I'd like to ask for an opinion from you folks about paint. I have a 2000 Magna with the orange looking stripes on the tank. Would painting the tank solid black affect the bikes value in any way?
It shouldn't as long as it is quality work.
Curtis
Hi PolicePop,
Does your tank look like the one in Curtis's signature or my avatar? I call it the Halloween theme. When I first got the bike I disliked it a lot. I wished I just had solid black. But now it has really grown on me.
I started getting a lot of compliments on it. In fact one vintage motorcycle guy told me the paint job was actually a throwback to older painting schemes in the 50's and 60's. After looking at some solid black Magnas I realized that they just didn't have the visual pop without the stripes.
Also, if most of your riding gear is black then a solid black bike just kind of blends in. Case in point, look at the photos of me on my bike at the recent Lone Star Track Day. I'd just be one black blob with all my gear on, but the stripes on the tank and the fender really make the bike stand out (in my humble opinion).
Anyway I realize that this is totally subjective but you might want to give it awhile. When the bike was new this option was actually an extra $700 (MSRP). The stripes and Magna decal are actually clearcoated under the tank, so the only way to get them back is to buy a new tank from Honda ($300) or add them back manually via custom painting. The stripes on the rear fender are from a decal ($80) that you can just adhere to the bike. If you don't have the stripes on your rear fender try one of the OEM internet dealers and you can probably get the decal for even less than $80.
(http://www.staging.andell.com/bike/lstd/DSC_4754.jpg) (http://www.staging.andell.com/bike/lstd/DSC_4389.jpg)
Gentlemen, I appreciate the response, and I do see how black on black isn't very visable. HOWEVER, I've got a problem here at home in that the orange stripes lead people to accuse me of either being an OSU fan or a Texas fan. I hope I don't create any hate mail, but I was raised by a family in Oklahoma City that rarely if ever missed a game in Norman, Ok., and thought Switzer could do no wrong! You can see my predicament I hope, and I'll tell you that I was on my feet cheering on UT to whip USC. (if that cut's me any slack)
Quote from: policepopHOWEVER, I've got a problem here at home in that the orange stripes lead people to accuse me of either being an OSU fan or a Texas fan.
That's OK. I'm an Aggie, and being compared to either one of those schools would be horrible. However, I must say that no Aggie has ever made that accusation to me in spite of how fanatical we get, and I've ridden my bike all around College Station. I have found that OU fans tend to pick on each other more.
Personally I would just look at the person and say something like, "You see any football team logos on this bike? Shut the heck up." or "This isn't burnt orange so you must be a moron from THAT school." or the classic "What are you worried about you'll just be looking at my butt as it pulls away from you."
If you really want to mess with their heads, just put the decal from your school on your bike or the back of your helmet. A lot cheaper than a custom paint job. :)
Actually, I'd consider "Is that a Harley?" a far worse accusation :) (They use a lot of black and orange too).
I'm asportual, so you're ok by me no matter your affiliation.
Curtis