The CB1100 Community Forum

Though I wanted a red Honda to take me back to my first Honda I certainly think the Black model looks stunning.

Looks fantastic! And familiar! Haha.

I think I may go for these guards. I think that I want them black, too, even though I have a red bike....they just look more like they're part of the frame. So, how much does powder coating cost?

(03-23-2015, 12:50 PM)EmptySea_imp Wrote: [ -> ]I think I may go for these guards. I think that I want them black, too, even though I have a red bike....they just look more like they're part of the frame. So, how much does powder coating cost?

I vaguely remember someone from Chicago with a red CB saying something to the effect of, "I hate engine guards. I hate powder coating." I just can't remember who exactly it was. Oh well...

My guy charged me $75 for a flat black with a clear coat on top. He recommended the clear coat for extra protection plus it would give me the shine I was going for. Supposedly, the $75 was a discount because I've used him several times.

I initially found them through Yelp and they were more expensive than some of the other coaters in town but had the best reviews. Good luck!

For the record, that person if that person from Chicago said "I hate powder coating", I'm quite sure it was in the context of a pseudo-curmudgeonly rant that was in jest. On the other hand, I'm pretty sure that the same person was sincere in saying that he hated engine guards, but my best guess is that he was impressed by the unobtrusive nature of the Honda guards, especially when painted to match the frame. Of course, I could be wrong because the Chicago guy I'm thinking of is kind of a fickle d-bag whose opinions on anything are practically worthless.

Thanks for the information on the cost of powder-coating. I was worried that it would be $200...almost anything I seem to do on this bike is at least $200 (except for the RLETs). $75 or even a bit more will work out fine.

$50 total

Black engine guards are the way to go IMO, better looking particularly if you can get a black exhaust fitted, and ideally get some high temperature black paint on your manifold. I have the chrome versions which I've been told won't paint very well at all - it will just flake off I was told.

A lot of people don't like to paint the exhaust either for similar reasons. My problem with the exhaust is that it just about catches the top of a ramp as I enter my house unless I'm super careful. I'll just have to remain super careful (i.e, slow) going up and down the ramp then. I don't want to adjust the communal ramp or my bike after all.

(04-24-2015, 02:52 AM)simplest2remember_imp Wrote: [ -> ]Black engine guards are the way to go IMO, better looking particularly if you can get a black exhaust fitted, and ideally get some high temperature black paint on your manifold. I have the chrome versions which I've been told won't paint very well at all - it will just flake off I was told.

A lot of people don't like to paint the exhaust either for similar reasons. My problem with the exhaust is that it just about catches the top of a ramp as I enter my house unless I'm super careful. I'll just have to remain super careful (i.e, slow) going up and down the ramp then. I don't want to adjust the communal ramp or my bike after all.

No doubt there are differences in quality for both paint and powder coating with the risk of flaking existing in both. Quality of paint/powder, method of application, curing, skill, all factor in to how well you can expect your coating to last. I've had very positive experiences with powder coating and its durability on the wheels of my VFR and the aluminum cowl and engine guards on the CB. I've had a clear coat added each time for additional protection. No hint of flaking so far.