factory paint

[Nails]

Mine is '97 "candy cardinal red" (665C).

Does anyone have details about the factory paint, like what type it is (primer, color, clear)?

Also, does anyone have cross references to code 665C? (My paint supplier doesn't recognize it.) And I'm guessing there's really two colors here, base and "candy".

[823JIM]

https://touchupdirect.com/touch-up-pain ... _year=1997

Here is a place to get factory match paint.

[Nails]

Thanks. That looks like a swell deal.

I was hoping to find out what kind of paint came from the factory. Is that a urethane clearcoat?

I'm still trying to decide whether to "touch up" or just repaint it altogether. One rattle can of each color would probably do the deed. And I don't really care all that much it it's "perfect".

On the other hand, I need to repaint my truck anyway, and GM "frost white" seems like a good color for this bike.

Decisions, decisions.

[Mr Jensee]

Colorite also has the exact paint color for your bike. Check their website.

[VoyKimmer]

Any good auto painter can match the exact color. Doesn't matter what brand paint. They have computers that do the matching now. I got a used front fender that was blue from Carl Leo for my 96. My painter matched it excactly. Can't tell from new.

[Nails]

Colorite seems a little cheaper, given that I have left-over clearcoat. The 11oz rattlecan is $33.95 while 16 oz of paint in a jar is $134.70 -- the rattlecan must have a lot of thinner.
I don't think a computer can match two-color "candy" paints. Local supplier is pretty good, but he said it'd just be close. Maybe close enough for separate pieces? (I need to repair a single piece.)
Wonder if he can cross-reference Colorite codes, though.
Still considering just painting the whole thing white. I can get a gallon for just a little over $100, and need at least that much for my truck.

[Mr Jensee]

Nails I have bought Colorite pens to fix scratches in the paint on my 2001 and I can say they are spot on with the color match. The pens are pricy but I don't regret buying them. I got a base coat, color and a jar of clear coat. I highly recommend them. No not cheap but it beats having to completely change the color of your bike because local businesses cant match the color. Good luck regardless of which one you chose.

[Nails]

Thanks. I have several cracks that I repaired with ABS cement -- more than just scratches. Also, I'm de-blinging the whole bike, along with generally simplifying things. I mean, I've even removed badges &etc, and will hide those holes. (Donning nomex suit.)

The idea of a simple, white motorcycle is really starting to grow on me. (As opposed to a "golf cart" -- now I really have to put on the Nomex )

But hold off on the flamethrowers for now. I'll post my mods when I finish them; and you can diss them better then.

Right now, this bike (totally new to me) is in pieces: most of the plastics removed (like I said, lots of small cracks), carbs off (waiting for me to set up this new ultrasonic cleaner), and even still changing fluids. Maybe more than you want to know, but I'm planning a lo-oong trip this summer. I need to get my butt in gear!