Blacked Out Vaquero - My Winter Project

[ZZVaquero]

Well guys and gals, I have finally finished my project, just in time for riding season. While there are a couple of small tweaks I will make, I am very happy with the overall appearance of the bike now, and how it turned out. In would love to hear from you all, and see what you think as well. If there are any questions about how I did something, I am happy to answer.

So here it goes.
I removed the front signal bar and replaced it with some LED strips in the louvers. They are Custom Dynamics Tru-Flex and they are wired to run dim (30%) when in running mode, and bright full power for turn signals. Then for the rear signals I used a Custom Dynamics "Radius" plate frame with LED built in. On the rear there is amber turn signals, and red on each side acting as a run/brake, there is also white plate lights built in.

Next we powdercoated the handlebar, exhaust, crash bars, saddlebag crash bars, control levers, and my custom engine side cover. I added black Avon grips, and black Drag Specialties Mirrors. I used vinyl wrap to cover the remaining chrome. I used 3M matte black wrap on the gauge trim, cylinder head covers, saddlebag handles, saddlebag hinges, headlight trim, brake light trim, and the gas tank lid. It was easier than I thought, as it was my first experience with wrapping anything.

I also made my own side cover for the engine. It has a "biohazard symbol" on it which will be backlit with red LED as will the rest of the bike with accessory lighting. Also on the exhaust I opened up the rear of the baffle slightly and removed the wrap on it. It sounds much better now!

Also, as I removed bolts and screws, I did my best to replace them with black Allen head bolts for looks and ease of disassembly.

I am sure I missed something that I did to the bike, but that is a fair rundown. Here are some pictures... The bike is still quite dirty as I am about to go for a test ride before cleaning everything up!

[ZZVaquero]

Oh yeah... I also removed the reflectors from the front forks, and the bags. I still have to get the rest of the glue/tape off the forks. The rear ones, I filled the holes wih some black plugs that blend in pretty well.

[JohnnyCaunuck]

Wow, love it I am working on mine right now. Trying to give it a personal touch, should have a few pics by the end of next week.

[ZZVaquero]

Originally Posted by JohnnyCaunuck

Wow, love it I am working on mine right now. Trying to give it a personal touch, should have a few pics by the end of next week.

Thanks for the kind words... I am looking forward to seeing what you come up with! I love seeing bikes that folks put their own thoughts into and have something a little different!

[dabull]

nice job!

[GIBBY]

Very nice.

[BudMan]

Nice job!
I have the tru-flex LED's on my wife's trike.
But even using the gizmo they have to make it a run/brake I notice very little difference.
Do you see a 30% to 100% change?

[Jared]

Nicely done! I'd love to see a close up of the 3m black wrap.

[ZZVaquero]

Originally Posted by Utah Motorcyclist

Nicely done! I'd love to see a close up of the 3m black wrap.

Here you go!!! This is with some lighting directly above it. It really is a matte finish. I think it looks amazing in person, and it doesnt even look like vinyl if you put it on neatly. I still havent cleaned it or put anything on to protect it yet, so these pictures are all without the bike being detailed.

[Bud2rat]

Looks great. I love it.

[sly]

Luv it!!!!

[RVR]

That looks awesome. Black is the new chrome!

[cnc]

I'm normally more of a chrome fan, but that bike just looks right all black. Nice job.

[OutlawImmortal]

I also made my own side cover for the engine. It has a "biohazard symbol" on it which will be backlit with red LED as will the rest of the bike with accessory lighting

Those look great, would you be willing to make some for other people? Not with the same symbols of course but just the covers

[ZZVaquero]

Originally Posted by OutlawImmortal

Those look great, would you be willing to make some for other people? Not with the same symbols of course but just the covers

I have a few solid pieces of metal left I think if somebody wants to tackle their own project. With the amount of time I have in it, I would need to charge about 150 for one! It was all made by hand. That being said, a plain flat piece of steel is easy if anybody wants to try it on their own as well. If there was enough interest at $150 I would consider producing them in a short run (I do have a real job LOL).