it painted though. They're both plastic

[Einstein]

i didn't care for the textured black finish on the tank trim so myself i just replaced it with the chrome one that comes on the voyager.to me it looks great on my black vaquero.

I was able to attend a Kawasaki PowWow at the US HQ on Saturday, I showed the engineers from Japan my sanded and painted dash cover, the asked why I did that so I told them most of us hated the texture. I said 3 days sanding to get it smooth, they liked it and took photos of it.

[jestephens]

I was able to attend a Kawasaki PowWow at the US HQ on Saturday, I showed the engineers from Japan my sanded and painted dash cover, the asked why I did that so I told them most of us hated the texture. I said 3 days sanding to get it smooth, they liked it and took photos of it.

I hope HATE is the word you actually used. :cheers: Gloss black would have been great. For that matter, I wonder why the black Vaq didn't get as much paint as the others. I'd like my inside fairing to be gloss like the others too. :???: It will happen for me some day.

[mobandy78]

Jay, it would look pretty cool, I think, if the inside of the fairing was carbon fiber, like you did with the other peices. May be a lot of $$ to get that dipped though. Or, maybe too much carbon fiber?

[jestephens]

I was thinking it would be too much carbon-look. Maybe do the speaker trim, or glove box doors, if anything.

[mobandy78]

The trim and doors would look good. I think you're right, the whole thing would probably be overkill.