hey guys, just joined this site due to i just bought a GS and im looking to restore it. i have everything painted nicely, except from the frame, at this point in time it sitting dull and tatted silver, and id like it to be a matt black to match the rest of the bike, how would you go about this? spray paints (alternative to powder coating) or getting it professionally coated, if so does anyone know any places in Manchester UK that i can just drop the bike off and have them powder coat the frame?

im sorry if i have posted in the wrong section. any help would be appreciated.

This is an ok section as long as you post pictures of you're new purchase

As far as frame, powder coating would be the best option, but expensive, and you have to strip everything (bolts/nuts etc..)

I painted the frame on my cafe racer and it held up well, throw a bunch of clear on there. Preferably 2k clear.

Let's see your bike!!

powder-coating in the US is about 350-400 including stripping. Holds up best.

2004 and up frames are black, not sure about VIN Laws in the UK.

Note, if you have a pre 2001, the 2004 up frames will not work w/o mods as the sub frame (seat area) is
different, in that case > powder coat

Rattle can will dissolve if you spill gas. Plasti-Dip will rub off from your boots. If you paint, get high quality
paint and high quality (automotive) flat clear coat.

Don't get into it and take short cuts, alot of work, better to do it once and be done 

I painted mine with epoxy rust killer after prepping the poo out of it. doesn't need clear over it doesn't rub off with fuel once cured.

been a while now and so far looks the same as when i painted it.

this stuff
http://www.wattyl.com.au/en/find-the-right-product/exterior/Metal/Topcoat/WattylKillrustEpoxyGlossEnamel.html

frame result here

alright ill see what i can do money wise but here is the beaut as she stands.

That's a nice looking machine you got there! Reminds me of my old gs haha. A black frame would look pretty good if done right.

the idea is to make it look as modern as possible but keeping classic characteristics, like, i have carbon indicators and  black carbon mirrors on the way along with some LED bulbs for the instruments and to top it of a 50w Xenon Bulb kit, my next pay day consists of a yoshi can, but i may buy a second down pipe cut both in half, weld and paint, so i could end up with dual yoshi's but so far thats just a dream

Nice plans, have you seen weedahoes bike with dual yoshi cans? If not, here you go!

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=63049.msg743320#msg743320

Good luck with the build!

yeah i have haha thats what gave me the idea but shhhh

Powder coating has a great finish....I would suspect extra attention would be needed to ensure the wiring is "Earthed" properly
thru to the metal frame. (just a thought). John