Black SW-Motech Skid Plate

[markjenn]

I am not fond of the stock alum finish of skid plates, so before installation, I had my SW-Motech one powder-coated black. I had it done by the power coater in their next batch of black (no setup charge) and it ended up being a perfect match with the bracketry and only cost $25. Thought I'd throw up a few picts in case anyone else is considering a change of color. I love powder-coating.

Cheers,

- Mark

 

[Venture]

Looks good. I have the same plan if SW-Motech doesn't start offering that as an option. I find it odd they are not offering the skid plate or the alu-rack in anything but silver.

 

[fredz43]

Looks good, Mark. I did the same thing with the SW skidplate that I won during last years holiday giveaway. At the time Kev asked me to send pics of the plate, which I did. He said they forwarded them to SW-Motech headquarters, but I haven't heard if they are going to offer that.

You got a good deal on the powder coating. Cost me $40, but on the other hand my skid plate was free.

 

[markjenn]

Thanks guys. Since the last skid plate I purchased from Motech offered it in black (for a Strom) I was sorta sitting on the sidelines waiting for the black option that never came. I email SW-Motech a few months ago inquiring whether they were going to do a black version and they said "probably not".

If custom colors were free, I would have tried to duplicate the factory gray finish on the engine side covers.

- Mark

 

[TRUBRIT]

Did mine awhile back and used Bedliner. Holding up fine so far on gravel. Easily touched up if it ever needs it.

 

[la-motor]

Did mine awhile back and used Bedliner. Holding up fine so far on gravel. Easily touched up if it ever needs it.

Can you post a picture of your skid plate? How has it been holding up?

 

[la-motor]

If I were to try to paint my skid plate black on the cheap, what would be the best type of rattle can paint to use and the best way to prep?

 

[markjenn]

If I were to try to paint my skid plate black on the cheap, what would be the best type of rattle can paint to use and the best way to prep?

I've heard a lot of folks use BBQ grill paint, but no personal experience. I assume you need to scuff it up with sandpaper before painting.

If there are powder coaters in your area, you might give them a call and see if they can work you in at low cost. Most do runs of satin black all the time (its probably the most common color) and if they don't have to do a custom setup, they can usually cut you a deal. Powder coating is probably going to be a lot more durable.

- Mark

 

[TRUBRIT]

Bedliner paint still holding up well. Did find a couple of the sharp edges where the paint peeled a little bit. Suggestion for anyone doing this would be to run a file or Grinder along the edges and round them off to get better adhesion. Front and bottom surface still perfect. I forgot the Brand I used, Duplicolor or Rustoleum. ::008::

 

[terrysig]

This is actually holding me back from getting the skid plate. I'm amazed that the S10 skid plate is not offered in black?

I suppose I'll have to look into powder coating but it may be the factor in going with another brand.

 

[Boostedxt]

so those that have black skidplates. How do you see the powder coat holding up? I like the idea of black but dont want something that is all chipped after 200 miles.

thanks
joe

 

[fredz43]

6000+ miles on mine since I got it powder coated and it looks good. I haven't done very much off road, just some gravel roads, but ride a lot of very rustic remote country roads. I only see the bottom when I do oil changes though and the last one was at 4600 miles.

 

[cbrunsw]

Bedliner paint still holding up well. Did find a couple of the sharp edges where the paint peeled a little bit. Suggestion for anyone doing this would be to run a file or Grinder along the edges and round them off to get better adhesion. Front and bottom surface still perfect. I forgot the Brand I used, Duplicolor or Rustoleum. ::008::

Did you sand blast it before application? Bedliner should be the toughest option for this. Any pics?

 

[gbergma1]

Scroll down to the bottom of this thread, I have done both bedliner and powder coating to some Tenere bits, I also have a couple links to the folks that did the work for me.

http://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?topic=3624.msg65096#msg65096

 

[markjenn]

Not enough miles on mine to assess long-term durability of my paint, but my experience is that powder coating holds up well. Over time, it will not be perfect by any stretch (nothing on the bottom of a motorcycle stays perfect for long) and if you do a lot of gravel, you'll end up with a strip of unavoidable abraded paint right at the target area of the tire contact patch, but that's an area that won't be looking great on an unpainted skid plate either.

And they're easy to touch up if you want. A lot of folks use BBQ paint.

My powder coater did bead-blast the bare metal prior to painting.

- Mark