Best way to paint a motorcyle frame without complete dissassembly?

Question

I have a DR350 dirtbike with a lavender frame that I'd like to paint gunmetal grey. The bike runs great and I really don't want to dissassemble if I can help it. What would be the best approach to repainting the frame with the bike still together?

Answer 1

The only way is to have alot of patience and being able to clean it very well so the paint will stick.
Before you start the making job, it has to be degreased thoroughly with mineral spirits, remove the parts you can remove that are simple, in mmost cases the seat and some side panels that house the battery and fuse boxes.
After that is done, get a good grade making tape and plastic to go over the engine and other bulky parts.
The rest is just taking time to make sure all of it is covered and your tape is very secure. The masking job is the ost important part you don't want to end up with any over spay, that would be hard to fix.
Before you star spaying, and taping, I forgot you should sand with 600 grit the existing paint to facilitate the new paint, then clean it one more time with thinner, that will give you a shinny finish too. Remove any stickers that may be on the bike also.
Good luck

Answer 2

Not very many easy choices here. To do it right, disassemble the bike. Way too much masking for spray paint.

Without taking the bike apart, mask what you can and use a brush.

Be aware that taking shortcuts while painting will always show in the end product.

If you really want it to look like the bike belongs this color, do yourself a favor, take the bike apart and do it right.

Answer 3

It's kind of like asking, "How can I cut my toe nails without taking off my shoes?" Disassembly is the best way. Parts staying on the frame will hinder your prep as well as your painting. I would suggest if the fear is you won't remember how to reassemble, then get a digital camera and take photos of items you are unsure about and document how you take it apart. Then, you will have a reference to remember how to put it back together. You shouldn't have to disassemble the engine, tranny, carbs, etc. You would be surprized how much you can take off without disassembly. The engine, tranny, carbs can all come off in one piece. Leave the cables connected to the engine and just remove from the controls on the handle bars. Like take off the throttle but don't disconnect the cable from the throttle assembly. Same with the clutch and brake cables/hoses. Fenders, tanks and seats are all easy. Leave the gas lines on the tank and mark both ends of electrical connections with tape and number them with a permanent marker on both sides if you arent sure how you will reconnect. Deciding what parts of the frame won't be seen will allow you do skip pulling the wiring harnes off, or take pix of the wiring harness and use those to remember how to reroute the harness when done. Leaving bolts in place on the frame and covering with masking tape will allow you to keep paint out of the threads as well as remembering which bolts go in what location. But I would take it apart to the frame and do it right. Cleaning, sanding and rust removal are all important to making sure the paint sticks and doesn't look like you did exactly what you are thinking about. It will look like you did a sloppy job if you do a sloppy job. Get a friend to help you so you have two minds to remember and 4 hands to work with. Sometimes, just having the extra set of hands and someone to talk it over with makes a big difference. Good luck!

Answer 4

As far as frames, powder coating is the only way to go, the stuff's almost bullet proof. You can dent the metal with a hammer, and the coating won't chip off. If you want colored wheels instead of chrome, powder coat em. My wheels are powder coated black (see my 360). Basically, I would powder coat anything I could. HOWEVER, like chrome, it WILL add thickness to the parts, so you'll have to open hole, chase threads, etc.

Answer 5

You'll have to take off painted and plastic parts! tape off areas to be painted scratch up a little with sandpaper to hold new paint. paint small areas at a time...

Answer 6

You can repaint it with a lot of care....but there really isn't a best way without disassembly....

Answer 7

sell the bike and buy another one that doesnt need painting

Answer 8

Very carefully

Answer 9

It is a dirt bike, who cares what color it is. Isn’t it covered with mud anyways.

Answer 10

You HAVE to remove the tank, plastics, at a minimum.