Candy Red Blues

[Sno Cat]

Anyone else noticing the Candy Red is much more prone to scuffs than previous colors? Or more precisely, I'm finding the '14 clearcoat doesn't resist scuffs anywhere near as well as my '10 & my '05 did

. Just curious if anyone else is noticing the same. I mean afterall, one can only put on so many coats of wax, which I have done of course.

There's some protective film in my future, does anyone know of a replaceable type? It looks like 3M Scotchcal & Scotchgard are permanent which means that it may be difficult to remove if it needs to be replaced.

Cheers,

Ed

 

[Pepperell]

That's a bummer, Ed.

I can say as the owner of an 04 that in ten years scratches and stuff won't bother you as much.

 

[RossKean]

https://thetankslapper.biz/osc/index.php?cPath=26_235_1213

These guys have their own static cling stuff as well as the 3M. The 3M is removable and looks great.

 

[majicmaker]

That stuff works great. I bought a sheet from a local guy who puts that film on some high ends autos. That triangular fairing under the radiator never looked better.

 

[Bogus]

I thought that my 14 was much more durable than my 08. Also easier to keep clean! If I got a scuff on the bags or whatever, this stuff is the ****!

https://www.meguiars.com/en/automotive/products/g10307-scratchxreg-20/

 

[Iris]

We put 3M 90000 Paint Defender Spray on Film on ours in areas of potential sand blasting from the road.

It's supposed to be able to peel off later.

On our 05s we had used tankslapper static cling plastic. It worked well. After a few years it fell apart.

 

[SoCalFJR1300]

if you want static cling clear protection for pennies on the dollar go to your nearest arts & crafts store like JOANN FABRICS ect.....

They sell huge rolls of the stuff in different mil thickness.

Just pic out what you want and they cut as much as you want.

I got some for a previous bike and it cost like $3.00

 

[xcsp]

The Candy Red definately isn't maintenance-free like the silver FJR's.

I installed the Tankslapper 3m Full protection kit (Had a local shop do some of the harder-to-apply areas-had them do pieces for the leading edges of the front fender that go in front of the fork tubes also) and you need to look close to even see that it is on the bike, but when cleaning the bike, no worries on scuffs & scratches.

Also got a color-matched Bagster tank cover so literally got that covered too!

 

[08FJR4ME]

I can't wait til the scratches are down to bare metal. (or plastic) That means I am still kickin around and I have had one hell of a ride to boot.

Worry less and ride more.

Dave,

 

[Geezer]

I thought the finish on my '05 was pretty soft and scratched easily. I'm sorry to hear that it has gotten worse rather than better.

 

[art miller]

Bogus, Tks for the tip on McGuiar's ScratchX2.0. I like their products. I bought a roll of 3M clear protective film on line and applied it to the upper portion of the bags, along the edges of the fairings and on the bottom portion of the side panels. I used the carbon fibre adhesive backed material on the v-shaped panel below the radiator as well as the trim on the lower edge of the tank. You can buy all this material on line at very low cost. I tried the 3M9000 clear film spray and could not get satisfactory results. It did not come out totally clear and the spray nozzle caused piss poor delivery resulting in air bubbles and uneven coating. I will use that **** on surfaces that are not visible.

 

[pcarnut]

I use Xpel film, buy it online by the roll. I get 6" widths in a five foot length and it lasts a long time and many bikes. Stays pliable and comes off with a hair dryer. I have it on the tank were my jacket rubs, tops of the saddlebags, leading edges of the front fender, and several other scuff prone spots. Also on the ends of my mirrors in case of a tip over.

 

[Sno Cat]

Thanks for the suggestions, all.

My Sidi Vertigo boots have gnawed their way through the clearcoat & into the paint on those once-gorgeous red side panels

. So much for the 'upgrade' from my Icon Field Armor boots, go figure.

I'll investigate the suggestions above or maybe apply some of that faux CF vinyl.

Thanks again & two wheels down!

Ed

 

[Redfish Hunter]

I am so relieved to read this tragic news. Now I don't feel like I missed out on Complete Happiness when I decided not to go in debt for a '14 ES.

 

[art miller]

Compared to my past two 07's I do not find the paint on the 14ES less durable. I am however very careful not to drag my boots over the bags and I do not let my boots touch the side panels. Just in case I violate that claim, I put clear vinyl film on those areas susceptible to contact. For those who tend to let their jackets make contact with the gas tank I would suggest a tank pad rather than the clear vinyl.

 

[BanjoBoy]

Recon I'm just jealous, butt...

 

[BikerGeek99]

First of all, ride more and worry less.

Second, chicks dig scars.

 

[Iris]

^^^

This chick doesn't dig scars......especially on her own bike. ;-)

 

[bgross]

I can't wait til the scratches are down to bare metal. (or plastic) That means I am still kickin around and I have had one hell of a ride to boot.
Worry less and ride more.

Dave,

The first scratch is always the most difficult to accept.

At some point in life I began seeing such things as "Proof of Life".

Enjoy Every Sandwich!