So the thread title suggests, I'm going for a sport touring/semi-adventure-ish bike. When I bought the bike, it looked like this:



You can't see it very well, but there is a REAL bad dent along the top of the tank just to the right of the gas tank. It goes into the ridge there too, so it's definitely not a pop-and-go situation. Additionally it had matching dents on either side of the tank that looks like handlebar slaps. Since that picture was taken, it's gotten about an extra 800 miles (I ride a lot....) and a couple goodies thanks to adidasguy and the wonderous GS500 Mecca that is his bike cave:

Euro clipons
Givi rear rack
Givi  e45 top box
Gs500 Chain Guard
Working helmet lock
Right side crank cover
Master cylinder lid
Aluminum fork brace (to be installed)

For those of you that haven't had the pleasure of meeting him in person, he is every bit as helpful and awesome as you'd expect. I've also picked up a givi a750 faring and I've got a couple rattle cans of white and some 2k clear on the way in the mail right now. Here's the color scheme we're going for:



I decided for now just to not worry about any sort of stripes or anything. And here's the beginning. Second layer of bondo on the tank now and the side dents are pretty much gone. Maybe another layer or two on the big dent up top, but for the most part it's pretty squared away. Initial results are promising for rebuilding the line on that ridge too. Sand sand sand....






Yes you are correct in seeing that I got the front fender off WITHOUT taking off the wheel. I hear people have problems with that, I didn't. For the front ones I was able to reach up and grab onto them, and for the rear ones I used a knife to lift the little stock fork brace up and put pressure on the head of the bolt, digging the nut into the fender below while I turned the bolt. I know that won't work for putting it back on, but I hear adidas has a trick for that... Hopefully paint by the end of the week.

Got everything all sanded down with 180. I've heard varying reports, but everything looks pretty scuffed up and paintable. Who's been there done that with the rattle can? I've got duplicolor grey filler primer that I'll be doing over everything, probably 2-4 coats to make sure it's realllll good. Mostly what I'm worried about is the sanding though. Some people say strip it, some people say just scuff it up with anything, some people say 320 or 400... I want it to be done right. After getting a couple coats of primer on that I'll be sanding again probably with 400, going over everything before I hit 4-5 coats white, 1-2 light coats clear, very light sand (1000) then let it cure for a week before applying 2-3 coats 2k clear that adidas recommended, sand w/ 2000. Summary:

1. Does my prep work seem okay?
2. Does the amount of coats/sanding seem correct?

I suggest either filling the holes in the side plastics (unless they are necessary) or getting another set from me without holes. I have plenty of mis-matched tails perfect for painting.

Quote from: adidasguy on May 03, 2012, 06:31:30 PM
I suggest either filling the holes in the side plastics (unless they are necessary) or getting another set from me without holes. I have plenty of mis-matched tails perfect for painting.

I was actually going to put those little blinkers back on, but that's a good point... I also want to pick up one of those plates from you for putting the fender back on. I need the humidity to go down to do some spraying! If I can just spray the tank I'll ride down to the cave

primed and stuff. Sanded w/ 400 before doing a bunch of coats. Buff with 800 before hitting w/ the white (hopefully a midnight project tonight!)

Pull the rubber cushions off of the front fender before continuing. I have stuff here to replace it. Those rubber bumpers prevent any clacking against the forks.

Looking good!

Still have to do the fender and wet sand everything, but I couldn't resist setting the tank on to see how it'd look.

Here's one of the problems of being 20 and in college: You get impatient. How could I have all those pieces sitting there and NOT put them on the bike and go for a ride?

I have issues.

Needs more fender.

Paint looks great! I can't wait to see it with the 2k clear and some graphics.

Nice! Personally I hate those front fairings, but to each his own.

Good to know Im not the only youngin college student on a GS500...