How to: Repaint the GS500E

[Villager]

After interest from two members, here's a description of how I went about repainting my GS500E.

Search this site if you're not sure how to remove the plastics and tank, it's very easy. Make sure you dismantle the tail section into its three parts - it will be easier and do a better job. The tail section and the front mudguard are both plastic. Mine were in reasonable condition but I did sand them down with 1200 grit sandpaper to get a better finish. Don't use anything much coarser as it is hard to get a smooth finish on plastic once you've chewed it up with abrasive sandpaper. Once that's done it's just a case of priming, painting and clear-coating (clear-coat over decals/stickers if you are adding them). I used Halfords Petrol-resistant lacquer but although it's coping with use of my tankbag and petrol spillages, it does already have some light scratches. If you can find a tougher clear-coat, use that, or at least use lots of layers (I used three, wish I'd used more). The paint I chose was Plastikote High Gloss. It's good stuff, but I did experience some blobbing of the paint as it came out. I don't know whether this is a common problem, or whether spray guns help, but it's something to think about, and have a clean cloth handy to wipe it if need be. Maybe it was too cold outside. Allow a day between primer/paint/clear coat.

The tank may require a little more work. If it's in really good condition, you can just follow the steps for the plastics, but if there are heavier scratches or dents then more work will be involved. Fill dents with filler, and take care to fine sand them, as any remaining imperfections will show through when painted. If you're having trouble getting a smooth finish, cover a larger area and it will be easier to blend with the tank. This is the most important step, so really take the time to get it as good as you can. My tank was heavily scratched, so I used low-grit (40) aluminium oxide paper to take it down the bare metal, then primed and sanded from there. Use Nitromors or something similar to help you get through the paint if you want to get it down to bare metal.



It's difficult to paint the frame properly without taking everything apart. I wrapped newspaper around the bike and used masking tape to cover smaller bits that I didn't want painted. Again, fine sand, prime and spray. Be careful to cover EVERYTHING you want to stay clean as the paint will find a way to cover exposed parts like the wheels and chain. I didn't do this properly, and it caused me more work to correct it later on. Some parts, like the footpeg mounts, are best removed from the bike, dismantled and cleaned before painting. I also used matt black paint to redo the side and centre stands. It would be a good opportunity to grease / clean / repaint / replace old bolts that may have seen better days.



Tip 1: place the items to be painted on something small to make it easier to spray the sides properly. You also don't want it sticking to whatever's underneath. I used old tin cans.

Tip 2: If you're spraying outdoors, don't spray anywhere near anything. The wind will carry it, and you might end up with a glossy pink dog, for example. You've also got to be wary of flies, and dust and other little things floating onto your fresh paint. I had no choice but to paint outside: if you can, do it inside, or put some sort of screen around it as much as possible, or else be prepared to carefully pick things out continually.

Tip 3: I used 1600 wet and dry sandpaper to alter my gloss black paint to matte black. I really like this, but you will need to be careful not to sand too hard: it's easy to go too far. Use plenty of water.

Tip 4: wear a mask. I love the smell of paint / gasoline etc, but after doing all this I was feeling more than a little light-headed.

Finished product:



I have since tidied up the chain / rusty bolts and replaced the footpegs. Any questions, just ask. Lots more pictures in the link at the top.

[scottpA_GS]

Very nice job 

[ben2go]

Nothin like a tape n spray.

[zenn]

Nice job, looks great.
Might be a cool winter project.

[psyber_0ptix]

just as a follow up, what paints did you use, and how is it holding up to sun/weather?

[The Buddha]

We did this to one bike a few years ago, and it very much crapped out in under a year. Lucky for me, I palmed it off on some unsuspecting clown ... and blamed him for not taking care of it.
Cool.
Buddha.

[starshooter10]

thats how i did my bike....

i used alot of good paints and it turned out great..

oly probalem is the stuff i used on the fram melts away with gas....

and any drop is HUGLY noticable

[The Buddha]

thats how i did my bike....

i used alot of good paints and it turned out great..

oly probalem is the stuff i used on the fram melts away with gas....

and any drop is HUGLY noticable

Yea, you're supposed to sell it right after you paint it ...
Cool.
Buddha.

[starshooter10]

i might repait and sell it...

there is a guy down there street with an older ninja 600

im thinking about just going stealth with the GS though

we'll see