I plan to bid on a couple parts i need for my bike on ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=2489954849&category=35594
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=2489952611&category=35595

The covers are black and the rest of my engine is the silver used on the '97+ engines.  I did searches here and elsewhere for engine paint, but the only things I can find are black paints.  I definately don't want to pull my whole engine out and paint it black.  Duplicolor has a silver engine enamal, but I have a feeling it wouldn't match up very well.  So what are my options?  Could I get the paint through the dealer?  Or could I have someone mix something for me? Or should I just say screw it and ride a Yooperfied bike with a half black, half silver engine?

take all the paint off and polish the crap out of them. Shiny stuff never looks bad.

Paint the new parts in complementing colors.  Maybe to match your gear...

Quote from: RoadstergalPaint the new parts in complementing colors.  Maybe to match your gear...

In that case I would leave them black.

Polishing is an option, but then I would probably want to take the left side cover off and polish it too; more work.  As of right before that guy hit me, the bike was in near perfect shape and it would be really nice if I could keep it that way(without spending hundreds at the dealer).

Get a nice polishing wheel. put it on a cheap angle grinder, and you will be very happy with the results.  I did it on my rd350 and I love it.  Plus you may have the only gs with polished engine covers in a 500 mile radius.

Actually my dad already has the wheels and compounds for polishing, I could easily do it when I go home sometime.  The polished look is great for your black or other dark colored bikes, but I'm not sure if I would like it on the orange bike.  We'll see what I come up with, maybe I'll be bling-blingin' it midwestern style with with my GS :lol:

Before you go to all that trouble, I would like to make a suggestion.  I had to do some touching up on the engine cases and frame of my bike (2000 model).  I have found that the DUPLI-COLOR TRUCK, VAN & SUV T191 Ultra Silver is dang near a pefect match.  It is in a rattle can and can be found at AutoZone.  I would give that a try first.  I have it on both side cases and the frame as well and you cannot tell where I did the touch-ups.

-Stephen

sparkplug,

I love that bike man.!!

Ihave wanted an RD since my brother had one new when i was 5.  

I actually  have the precursor to that bike. It's the YCS1.  Mine's a 67.  If you look on the wall of fame it's there.  I did the polishing wheel trick with my drums and bars on that bike.  I had a chance to pick up two RD"s this spring for 300 bucks and should have jumped on it.


long live the monster killer.

jake

I have 3 in varios stages of completion.  My rd400 will have fzr forks and swingarm grafted on to it.  I'll post pics in the spring when it's done.
As for the 350....The winter will bring rd400 mags, disc brakes, and a longer swingarm. If you ever get a nice rd and need parts, give me a call.  I have a virtual junkyard of rd parts.

Thanks destroyer, that's the kind of thing I'm looking for.  One question though did that paint work for the engine cases and the frame?  I thought they were different shades of silver :dunno:  Or is it close enough it doesn't really matter?

It's so close it really doesnt matter.  It matches real nice. I have it on the engine cases and the part of the frame under the gas tank anda little bit on the swing arm.  Cant tell a thing.

-Stephen